Attend Obon Fest, a Japanese summertime celebration, at the Oregon Buddhist Temple.
For the past 30 years, the Oregon Buddhist Temple has welcomed families, non-Buddhist neighbors, and fun-loving food lovers to the festival.
Here’s how you can participate in the event.
2024 Obon Fest at the Oregon Buddhist Temple
Obon Fest is Saturday, August 3, from 2 to 9 p.m. At the event, participate in dance, eat food, play games and appreciate Japanese-American culture. This is a free, family-friendly festival.
The main activity at the festival is Obon dance to celebrate and pay tribute to family members who have passed. There will be experienced Bon Odori dancers leading different dances. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Popular dances include the traditional Tankobushi, or coal miner’s dance, as well as more contemporary dances, such as the Baseball Odori.
Along with traditional Japanese Obon dancing, there are performances by Portland Taiko, a Judo demonstration and Japanese crafts for sale. You can also see art and calligraphy presentations.
Food options available for purchase include yakisoba, beef skewers, hot dogs, shave ice, mochi and more.
There’s also a teen and children’s activity area and access to the temple.
Obon Fest Schedule
Here’s the schedule of events so you can plan your visit:
Outdoor Events (Main Parking Lot Area)
- 2:30 p.m. Obukan Judo Demonstration
- 3:30 p.m. Portland Taiko
- 4:30 p.m. Portland Taiko
- 5:15 p.m. Tsubaki Buyo Doko Kai (Traditional Japanese Dance )
- 5:30 p.m. Portland Taiko
- 7-9 p.m. Bon Odori, Japanese Folk Dancing
Outdoor Garden Events
- 2-5:30 p.m. Children’s Corner
- 2-6 p.m. Teen Scene
- 2-6 p.m. Rose City Retro, Pop Culture Store
Indoor Events Downstairs
2-7 p.m. Merchandise Sales
Upstairs Hondo
- 1:30 p.m. Chant, Hanjusan, Rev. Tadao Koyama (video)
- 2 p.m. Chant, Shuso Sango Saho, Rev. Sugahara (video)
- 3 p.m. Temple Talk by Brenda Fugate (Minister’s Assistant)
- 4 p.m. “49 Days Book Talk” by Agnes Lee, Artist and Author
- 5 p.m. Saga Goryu Ikebana Demonstration by David Komeiji Sensei
- 6 p.m. Temple Talk by Brenda Fugate (Minister’s Assistant)
- 6:30 p.m. Dancer’s Service
Annex Main Room
3-7 p.m. Japanese Style Postcard Making, Etegami Workshop by Shoka
The Oregon Buddhist Temple is at 3720 SE 34th Ave. in Portland. For more information, visit the temple’s website.
Want more Portland freebies, events and deals? Subscribe to my newsletter (only one email a day), and follow me on Facebook and Instagram!
You may also like:
India Festival at Beaverton City Park
[…] 2023 Obon Fest at the Oregon Buddhist Temple […]