Earlier this week, when Gothamist was looking at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's CherryWatch Blossom Status Map, things didn't look too promising for the weekend. But with yesterday's update, we see that the buds on the Prunus 'Kanzan' (the trees in a row on the left) are starting to open. Just in time for this weekend's Sakura Matsuri (cherry blossom festival).

The schedule for the weekend includes over 60 events and performances in addition to the 200+ trees in bloom. We can't think of a better way to spend the weekend (okay, maybe Yankees-Red Sox). During Sakura Matsuri, there is an admission charge of $8 for adults and $4 for seniors and children. You can buy tickets online before going for expedited admission.

For those of you that don't enjoy crowds, we highly recommend that you go early or during the week because the Cherry Blossom Festival gets pretty crowded.