This Saturday and Sunday (May 3, 4), experience Hanami — the Japanese cultural tradition of viewing and cherishing each moment of the cherry blossom season — when the Brooklyn Botanical Garden’s 220 cherry trees enter peak bloom.

To celebrate the occasion, the Botanical Garden has scheduled a number of events, including its 27th annual Sakura Matsuri, New York City’s “Rite of Spring” Festival. Performances include taiko drumming, traditional Japanese dance and music recitals, and a ninja spectacle.

Below, watch a time-lapse video composed of over 3,000 photos of the trees blooming between April 18 and April 26, 2008.

While we don’t recommend missing the blossoms on account of the crowds, if you’re wary of fighting the hordes of nature lovers sure to pack the park, take a look around Brooklyn at more of the borough’s weekend destinations worth a visit.