2026: 18th Los Angeles Tanabata Festival, Little Tokyo (Tanabata Kazari will be on Display During Nisei Week) at JACCCNEW

L.A. Tanabata Exhibit at JCCC, Saturday, August 15 - Sunday, August 23, 2026 as Part of Nisei Week. 
Celebrate Summer, Wishes, and Community in Little Tokyo at the 17th Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival (LATF), held in the heart of Little Tokyo. Inspired by the centuries-old Sendai Tanabata Festival in Japan, LATF showcases vibrant kazari (decorative streamers) handmade by community members, families, churches, and cultural organizations. The festival honors the beloved legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi-star-crossed lovers represented by the stars Vega and Altair-who reunite just once a year across the Milky Way.

Tanabata Dates (Part of Nisei Week.)
Saturday, August 15 - Sunday, August 23, 2026

Update Coming Later.

Location Changed to JACCC (more details coming)
Japanese American National Museum (JANM), Central Hall - 100 N. Central Ave. (at First Street), Los Angeles, CA 90012

Details & Schedule
• View the community kazari exhibition inside JANM on August 9 during the Natsumatsuri Family Festival
• Decorations remain on display inside JANM through August 18 with regular museum admission
• Giant 8-foot Sendai kazari will be exhibited outside JANM and JACCC (244 S. San Pedro St.) throughout August
• Festival made possible through the support of JANM, JACCC, and the Nisei Week Foundation

Festival Mission
The LATF aims to unite people through creativity and culture, reminding us that, like the Tanabata legend, we all hope to find connection and happiness together.

Contact & More Info:
tanabatalosangeles.com
Email: Miyako Kadogawa - miyako1@att.net
Call: (310) 650-5687
Instagram: @latanabatafestival
Facebook: facebook.com/LATANABATA

Previous Year

How to See Tanabata Displays?

• JANM (Japanese American Museum)
            Outside - Award-winning Sendai Kazari
            Inside - Conmunity Kazari Display

• JACCC (Japanese American Cultural & Community Center)
            Outside - Award-winning Sendai Kazari

• Around Little Tokyo - US BANK Lobby

Tanabata Event is Part of Nisei Week

Nisei Week: List All Events

Tanabata Festival Title
Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival, Little Tokyo (Arts & Crafts, Food, Games, Entertainment..) [During Nisei Week] Los Angeles (2 Days)