Bay Area REBlog

Looking for a family weekend outing with free admission? This weekend the annual Obon Festival and Bazaar will be held in Mtn View at the Buddhist Temple at 575 North Shoreline Blvd. It will be held on Saturday, July 18 from 4- 10 PM and on Sunday from 12 to 8:30 PM.

Obon originated as a holiday for Buddhist to honor and remember their ancestors. The temple held an Obon and Hatsubon Service July 5 to honor loved ones who died the preceding year.

 The festival attracts thousands of people to sample food, watch dance and drum performances, and learn about the Japanese culture. It has been held annually for more than 50 years (my kids use to attend with my neighbor when they were little). There are many special events including Taiko drummers at 4:30 PM Saturday, and 12:30 Pm and 4:30 PM Sunday.The “bon odori”, a Japanese folk dance will be performed by 400 dancers on Sunday at 7 PM. Bring the kids along because there are booths with activities and food, and on Sunday the children can participate in hands-on activities.

Not only is the admission free but parking is also available.

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