“American Bon Dancing” at 2024 Yerba Buena Gardens Festival (SF)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

A joyous celebration of departed ancestors, Bon is a Japanese Buddhist festival that’s been observed for more than five centuries with a traditional folk dance known as Bon-Odori. Returning to the Gardens, this year’s lively and participatory program includes traditional favorites by Japanese folk music and dance ensemble Ensohza, Taiko Peace performing P.J. Hirabayashi’s dance and chant “Ei Ja Nai Ka,” and the legendary San Jose Taiko. Two newly commissioned works celebrating the Buddhist Churches of America’s 125th anniversary are also part of the program, with “Kangie,” by Sansei artist, activist, author and Smithsonian Folkways recording artist Nobuko Miyamoto, and “Lantern Song” by Bonbu Stories, an Asian-American arts collaborative dedicated to using music as a medium for raw storytelling and connection building.

American Bon Dancing
Great Lawn, Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission St. between 3rd & 4th Sts., SF
FREE

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival 2024

May 4 – November 2, 2024
Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission btwn Third and Fourth, SoMa, SF
FREE

Directions & Parking | Admission-Free Seating | Performance Times | See the Full Calendar

2024 Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Programming Highlights

All events are free and take place outdoors in Yerba Buena Gardens, off Mission Street between 3rd and 4th Streets, and the Yerba Buena Children’s Garden located at Howard & Fourth Street.

SEPTEMBER 2024

• 5th Annual African Arts Festival – September 7
• YBG Dance Day – September 28

OCTOBER 2024

• San Francisco Indigenous Peoples Day – October 14

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.