Beautiful and fun. Colorful lanterns and kimonos. Taiko drums and traditional Japanese instruments. Taiko drums. You can join in the folk dancing. Beer garden and other food. read more

Bon Odori 2025 went on even though they are still dealing with Construction inside their main temple alter and other side bldg where a Homeless guy torched the place. Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Church has been hosting Bon Odori since before WWII with the Issei organizing it. Obon is the Memorial where you remember you dead relatives by having the priest read their Buddhist names in the service. But for Bon Odori is more of a fun family Dance Festival with Food, And one live band, Two Story Zori Band in the Beer Garden. This year there was two practices in the gym. During Cvid the Teachers danced inside the gym and they wore kimonos and masks. It was not the same. It took 3 yrs after that for them to have a Live Bon Odori. Find more Bon Odori around the World on YouTube where there is a Japanese community. It's a lot of fun and open to the Public. This year on Sat it was not that crowded. Before Cvid, it would be very crowded and not much room to walk on the sidewalk. This Sun, there were a lot of people dancing , "Soran Bushi, " the Fisherman's Dance. I went late so inly did 3 dances. Next Sat, I will go more earlier to dance more. read more

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5 stars! This was my first time at the Bon Odori festival in Seattle and I was glad I had a chance to attend this event. The festival itself officially starts at 4pm (i.e. start time for food sale) but the event performances such as dance and Taiko last til early into the night. Other than the street festivities, food vendor and beer garden areas, you can also walk into the Japanese Buddhist Church or Betsuin area where they showcase different club activities related to Japan such as Go (Japanese chess) club, language classes, etc. There are 2 things that I especially like about the Bon Odori here. First, the festival isn't too crowded like all other festivals I had been to in Seattle. At least you can get into a line and wait a reasonable of time to get your food/drink. Second, the food vendors here are really people trying to raise funds for the community. You won't see Beanfish taiyaki which sells a taiyaki at $5 or other Asian food trucks with more expensive price tags here at all. What you see though are local people from nearby Japanese American communities making easy Japanese food such as teriyaki chicken, grilled onigiri, grilled mocha, shaved ice, zaru somen (cold noodles), niku donburi, etc for sale. Best of all, they are at very reasonable price. I believe the most expensive dish was just $8...but most items were just $3-$6. P.S. Parking was a bit hard to find...so come early..so you can park not too far from the event and get your spots along the street to people watch/enjoy the performances! read more

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My first time at this festival was awesome! I had no idea what I was coming to but was pleasantly surprised to see a huge street blocked off with people of all ages and outfits dancing! Upon next glance I saw a huge taiko set up and very traditional garments. And further inspection I found a cultural center, a food court, and the best part... the beer garden. The fair was fun and welcoming. Although the dance line bisected the venue and made it hard to cross the street. The food was alright -fried sticky rice, grilled chicken-. The real star was the beer garden. Cheap drinks and bar pretzels and a nice stage to see local reggae: Two Story Zory kicked ass. I stayed for both halves, some original and some cover their jams stirred up some dancers. And by the end my friends and I joined in. They even had some audience member sing one of their songs, underneath it all, it felt genuinely serendipitous. I look forward to next year! read more

I recently moved back to Seattle after many, many moons away from home. I knew one of the Sea Fair activities I *had* to attend in my first summer back was Bon Odori. The last time I went to Bon Odori was in the early 90's and ever since then I've dreamt of the somen noodles in particular. They were just as good as I remembered them. One thing I like about Seattle's Obon is that it hasn't moved from the same street it was on before. It's still in the same place with the same booths and the same food offerings. There's something comforting about the sameness and the tradition of it all. Plus, it's not outrageously overgrown and overcrowded like other community festivals or street fairs have become. Don't be fooled by how empty it is if you arrive right as the festival starts. It's best to get there early so you can avoid long lines for yummy food. It fills up quickly! Bring cash. Most booths take cards but we were disappointed that the shaved ice booth did not. I highly recommend attending the very short service prior to dancing on Sunday. It's a great cultural experience. The temple is also open for viewing and incense offerings during the festival. Finally, don't be afraid to dance! It's so much fun and there are plenty of people to follow... and no, you won't look stupid for not knowing the moves. Just be in the "now" and go with the flow - and maybe think about your dearly departed as you do. That's what it's all about, after all! read more

