2025 Natsu Matsuri: Summer Festival (Minyo Dancing, Tanabata Tanzaku, Origami Workshop, Artists in the Garden) Nikka Yuko Japanese GardenNEW

Natsu Matsuri - Celebrate Tanabata at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. Join us this Sunday at the beautiful Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden for Natsu Matsuri, a heartfelt celebration of Tanabata - the Japanese Star Festival. Rooted in a timeless legend of two celestial lovers reunited once a year, this day invites you to reflect, hope, and connect by writing your wishes on colorful tanzaku papers and hanging them in the garden. Enjoy cultural activities, art, music, food, and tea in a serene and festive setting.

Date and Time
Sunday, July 6, 2025
10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Schedule of Events
• 10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Artist in the Garden Booths
• 10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Tanabata Tanzaku Making
• 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm: Guided Garden Tours
• 11:30 am - 2:30 pm: Pet Adoption Event with Lethbridge & District Humane Society
• 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Sound Bath Performance by Mike and Parya
• 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Origami Workshop with Lev and Laurie
• 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm: Outdoor Ochakai (Casual Tea)
• 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Sake and Beer Bar on Pavilion Deck (card only)

Festival Admission
• $15 per person: Includes garden admission, one drink and cookie from Cleo’s Café, and access to all activities
• Free admission for children 5 and under (admission only)
• Additional drink and cookie: $4.00
• Morning Mezame Session: $30 per person - Includes admission
- Therapeutic Journaling with Halli Reid (10:15 am - 11:15 am)
• Free admission for children 5 and under (admission only)
• Additional drink and cookie: $4.00
• Morning Mezame Session: $30 per person - Includes admission
- Therapeutic Journaling with Halli Reid (10:15 am - 11:15 am)
• Zensai Picnic Option: Add a charcuterie cup with beverage and picnic blanket (available on request)

Closing Note
Hang your dreams among the bamboo, celebrate Japanese tradition, and be part of something timeless. Whether you come for a moment or stay all day, this is a summer memory you’ll carry with you.

About the Garden
Established during Canada’s Centennial in 1967, Nikka Yuko was built to recognize contributions made by citizens of Japanese ancestry to the multicultural community of Lethbridge, Alberta, and as a symbol of international friendship. Its name was created from the Japanese words Ni (from Nihon meaning Japan), ka from Kanada or Canada, and Yuko, which translates as “friendship” to mean “Japan-Canada friendship.”

The idea for Nikka Yuko began with a small group of people: Reverend Yutetsu Kawamura, a Canadian Buddhist priest, his wife Yoneko, and Cleo Mowers, publisher of the Lethbridge Herald. Their vision was to create a Japanese-style garden that reflected southern Alberta’s magnificent mountain and prairie scenery. In Japanese garden design philosophy, nature is interpreted through abstract and artistic symbolism, which results in a very intriguing landscape. When Kurt Steiner, the manager of the city tourism organization, heard the idea, he immediately promoted it, and the surrounding community came together to champion a unique event in a small Canadian city.

Location
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge AB, T1K 2R2

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