Pasadena Obon Festival

Date/Time
Date(s) - 07/18/2026
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location
Pasadena Buddhist Temple

Category(ies)

• Music

Obon dancing at Pasadena Obon Festival in 2015 (Photo – Staff)

Pasadena Buddhist Temple’s annual Obon Festival returns on Saturday, July 18, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, an event centered around joy.

Obon is a Buddhist observance that was originally observed in Mahayana Buddhist countries, including China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Obon odori is to dance for joy. Everyone is invited to join in, dance and be accepted as they are.

This year’s festival features food, cultural exhibitions and live music.

Culinary delights such as chirashi, beef chow mein, shave ice and matsuri food will be available. Official performances include ABAsonics Band (oldies covers) at 4:45 pm, LA Taiko Ichiza at 5:45 pm, and Bon Dancing at 6:30 pm.

Though a more modestly-sized event than in previous years, the return to this annual festival on the fringes of the Eaton Fire-affected area is a bright symbol of community resilience. Dance on!

The free festival runs from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Saturday, July 18, at Pasadena Buddhist Temple, 1993 Glen Ave., Pasadena.