The Best Japanese Festivals & Events On the Web

New Years Oshogatsu Festivals in the United States
3
                                
×
2025 Complimentary Green Tea Service, Japan House (Enjoy a Free Drink & Wi-Fi, Browse Books, & Take in Stunning Views of Los Angeles)
2025 The Mesmerizing World of Yayoi Kusama's Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room - Phoenix Art Museum #InfinityRoom #PhoenixMuseum (Re-Opens)
2025 Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms - Two of Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms-On View at The Broad
2025 The Samurai Collection (25 Year Collection Focused on Japanese Samurai Armor - Largest Collection Outside of Japan) Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Muller
2025 Yayoi Kusama's Longing for Eternity - On View at The Broad
2025 #Fathom 8th Annual Studio Ghibli Fest: Experience the Wonder of Beloved, Groundbreaking Animated Films (Schedule) [Video] #StudioGhibli #Totoro
A Beautiful Japanese Rock Garden in Traditional Japanese Style, USC Campus (Video) Landscape Composed Arrangements of Rocks (Aid for Meditating)
2025 Celebrating Noguchi Garden’s: A Hidden Oasis Among High Rise Buildings Using Natures Elements: Rock, Water, Tree.. Free
2025 Visit the Honda Heritage Center (Exploring Honda's Legacy: A Journey Through Innovation, History, and Technology at the Honda Heritage Center)
The Hanami Line at Robert T. Matsui Park: Sacramento’s First Cherry Blossom Park (Opens in 2024)
2025 Portland Japanese Garden to Receive Centuries-Old Gate (From a Castle Gate Originally Built in the 17th Century)
2025 American Honda Collection Hall Showcases Honda History in America (60+ Historic-Significant Honda-Acura Automobiles, Motorcycles..) Torrance
2025 San Francisco Tea Garden Restore 127 Year-Old Pagoda, Golden Gate Park, SF

2025 Midwest Bon Odori Festival Event: Celebrate Bon Odori and Honor Ancestors at Midwest Buddhist Temple (Saturday) NEW

SELECT DISTINCT e.PkID, e.Title, e.StartDate, e.StartTime, e.EndTime, e.TBD, e.Description, e.LocID, l.Name, l.Lat, l.Lon, e.SeriesID FROM hc_events e LEFT JOIN hc_locations l ON (e.LocID = l.PkID) WHERE (e.SeriesID = '1467' OR e.LocID = '1467') AND e.IsActive = 1 AND e.IsApproved = 1 AND e.StartDate >= '2025-08-31' ORDER BY e.Title, e.StartDate, e.TBD, e.StartTime
Date: Saturday, 12 July, 2025       Time: 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Midwest Buddhist Temple
435 West Menomonee Street
Chicago, IL 60614
Visit Location Website

Map of Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 West Menomonee Street

Bon Odori & Obon Service at MBT - A Joyful Tribute to Our Ancestors
Join us for Bon Odori and Obon/Hatsubon services at Midwest Buddhist Temple (MBT) this July. This annual celebration honors our ancestors through joyful dance, remembrance, and spiritual reflection. Whether you're new to Bon Odori or a longtime participant, everyone is welcome to take part in this meaningful cultural tradition.

Bon Odori Date
Saturday, July 12, 2025

Time
8:00 pm

Location: MBT Parking Lot
Celebrate through dance as the MBT Minyo Group leads us in traditional Bon Odori. Open to all-no experience needed. Come early to enjoy the atmosphere, connect with friends, and soak in the spirit of the evening.

Obon & Hatsubon Service
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Time: 10:30 am
Location: In-Person at MBT and on Zoom

Obon, also known as Kangi-e (Gathering of Joy), is a time to reflect on the lives of those who came before us. The service is especially meaningful for Hatsubon families observing their first Obon after the loss of a loved one.

Obon Dance Practices
Location: MBT Social Hall
• June 30 - 7:30 to 8:30 pm
• July 2 - 7:30 to 8:30 pm
• July 3 - 7:30 to 8:30 pm
• July 8 - 7:30 to 8:30 pm
• July 10 - 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Free and open to all. No registration required.

Memorial Candles
Light a candle in memory of your loved one. A $10 donation places their name on a candle displayed during Bon Odori and the Obon/Hatsubon service.
Deadline to register: July 7

Practices, Bon Odori, Ginza

Midwest Festival, Bon Odori & Practices


Obon History
Its origin is linked to the Ullambana-sutra that tells the story of Mogallana, one of the great disciples of the Buddha. In this story, Mogallana sees his departed mother suffering in the fiery domain of the Hungry Devils, a domain where hunger and thirst know no bounds.

Everything that is touched immediately bursts into flames.

Grieving at what he sees, he attempts to relieve her suffering but his attempts to relieve her suffering are futile. In desperation, he goes to the Buddha and the All Compassionate One shows him the way.

Following the path shown him, he finally succeeds. He and his friends rejoice, expressing their joy and gratitude with music and dancing.

The Bon Odori is symbolic of that occasion. It is a time of rejoicing and expressing gratitude in the same manner as did Mogallana and his friends. This is the tradition of the Obon.

Event Title
Midwest Buddhist Temple Obon Odori Festival of Lights - Midwest Buddhist Temple

Event Location
Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 West Menomonee Street, Chicago, IL 60614

#BonOdori #ObonFestival #Hatsubon #MBTChicago #MidwestBuddhistTemple #ObonDance #JapaneseTradition #HonorAncestors #BuddhistFestival #Obon2025 #ChicagoEvents #BonOdori2025 #CulturalFestival #MinyoDance #JodoShinshu #MBTEvents

 

Disclaimer: Please double check all information provided on our platform with the official website for complete accuracy and up-to-date details.

   

Saturday, 12 July, 2025



Event Contact

Midwest Buddhist Temple Bon Odori Festival Event

Phone: (312) 943-7801

Event Organizer Website


Visit Organizer Website

Get More Details From the Event Organizer

Event Location Website


Visit Location Website

For More Location Details

Add Event To Your Calendar


iCalendar Google Calendar

Windows Live Calendar

Bon Odori & Obon Service at MBT - A Joyful Tribute to Our Ancestors

Event Information Can Change

Always verify event information for possible changes or mistakes.

Contact Us for Issues

Japanese Event & Festival Categories




Social Media & Email Share