2024 Obonfest Festival Event - Oregon Buddhist Temple (Live Entertainment, Japanese Food, Live Taiko, Bon Odori Dance..) SatNEW

Obon is an Annual Japanese festival event commemorating one's ancestors (Oregon Obon and Taiko Drumming). Traditionally it was believed that each year during Obon, the ancestors' spirits return to this world to visit their relatives. For Obon, lanterns are hung in front of houses to guide the spirits, obon dances (bon odori) are performed, graves are visited and food offerings are made at house altars and temples. OBT holds an Obon festival every year on the first Saturday of August. There is entertainment, bon odori (open to anybody), children's area and food and gifts are available for purchase. 

Obonfest Festival Event is Here
Oregon Buddhist Temple will celebrate Obon Fest with plenty of great food, a Taiko performance, craft sales, and Bon Odori. This year OBT will be hanging chochins (paper lanterns), which have been personalized with the names of deceased loved ones and their date of passing. 

Background on Obon Fest
Each year we prepare for our OBONFEST, by practicing the dances that close the festival. It is an all-comers dance, so everyone is invited to join in the fun. It can be more enjoyable if you know the dances, and the practices themselves are great.  

Obon Event Schedule
• Japanese Obon Dancing
• Performances
• Display
• Food & Beverages
• Youth and Children's Activities.. 

Obon Lantern Form (Double Check Form)

Obonfest Date
August 3, 2024, Saturday

Obonfest Time 
2:00 pm - 9:00 pm 

Obon Bon Odori Time
6:30 pm (Check website)



Dance Practices for Obon Fest (Check Web site for practice schedule)
Dance practices will be held at the temple.

Bon odori Practice Dates 
Check website

Lessons are free and all are welcome. No experience is necessary. Come join us for one or all of the practices, kick up your heels, and prepare for (Japanese) OBON. Don't worry if you can't get to the practices, still plan on dancing with us at the festival. Just dance!


Oregon Obon & Practices  


Obonfest Festival Event Location
Oregon Buddhist Temple, 3720 SE 34th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202 

Obonfest Festival Event Title
Obonfest - Obon Fest Oregon Buddhist Temple Obon Festival (Sat only)