2024 Tanabata - The Japanese Star Festival (Music, Explore Garden, Food, Paper Lantern, Calligraphy, Origami, Wishes) Hillwood Estate #tanabata #七夕 NEW

Tanabata, the Japanese Star Festival, celebrates the legend of Orihime, the weaver princess, and Hikoboshi, the herder. These lovers, separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet just once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month.

Enjoy a summer evening relaxing in Hillwood’s spectacular gardens and take part in festive outdoor entertainment on Hillwood’s expansive Lunar Lawn:

Listen to delightful music performed outdoors on the Lunar Lawn by the Washington Toho Koto Society

• Explore the enchanting Japanese-style garden.
• Bring a blanket or lawn chairs from home and enjoy a picnic on the spacious Lunar Lawn. Sandwiches, drinks, and snacks are available for purchase from Merriweather To Go.
• Create and decorate your own paper lantern to take home.
• Write poems and special wishes on colorful strips of paper, called tanzaku, to hang on bamboo, following the traditional Japanese custom to celebrate Tanabata.
• Try your hand at Japanese calligraphy and origami with our partners at the Japan-America Society of Washington DC.
• While here, be sure to explore our newest exhibition, Glass: Art. Beauty. Design.

Event Date
June 27, 2024, Thursday

Event Time
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Purchase Tickets

Location
Lunar Lawn

Prices $20
$10 Hillwood and JASWDC Members
$7 Student
$5 Child 6-18
Free for children under 6

Scheduled
5:30-7 pm
Enjoy Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and the Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean exhibition.
Picnic on the Lunar Lawn.
Decorate paper lanterns, fold origami, practice calligraphy, and make tanzaku (paper wishes).

7-8 p.m. | Concert by the Washington Toho Koto Society.

Picnicking Information
• Please bring your own picnic blankets or lawn chairs for seating on the lawn.
• Picnicking is welcome at this event. Please note Hillwood’s liquor license does not allow patrons to bring in outside alcohol, but food and drinks, including beer and wine, will be available from Merriweather To Go.

Inclement Weather Policy
In the case of inclement weather, all activities will be moved to indoor locations. All registered participants will receive notice if the program has moved indoors by 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 27.

*Please note that the rain plan may modify the locations and timing of events.

See All Tanabata Festivals

Cultural Significance
Tanabata is a time for people to reflect on their hopes and dreams, often focusing on personal growth, love, and happiness. The festival is also a reminder of the beauty of the summer night sky and the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore and tradition.

Event Title
Tanabata - The Japanese Star Festival (Music, Explore Japanese Garden, Food, Design Paper Lantern, Calligraphy, Origami, Write Special Wishes..)

Event Location
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens (Japanese Garden), 4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

#tanabata #七夕 #七夕祭り #tanabatafestival