2025: 94th San Francisco Bon Odori on Octavia Street (Started 1932, One of the Largest & Oldest Obon Festivals in US) San Francisco Buddhist ChurchNEW

The San Francisco Buddhist Church will be holding its Annual Bon Odori Event in July. Sunday there will be an O-Bon dance. O-Bon dance is a Japanese Buddhist folk dance performed outdoors with dancers colorfully dressed in happi coats, yukata, and kimonos. It is also a time to remember and honor all those who have passed on before us. All are welcome to attend the event and participate in the dancing.

94th Bon Odori Street Dance Festival
Sunday, July 27, 2025: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Ginza Small Bites Food Concession: 10:00 am - 1:30 pm
Live Music & Bon Dancing: 1:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location
Venue: Buddhist Church of San Francisco, 1881 Pine Street & Octavia Street, San Francisco, CA

The Buddhist Church of San Francisco’s 94th Bon Odori Street Dance Festival to be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025. This summer event attracts over a thousand visitors to the Buddhist Church of San Francisco (BCSF) and San Francisco’s historic Japantown.

This event is open to the public free of charge.

Bon Odori Street Festival (Dance) - BCSF presents its 94 th street dance festival a gathering of joy and gratitude for ancestors and community. The public is welcome to join in the dances on Octavia Street between Pine and Bush Street

Ensohza (Music) - Formed in 2006, Ensohza is a “minzoku-geino” or Japanese folk performing ensemble based in the Bay Area. They perform music that evokes the festival spirit and character of Japan’s diverse rural communities. With lively vocals accompanied by fue and shakuhachi (bamboo flutes), shamisen (a string instrument) and the beat of the taiko drum, Ensohza transports you to Japan’s mountain and fishing villages with traditional folk songs and festival dance music.

Jiten Daiko (Taiko performance) - A San Francisco based taiko ensemble, fusing tradition with youthful, innovative energy.

Bon Dance Practices Schedule
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
June 23 -July 11, 2025 (except 7/4), 7:30 pm - 9 pm

Buddhist Church of San Francisco - Gymnasium (entrance on Octavia St.)

Event Location
BCSF is a Buddhist temple located in the Japantown area of San Francisco, California.

Event Title
San Francisco Obon Festivities Event (Bon Odori Dancing on Octavia Street)

PAST INFORMATION

REFERENCE

2023 San Francisco Obon Festivities
Note 3 Important Dates

1) July 15, 2023, Saturday
Aloha BBQ Chicken Bento (Pre-Order by July 9)
  
2) July 23, 2023, Sunday
Bon Odori Dance 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
• Small Bites Food & Concession
• Onaijin/Altar Open House

3) July 29-30, 2023
11am-4pm Family Treasures Marketplace: Items for sale