Sakura Matsuri 2018

How to Have a Great Festival: Tips & Rules

Sakura Matsuri days are the Garden’s busiest. Be prepared.

1. Skip the box office line! Become a member or purchase an advance ticket. Members can use the members' lane at any entrance. Advance ticket holders must select a specific entrance (see map).



2. During Sakura Matsuri no tickets will be sold at the Eastern Parkway entrance. A limited number of tickets will be sold on event days at the 455 Flatbush Avenue and 990 Washington Avenue entrances. To comply with safety regulations we may have to halt ticket sales if we reach maximum capacity. Purchase tickets in advance to ensure entry.
3. Travel light. All bags and packages will be searched by Security. Be prepared to wait in line for bag check.
4. Take public transportation. Parking nearby is very limited and gridlock is likely. Travel directions ›
5. Avoid peak attendance. Come early in the day or later in the afternoon.
6. No outside food or beverages. Exceptions are bottled water and baby bottles only. A substantial menu of food and drink will be available at stations throughout the Garden.
7. Help protect our plant collections. During the festival, some areas of the Garden are closed. Please do not pick flowers, climb trees, or walk in the planted beds. Folding chairs are not permitted.
8. Cosplayers take note: Real or realistic weapons, oversized props, or props made of hard materials (e.g., wood, Plexiglas, metal) will not be allowed inside the Garden. Security reserves the right to refuse admission of any potentially hazardous props.
9. Leave the wheels at home. Scooters and bikes are not permitted in the Garden, and bike racks located at each entrance fill up early. Due to festival crowds, avoid bringing a stroller.
10. Drones, tripods, and commercial photography are not allowed. Photos for personal use and social sharing encouraged! See policy at bbg.org/photography.

Who enters free in the members’ lane on festival days?

For Sakura Matsuri, free admission through a dedicated members' lane at each entrance is granted to the following:

• Garden members with guests per their membership level—show valid membership card (check your expiration date!). Member guest passes are not valid for festivals.
• Corporate members with guests per their membership level plus children under 12—show corporate ID.
• Academic members plus children under 12—show school ID.
• BASE students and their families—show school ID.
• Cool Culture cardholders and their families—show program card.
• Urban Advantage students with coupons
• Individuals with a valid Complimentary Guest Pass (check your expiration date!)

The following admissions are not valid during Sakura Matsuri; individuals must purchase tickets or a Garden membership:

• Reciprocal admission for members or staff of other public gardens or garden associations
• Reciprocal admission for members of museum associations or staff of museums, including Brooklyn cultural institution employees
• Credit card or bank benefit programs such as Chase Arts&Culture or Bank of America Museums on Us.
• Promotional discounted tickets, including Art & Garden tickets
• Tourist passes (New York Explorer Pass, New York Pass)

Note:

• All visitors on April 28 and 29 must pay festival rates: There is no lower-priced admission to see just the Garden collections. To enjoy the Garden collections at standard admission rates, please plan to visit on an alternate date.
• No school group visits, photography/filming sessions, or weddings are booked on these dates.
• Members of the press on assignment should contact [email protected].
• Elected officials should contact James Harris at [email protected].