Bon Fest 2023

Bon Fest returns to the Garden of the Phoenix in Chicago on Saturday August 12, 2023. This festival is produced by the Japanese Arts Foundation in collaboration with AIRMW.

This festival is something of a celebration of the Obon season. Obon or just Bon is a fusion of the ancient Japanese belief in ancestral spirits and a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. Similar to Day of the Dead, it is treated as a celebration in addition to customs held by individuals and their families. Each city, community, and neighborhood has their own Bon Festival which incorporates their regional food vendors, attire, games, dances, and flair.

Time TBA

Hanami Cherry Blossom Matsuri 2023

From the Japanese Arts Foundation: 

Join the Japanese Arts Foundation in partnership with the Japanese Culture Center, Chicago Park District, Shubukai, Tsukasa Taiko, and the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago for an afternoon full of art, dance, drums, and of course cherry blossoms.The afternoon includes traditional Japanese dance performances from Shubukai, performances by Tsukasa Taiko, origami and haiku poetry creation booths with the Japanese Culture Center, and Yukata (traditional summer garment) dressing with the office of the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago! Shubukai will be performing the Hanami festival dance “Shizuoka Miyage” with choreography by the late Fujima Shu-ei.

Time TBA