On the heels of the 2025 Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, a music-centric weekend that attracts tens of thousands of people to Blackburn Park in Brookhaven, the city has begun planning next year’s event, setting the budget at $250,000.
In a presentation to city council members, Brookhaven Event Manager Marcela Cortes said the 2025 festival served 61,000 attendees – the biggest event yet. This year, live musical acts including Boyz II Men and O.A.R. totaled 10, up from eight bands in 2024. In prior years, Bare Naked Ladies, Lisa Loeb, and HANSON have taken the stage.
With 67 police and fire staff on site, Cortes said only two minor incidents occurred. A heightened security plan with the installation of 300 jersey barriers were suggested by Brookhaven Police Department, which was allotted an additional $105,610 this year.
“We upgraded the VIP and the 5k experience. We added a shuttle route and more busses, kids rode at half price, and [added] an emergency access route and ADA ramp,” Cortes said. “These improvements helped to create a safer, smoother, and more engaging experience for all attendees.”
Cortes reported that the festival’s revenue from concessions totaled $86,388 and sponsorships totaled $126,000.
“Despite all of the amazing performers, the true rock stars were our city staff, volunteers, and partners,” Cortes said.
Suggestions for next year’s festival were related to visibility of the stage and increased ADA accessibility.