Seattle Bon Odori - The view from the park opposite the temple - Festivals Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Bon Odori is a traditional summer festival in which to honor your ancestors who have passed on, remember and appreciate all they have done for you, and celebrate their ongoing presence in the lives we enjoy today. I enjoyed coming here as a youngster, now able to bring the tradition back to my daughter to experience the ohana. I love seeing old & new friends to join the fun of the Japanese Line Dancing. All sorts of dancing that you can join in at anytime but if you are a Mariners fan...their is an Ichiro dance. My Oh My. The colorful Kimono, Taiko Drums, Delicious Food, Beer Garden keeps me wanting to come back each year. My favorite foods to get here are the somen noodles, Niku Bonburi and the Kori ( shaved ice with syrup). They also have chicken teriyaki in the back and yakisoba. Yes, it can be crowded but come early and bring your folded chairs to people watch or join the fun of the Japanese Line Dancing. We brought our small lady bug chair for my daughter so she can really enjoyed herself. The cool part leading to the Bon Odori are the dance practice in the temple gym for five evenings before the weekend of the festival to brush up on all the dance steps. If you are single, you need to come here for the beautiful people. TIP: The event is Sat & Sun, but go on Sat. the food sets up around 4pm so come early on Sat and park around the Bailey Gatzert Elementary School. Dancing starts around 5:30pm. Do bring your chairs or mats so you can avoid the crowds to find a good spot. All the food items are less then $10. read more

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Wow. Our first year of participation. We have lived in Seattle for over 20 years, and my wife is from Japan. Yet we only just learned of this event. Best ethnic event we have attended in Seattle. Because though it is a festival that originated in Japan, the implementation is as more of a neighborhood event inclusive of all ethnic groups and ages than of a "Japan" event. And--unlike other events--no booths selling commodity trinkets nor advertising insurance and other services. Taiko drumming is awesome, food is good, and the temple interior is impressive. But the bon odori community dancing is the highlight. All ages, ethnic groups, and sexes represented, many wearing kimono, with the dancing led by masterful and enthusiastic women in beautiful kimono. Music was mainly traditional beat (with Taiko), but included a lively "Seattle" song. People clearly were having a wonderful time. There is an overcrowded beer garden, thankfully located behind the temple away from the dance area and food booths. We decided not to partake given the crowd - and because the taiko and dancing were more attractive. read more

Went to my first Obon Festival [07/16/16], but definitely not my last one. Celebrating the Japanese Day of the Dead. One of the don't miss events of the year. Very colorful, fantastic dances, great food! The event is free, but you'll likely want some cash along. They close off a couple blocks in front for the dancing/drumming. Then the church itself is open for tours. While the Chinese celebrate and honor their ancestors in the Ghost Festival. The Japanese Buddhist honor their deceased during a festival called Obon. Seeing everyone from different cultures enjoy the event was a nice way to end my weekend. The little girls in their kimonos were so adorable. The Obon dancing was fun. There must have been a couple of hundred people of all ages, colors, dress and level dance ability involved in the synchronized movements. I love when communities honor and cheerish their tradition. I highly recommended this joyful festival! Overall, the Obon Festival is a fun event, so bring the family and get your groove on -- Obon-Style. Don't miss this wonderful annual festival. NOTE: Don't leave without trying some of the Okinawan Dongos (Japanese donuts)!!! read more

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Like the other yelpers reviewing Seattle Bon Odori, it has been a tradition since childhood. My grandparents lived up the street on 14th and Columbia, and one of my earliest memories is sitting on the (now gone) bank, having a picnic with my family, watching the beautiful women dance. How do I describe what you do at bon odori? Japanese Line Dancing. We do this dancing to celebrate life. We do this dancing to remember our loved ones. It is VERY crowded at this bon odori. Patience is a necessary virtue for those buying food. The lines are horrendous. Offerings: nikudon (beef on rice), kori (shave ice), yakisoba, chicken teriyaki, and somen (cold noodles). Everything's under $10. There's a beer garden. Here's a tip: There is a "gang" of people who go to all the Bon Odoris in the area. (Ok - not really a gang, but you'll recognize these people if you go around) The church sponsored ones are Seattle, Auburn and Tacoma - you will see the same dance teachers at all of these. Olympia is sponsored by a cultural group, and is a little different. There will be a few teachers visiting from the other obons, but it's usually less organized. read more

What a fun festival to experience some Japanese culture! As a first timer I know what to do next time... arrive early to snag a spot on the grassy sidewalk and bring camping chairs & snacks to enjoy all the entertainment! If not, it'll be a little crowded standing behind people and not so great if you're short like me. Some of the food options included somen, yakisoba, shaved ice, tempura and a beer garden. Shaved ice was ok, I liked the addition of condensed milk and azuki beans on top but the ice was hard to scoop up. We stayed to watch the Taiko performance and a few of the dances. My favorite part was seeing all the beautiful kimonos and cute little girls running around in them! This is a great event; I look forward to next year's festival and bringing my family! read more

