SF’s “BonPOP” Bon Odori Festival (Golden Gate Park)
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San Francisco Botanical Garden | 1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122
Free / RSVP
Submitted by the Event Organizer
KOHO and Gardens of Golden Gate Park are excited to present the third annual KOHO BonPop community Bon Odori festival, taking place this year on Saturday, August 31 at the Celebration Garden in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
2-4pm: Vendors & Activities
4-6pm: Dancing
(map)
FREE* with limited capacity, be sure to RSVP today*BonPOP is included with admission to the Gardens. Admission to the Gardens is FREE for San Francisco residents, children ages 4 and under, and those qualifying for the Museums for All program, Gardens members, and Veterans. Photo ID proof is required for the proof of free admission. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for non-SF residents.
BonPOP, a reimagined Obon Odori, welcomes a local, city-wide and regional audience to immerse themselves in the Japanese tradition of honoring ancestors through dance, song, and rituals accessible to all regardless of religion, faith, ethnicity, and cultural beliefs. The festival features a vibrant blend of taiko drumming, live folk music, and Bon Odori dancing showcasing the rich heritage and talent of our local Japantown artists and cultural practitioners.
A 500-year-old ceremonial tradition, Obon is celebrated throughout Japan today. Residents travel to their family homes to honor their ancestors during Obon season. Originating from the Chinese Ghost Festival of Buddhist and Taoist nature, the Japan Obon Festival follows the idea that during the month of August, those in the living realm remember and honor past ancestors. Family rituals may include visits to the local temple, cleaning of ancestral graves, lighting of fire and lanterns, and reunions with loved ones enjoying ceremonial foods and family traditions.
Vendors & Community Organizations
- Consulate-General of Japan will be giving out uchiwa fans from the Osaka 2025 Expo.
- Haight Street Art will have their Community Pop-up, screenprinting an original design on tenugui – supplies are limited so come early!
- Chameleon Vintage: selling vintage yukata
- Old River Design Co: selling vintage yukata and accessories
*Memorial Lanterns*
We will honor past loved ones by hanging Memorial Tags from lanterns in the Celebration Garden. CLICK HERE to hang a tag in memory of a loved one who has passed on.
Your donations will help us continue to bring our community together and make a difference in Japantown.
Yukata Dressing Station
BCSF dance instructors will help dancers get dressed in Yukata at the Celebration Garden from 2 – 3 pm. Advance sign up required. You must bring your own Yukata and necessary accessories (ties and obi). See below for shops in Japantown where festival attire can be purchased.
*Where Do I Get My Obon Festival Attire in SF Japantown?*
Traditional
(Yukata, Happi Coat, Accessories, Implements):
- Asakichi Arts & Antiques
- Kohshi Master of Scents
- Paper Tree
- Sakura Sakura
- Sharaku
Remix
(Japan Fashion, Vintage, Cosplay, Anime):
- Amiko Boutique
- Baby, the Stars Shine Bright
- Chameleon Vintage
- Fanloli
- Katachi
- OK Marketplace
- Sou Sou
*Yukata Remix Contest*
1. Best Under Age 12
2. Best 13+
Judging will be based on:
Best Remix Using Only Traditional Attire
Best Fusion/Creative
Best Use of Accessories
New this year: Dance practices!
Join us at dance practices to learn the Bon Odori dances: Wed 8/21, Fri 8/23, Mon 8/26 and Wed 8/28 from 6:30 – 8 pm at the KOHO Co-Creative Hub.
Here’s a video of a new dance the instructors will be teaching: Osaka Expo Dance (Kono Chikyuu no Tsuzuki wo)
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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.
Cost: FREE*
