Sakura Matsuri weekend offers nearly 60 events and performances that celebrate traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. Advance tickets recommended! Members always enter free.
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How to Have a Great Festival: Tips & Rules
Sakura Matsuri days are the Garden’s busiest. Be prepared.
- 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).
- 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.
- Travel light. All bags and packages will be searched by Security. Be prepared to wait in line for bag check.
- Take public transportation. Parking nearby is very limited and gridlock is likely. Travel directions ›
- Avoid peak attendance. Come early in the day or later in the afternoon.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drones, tripods, and commercial photography are not allowed. Photos for personal use and social sharing encouraged! See policy at bbg.org/photography.
Saturday, April 28 | Schedule
Cherry Esplanade Stage
- Noon–1 p.m.
Dancejapan with Sachiyo Ito
Elegant and colorful Kabuki Buyo dance- 1:15–2 p.m.
Soh Daiko
Thunderous taiko drumming- 2:15–3 p.m.
Samurai Sword Soul
Action-packed drama by martial arts masters- 3:15–4 p.m.
Gaijin à Go-Go
Groovy Japanese pop inspired by 60s go-go sounds- 4:15–4:45 p.m.
BBG Parasol Society Fashion Show
Featuring Live Music by Gaijin à Go-Go
A prim and proper pageant of grand proportions- 5–6 p.m.
Bo Peep
Gal grunge-rock sensations from Fukuoka, Japan
J-Lounge Stage at Osborne Garden
- 11–Noon
DJ Sashimi
Edo-era melodies meet tasty beats.- 12:15–12:45 p.m.
Stand-up Comic Rio
Rio Koike’s Tokyo Magic Show comes to Brooklyn.- 1–1:30 p.m.
Naruto Dance Party
Kohei teams up with anime theme songstress TiA.- 1:45–2:45 p.m.
J-Music Ensemble
High-octane jazz inspired by anime and video game themes- 3–3:45 p.m.
Manga with Misako Rocks!
Brooklyn’s manga maven shows you how it’s done.- 4–5 p.m.
Hanagasa Odori
Flower hat dance with the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY
Auditorium Stage
- 1–2 p.m.
Shakuhachi Flute Concert
Meditative melodies from Spain’s flute virtuoso Rodrigo Rodriquez- 2:45–3:30 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony for Families
Kids learn about the art of tea with Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu.- 4–4:45 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony
Led by tea masters Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu- 5:15–6 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony
Led by tea masters Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu
Osborne Garden Happenings
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Mikoshi Portable Shinto Shrine
See how mikoshi are traditionally used in Japan with the Association of Shinto Shrines.- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Urban Tea Terrarium
Featuring Akim Funk Buddha and the Bonsai Lab Dancers- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
CosplayNYC
Meet the community of zine creators.- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Rumi Hara
Ink illustrations and comic art by a Kyoto native- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Jed Henry
Illustrations blending video game characters with Edo-era art traditions- 11–11:45 a.m.
Ukiyo-e Illustration Demonstration with Jed Henry
See video game characters reimagined before your eyes.- 2–2:45 p.m.
Ukiyo-e Illustration Demonstration with Jed Henry
See video game characters reimagined before your eyes.
J-Lounge Game Stop at Osborne Garden
- 1–5 p.m.
Shogi Chess
Learn this ancient game from the masters of the New York Shogi Club.- 1–5 p.m.
The Game of Go
Challenge the pros from the Brooklyn Go Club.
Japanese Market at Osborne Garden
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Kokeshi Dolls
Handcrafted wooden dolls presented by Kyoohoo of northern Japan- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Community Bookstore
An exciting array of Japanese reads- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Minamoto Kitchoan Wagashi
Seasonal Japanese confections and treats- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Royce’ Chocolate
Chocolate and maccha from Hokkaido, Japan- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sushi Pillows
Whimsical plush creations by Sushi Designs New York- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tenugui Wraps
Decorative cotton cloths by Wuhao Tenugui Art- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Togei Kyoshitsu Ceramics
Functional and elegant pottery- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Raaka Chocolate
Small-batch chocolates inspired by Japanese culinary traditions- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
J-Fashion Accessories
Handcrafted kawaii adornments by Un-Re Designs- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Vintage Kimonos
Fashions straight from Japan by YokoDana Kimono
Breathtaking Bonsai, Traditional Arts & Torii Tours
- 10 a.m.–Noon
Japanese Garden Stroll
A guided tour of BBG’s cloud-pruned trees, torii gate, and coy koi
Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Origami Atelier
Taro’s Origami Studio presents an evocative array of paper animals and flowers.
Rotunda- Noon–4 p.m.
Colossal Creatures: Giant Origami
An exceptional demonstration by paper-folding pro Frank Ling
Rotunda- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum
Enjoy the Garden’s world-class collection of teeny trees.
Steinhardt Conservatory- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Bonsai Basics
Consult the aficionados from the Friends of Bonsai club.
Steinhardt Conservatory- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friends of Bonsai’s Living Sculpture Exhibit
A display by Brooklyn’s own bonsai club
Steinhardt Conservatory
Kid Stuff
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Samurai Selfie
Pose in your favorite warrior cutouts.
Osborne Garden- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
You Look Radishing!
Pose as a daikon radish.
Osborne Garden- 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Tea-Making Workshop for Kids
Create your own herbal tea bag to take home (ages 4 and up).
Discovery Garden- 1–5 p.m.
Vaudeville Origami
Fold along with Jeremy Aaron Horland in this one-of-a-kind workshop.
Fragrance Garden- 2:45–3:30 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony for Families
Kids learn about the art of tea with Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu.
Auditorium
Advance tickets recommended! Members always enter free.
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