Seattle Bon Odori - Festivals Near Me - Seattle, Washington

As a child this was one of the highlights of my summer. We would go downtown every Wednesday for a month to practice the dances and eat sugar drenched shaved ice; otherwise known as Kori. Then we would usually be there for both days of the weekend long festival. This was great because we got to dress up in Kimonos. In public. And it wasn't even Halloween! So here's why you should go this year, (it's THIS WEEKEND!!), in order of my preference, not necessarily yours: 1. The Cultural Experience I'm 1/4 Japanese so I like holding onto little pieces of my heritage. The festival is actually celebrating the dead souls of those who have died within the year, as well as long dead ancestors. I feel slightly more Japanese when I'm there. 2. The Dancing Think of it as line dancing in Japanese, only not as cheesy. There are lots of people who know what they're doing, so you can follow them. And even if you don't grasp the repetitive steps by the time the dance ends, it's not a big deal, everyone else is more concerned with getting it than watching you flub your attempt. Several of the dances have props, folding fans, and non folding fans, castanets, hand towels, lanterns, hats, and flower branches. And several without props as well, just hand motions. My favorites are the fishing dance, the coal mining dance, and the Ichiro dance. (Yes, there is a baseball player inspired dance where you get to do that thing he does with his sleeve, mime hitting the ball, running the bases and then you shout Out!, Safe! it's great.) 3. The Food The Chicken teriyaki, somen noodles, beef bowl, and kori ice are simple and good. The lines can get long, so hit them up when most of the people are dancing. Also there's a beer garden. Beer and dancing, what more could you ask for? 4. Taiko Drums Cool, cool, cool. They dance around and yell things and make my chest reverberate. Get a spot up close as soon as they start setting up. And put your kids right in front so they can see. 5. People Watching This is one of my favorite pastimes anyways. And here the crowd is so colorful. From the tons of kids running around to the wise looking grandparents sitting on mats in the grass they all dress up somehow. Usually the Seafair princesses are there too which is comical. And if you should have one of those slight Beautiful-Asian-Woman fetishes that most American men are wont to have, there are plenty to feast your eyes on. 6. You Happen to be a Buddhist They do a short service before the dancing gets underway. The temple is honestly beautiful. But if you are not, then don't let it stop you, it's much more cultural than religious. This year things get underway about 5pm or so. Get there early to get a close enough parking spot. I just hope the weather cooperates! read more

This event is crackin, I been going ever year since I was 14. The dances are easy to pick up and anyone can do them. Good amount of food, and the beer garden gets a great crowd for people watching/mingling. I look forward to this event every year. read more

The Seattle Bon Odori is the highlight of my summer. A childhood memory that is appropriate for any person to attend. An amazing festival that is truly for the love. If you come you better not be shy! Time to dance, sing, eat, drink! Summer time is here! Here is a video from last year's Obon! Come and be a part of it! http://vimeo.com/13780952 read more

Big event tonight. The weather was great sunny the whole. The people here were friendly. Parking was hard to find. They had a good performances. A lot of people were dressed in their traditional japanese clothing. read more

Seattle Bon Odori - Festivals Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Kaydo K. writes such an excellent review for this event. I can't really improve on it except to say that my wife and three sons went this year (2007) and we had an awesome time. The dancing is super cool. You can join in if you feel like it. Otherwise, just hang out and watch. The food was good. Standard Japanese festival stuff. Shaved ice was great. One of the best things about the festival is the laid back atmosphere. I actually lived in Japan twice and went to the Obon festivals there, and the atmosphere was more high-strung. There were probably 500 people at the Seattle Obon. Pretty small. Beautiful kimonos. People of all ages and ethnicities. And everyone just seemed so happy to be enjoying themselves there. One thing I would say by way of a suggestion for improvement is that the info I was able to find online was not very plentiful, like schedules and descriptions of everything going on, what time to be there to see the different performances, and so forth. If you plan on going and the weather is not good, i.e. rain, you may want to see if there's a number you can call to find out if there will be Bon Odori (dancing) or not. Don't miss the dancing -- and don't miss the taiko drums. read more

This Japanese festival honoring ancestors is held yearly at the Seattle Buddhist Temple and is an official event during Seafair. It's also much bigger than the sum of its parts and draws visitors from all over and from diverse backgrounds. The dancing in the street, the taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, hands on activities, fabulous and authentic food and the color and pageantry make this a "don't miss" event. You'll gain an appreciation of Japanese culture gazing at the displays and talking to people during this unique celebration. read more

wow! i haven't come here since i was young and dumb (i'm now old and dumb) and i'm glad not too much has changed. loads of japanese families, line dancing to the taiko drums, and what i really came for - cold somen ($4)! out back in the beer garden, there's a live band playing hawaiian tunes and meats grilling. a great vibe on a warm summer day. it's ok if you ain't japanese or don't know anything about o-bon, come check it out and see what it's all about. read more