The 92nd Bon Odori festival, held Sat, July 20-Sun July 21, 2024, at Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple, honors ancestors who have passed on and celebrates their ongoing presence in our daily lives.
The beautiful and unique festival, also known as Obon, is full of sound, color, dancing, and family and happens near Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. The main event features traditional music and dancing in the street in a giant oval. Many festival-goers dress in traditional Japanese clothing – Japanese kimono, yukata or happi coats – and participate in the dancing*.
You can learn the dance moves ahead of time via YouTube tutorials.
At Bon Odori, you can taste traditional Japanese food and refreshments (yakisoba, chicken teriyaki bento, gyoza, somen, beef bowl, mochi, shaved ice, roasted corn). You’ll also see taiko drumming and martial arts performances, learn about Buddhism, and do hands-on crafts.
The Bon Odori Festival is an official Seafair event.
If you go
Bon Odori Festival
Saturday, July 20, July 21
Getting there
Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple1427 S. Main Street
Seattle, WA 98144
206-329-0800
Age range
All ages are welcome.
Cost
Free to attend; fees for food and refreshments.
Check out the Seattle’s Child Calendar to learn about more summer events.
