*Arizona Maturis - 27th Annual Festival of Japan (Sat: Odori Dancing) *Updated InformationNEW

Japanese Culture Surrounds You for 2 Days in Downtown Phoenix
The 27th Annual Matsuri Festival takes over Heritage and Science Park in downtown Phoenix. This two day Festival will feature colorful displays of authentic Japanese art, crafts, and entertainment. Traditional Japanese food and merchandise will be on sale. The chosen theme for the 2010 Matsuri is that of a traditional figure of a cat called 'Maneki Neko,' which means 'Lucky' Cat or 'Beckoning Cat'. The cat draws attention by raising one paw and holding a valuable coin in the other. Often times one will see a porcelain or metal 'Maneki Neko' standing at the door, or just inside, a Japanese business or restaurant. The 'Maneki Neko' appears to wave its paw to greet customers.

Updated Event Information - Please Read
1) Event Press Release - Great infomration (Click)
2) Beautiful Event Pictures (Click)

Dates
February 26-27, 2011

Times
Sat & Sun 10 am - 5 pm, Dancing 5 pm - 8pm on Sat

Location
Heritage and Science Park, Phoenix, Arizona

Costs
Free Admission

* NEW * NEW * NEW *
ASAHI Beer Garden
Saturday 11 am - 8 pm
Sunday 11 am - 5 pm

YO MATSURI
Saturday 5 PM ~ 8 PM (*new)

For the first time ever, a nigh festival will continue the celebration with a Japanese beer garden, O Dori dancing and Karaoke. Saturday only: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm



Location
It is being held right in the middle of downtown, at the Heritage and Science Park.

Schedule
Three stages will provide performances and demostrations in Japanese cultural atrs, taiko, and martial arts.  The food pavillion is always a treat and children can try their hand at Japanese crafts and take home their creations.