2025 West Los Angeles Obon Festival (Bon Odori, Live Taiko, Japanese Food, Games..) WLA Buddhist Temple Obon (2 Days) Sawtelle, Japantown NEW

West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Obon & Bon Odori Dance Festival Event 
Obon or 'Festival of the Dead' is celebrated in Japanese-American communities all over the country in the middle of July or August. In America, obon has become a key event for both the Buddhist temples and the local community, as well as a celebration of the rich Japanese-American cultural heritage. Obon features bon odori folk dancing, live music and taiko, games, and lots of food. Location West Los Angeles.

This event will have plenty of Japanese food booths, games and large tables to eat your food. No entrance free, everybody is welcome. 
 
West Los Angeles or West LA is one of the largest festivals in Los Angeles, and has one of the largest group of bon odori dancers. 

Event Parking Information
Street parking is available in residential areas, and there are also paid parking lots.

NEW: "RELAXED PARKING" will be arranged with the city, meaning, attendees can park on the following blocks without being issued a parking ticket-  between Nebraska Ave to Mississippi Ave. (going North to South) and Corinth Ave to Colby Ave (going East to West). Also, negotiations are being made to allow Obon parking in the Lumen's parking lot located on Corinth Ave.

• Read Parking Signs Carefully: Ensure you park legally to avoid getting a ticket.
• Arrive Early: The event will be busy, so plan to arrive early for parking.
• Stay for the Finale: Enjoy the event until the end to experience the Obon music & dancing.

Obon Festival Event Dates
July 26 - 27, 2025 (Sat & Sun)

Times (Different Times) 
Sat:  4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sun: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Buying Food Requires Going to a Ticket Booth 
Note: At the WLA Obon, tickets must be purchased at either one of the two ticket booths in order to purchase food or play games. We do accept credit cards.

• Credit card payments can buy scrip tickets. (Scrip tickets are used to buy food)

Food: Beef & Chicken Teriyaki, Wonton, Imagawayaki, Curry rice, Spam Musabi and Chinese Chicken Salad. 


Bon Dance Practice Dates
Practice starts at 7:00pm.  Dates:  6/24, 6/26, 7/1,7/3, 7/8, 7/10, 7/15, 7/17 - 2025
Starting at 7:00 pm. Tuesday & Thursday

West LA Obon/Practice Dates  

Obon Festival Event Location
West LA or West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple, 2003 Corinth Avenue, West Los Angeles, CA 90025, Sawtelle Japantown

Obon Festival Event Titles
• West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple (West LA Obon) Annual Summer Obon Festival (Live Taiko, Bon Odori, Japanese Food, Games..) (Different Times) WLA (2 Days) 
• 2024 West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Obon Festival (Bon Odori, Live Taiko, Japanese Food, Games..) WLA Obon (2 Days) 

#obon #japaneseFood #WLAObonFestival #BonOdori #Taiko  

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Previous Year

Saturday Schedule:  4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
4:00 pm - 10 pm: Festival
4:30 pm: ABAsonics
5:30 pm: West LA Taiko
6:30 pm: Obon Dancing 

Sunday Schedule: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
3:00 pm - 9 pm: Festival
4:30 pm: ABAsonics
5:30 pm: West LA Taiko
6:30 pm: Obon Dancing