Mendocino Obon Festival
メンドシーノお盆祭り
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A True Japanese Summer Festival in an Enchanting Coastal Village
Since 1960s, Mendocino has been fostering friendship with Japan.
To keep our tradition alive,
we would like to offer authentic Japanese cultural experiences to everyone.
We hope that wonderful summer memories of this festival will last forever like perpetual ocean waves
in your hearts...
What is Obon?
What is Obon?
Japanese believe the spirits of ancestors and the departed loved ones are coming home in the middle of August every year. Obon is the period that we welcome their return and celebrate the time together.
We honor ancestral heritage, reunite with precious memories with loved ones, and reconnect with family, friends, and community. The farewell dancing, “Bon Odori,” a circle dance with easy moves, is for everyone to join. Bon Odori is the gift from the living to the deceased.
2025 Festival
2025 Festival
The Festival for All Ages!
New Venue and New Attractions!
Date: August 9th, 2025 - Saturday
Time: Noon to 4 pm
Place: The Mendocino Art Center
45200 Little Lake St, Mendocino, CA 95460
The Mendocino Art Center Access
The Mendocino Art Center Access
From the South:
US 101 North to Cloverdale >
CA Route 128 West to Mendocino / Fort Bragg >
CA Route 1 North to Mendocino
From the North:
US 101 South to Willits >
CA Route 20 West to Fort Bragg >
CA Route 1 South to Mendocino
Mendocino Art Center:
NW corner of Little Lake Street and Kasten Street
45200 Little Lake St, Mendocino, CA 95460
Enjoy
ON STAGE Performances!
FREE ADMISSION
ON STAGE SCHEDULE
ON STAGE SCHEDULE
Noon : Blessing by Buddhist Monk, Ann Kyle Brown of Kumeido
12:10 pm: Taiko 太鼓 - Japanese Drumming - by MendoTaiko (All Local Taiko Group)
12:40 pm: Bonsai 盆栽 - Plant in a Container Demonstration - by Mendocino Coast Bonsai
1:00 pm: Raffle
1:10 pm: Nihon Buyo 日本舞踊 - Japanese Dancing - by Hakata Kai
1:40 pm: Shakuhachi 尺八 - Japanese Bamboo Flute - by Karl Young
2:00 pm: Aikido 合気道 - Japanese Marshall Art - by Mendocino Aikido
2:20 pm: Ukulele Ensemble ウクレレ - by Mendocino Coast Ukulele
2:40 pm: Raffle
2:50 pm: Japanese Traditional Music 邦楽 - by Ron Nadeau and Group
3:10 pm: Haiku 俳句 - 5-7-7 Word Poem - by Ukiah Haiku
3:30 pm: Raffle
3:40 pm: Bon Odori 盆踊り - Circle Dance for All to Close
See You Next Year!
また来年ね！
Experience
HANDS-ON Japanese Cultures!
TICKETS AT THE DESK
$5 ~ $15
HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES INFORMATION - Coming Soon!
HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES INFORMATION - Coming Soon!
Face Painting - by Erin Malsom
Furoshiki - Cloth Wrapping - by Erika Mills
Gyotaku - Block Printing - by Julie Karlonas
Ikebana - Japanese Flower Arrangement - by Kimmie Shuck
Mask Making ? - Paper Craft - by Bob Rhoades
Origami - Paper Folding - by Neno Villamor
Suminagashi - Ink Marbling - by Barb Skoog
Uchiwa - Collage on Japanese Fan - by Carolyn Zeitler
Find Your Favorite Piece at
ART MARKET!
Coming Soon!
OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS see details >
OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS see details >
Booth spaces (10' x 10') are available for artists. We ask $30 to secure a spot and 25% of sales. You are responsible for your table or booth - set up/ sales/ take down on August 9th.
If you are interested in a booth space, please send your email, including an image of your work to: lahyderphotography@gmail.com
Acceptance and positioning will be on a first-come basis.
Thank you for your interest.
Taste the Unique Flavors of Japanese FOOD!
TICKETS AT THE DESK
$6 ~ $20
FOOD VENDORS - More to Come
FOOD VENDORS - More to Come
Taka's Grill
Bento
Yakisoba
Happy Hermit Bakery
Gluten-Free Baking Goods
OUR PARTNERS & SPONSERS
Taka's Grill
Questions?
Questions?
Contact mendobonfest@gmail.com to get more information on the festival
This festival is based on donations, and all proceeds support the Mendocino Sister Cities Association programs: Student Exchange Program and Artist Exchange Program between Mendocino and Omachi-Miasa, Japan.
Please send your email to mendobonfest@gmail.com to find out how to GIVE. Thank you for your contributions.
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