2024 Let's Go to Tanabata! Celebrate Tanabata also Known as Star Festival-A Cherished Tradition in Japan for Centuries (2 Days)NEW

Celebrate Japan’s Star festival by attending a Summer matsuri right out of your favorite anime! Dress in traditional attire such as a kimono, yukata, or even opt for a light cosplay (no props), and delve into the vibrant atmosphere of a real nightt ime Japanese Summer festival! Explore the lively corridors adorned with colorful lanterns, bustling with an array of vendors offering delectable food, refreshing shaved ice, and unique merchandise.

Our festival will specifically celebrate Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, a cherished tradition in Japan for centuries. Typically observed on July 7th, this special day allows the two lovers from the renowned Tanabata myth to reunite by crossing the Milky Way. To honor this occasion, people write their wishes on small pieces of paper called tanzaku, which are then hung on bamboo branches in hopes that their desires will be granted. Join us in partaking in this activity, and make your wish come true. You can also immerse yourself in the pulsating rhythms of taiko drums and partake in the captivating movements of bon dances, another Japanese Summer tradition!

To cater to the interests of all guests, we have curated a celebration encompassing all things J-pop culture! Experience the thrill of anime culture with dedicated vendors, take kawaii pictures in maid photobooths, buy gachapon, and even learn otaku light stick dances (wotagei)!

Come and embrace the excitement of Japan's Star Festival in our Summer matsuri, where ancient traditions and contemporary interests intertwine, capturing the essence of modern Japan!

Event Dates
July 6 - 7, 2024

Event Times
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
*Last admission is 9:30 PM

Fees
General $20/$22 at Gate
Youth 7-17: $18/$20 at Gate
Under 7: Free
Member $15/$17 at Gate

Purchase Tickets

Location
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is located at 1125 North 3rd Avenue, between 3rd Avenue and Latham (2 blocks North of Roosevelt). Parking is available at the garden. When riding the Light Rail, exit at the Central and Roosevelt stop. The Garden is located on the west side of the rail, 0.3 miles from the station; it is directly behind the Irish Cultural Center (1106 N. Central Ave, Phoenix), just north of Portland Avenue. The Garden entrance is across the parking lot at 1125 N. 3rd Avenue.

Cancel Policy
All classes that do not meet the minimum enrolment one week prior to the start date may be subject to cancellation at the Garden's discretion. The Garden will contact registered participants in classes affected by cancellations and offer refunds or placement in an alternate class. Workshop/class participants who withdraw at least ten business days prior to the scheduled workshop/class start date may receive a full refund on their registration. (A “business day” is defined as M-F.) Refunds will not be given to workshop/class participants who withdraw from a class after the class has been held.


See All Tanabata Festivals

Event Schedule
Enjoy demonstrations throughout the day! All activities are included with admission.**

Activities
• Yo-yo Fishing: Partake in this classic matsuri activity!
• Origami / Coloring: Enjoy making kawaii origami led by our volunteer experts!
• Tanabata Wish: Write your wish on tanzaku paper and hang it on our bamboo trees to make your wish come true.

Programming: Subject to Change

July 6th & 7th
• TBD - Taiko Performance
- Kickstart the evening at the front entrance with the sound of booming taiko!

• TBD - Pikachu Parade
- Join dancing Pikachu on parade through the Garden.

• TBD - Taiko Performance and Bon Dance
- Experience a traditional taiko performance celebrating Obon, a summer Japanese holiday. Guests will not only listen to the performance but also join in the bon dance as we all dance around the taiko!

Vendors:  TBD

• Food Vendors
- Kakigori Addict
- Takoyaki
- Kakigori
- And many more coming soon!*

Location
Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden - Ro Ho En, 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Festival Title
Let's go to Tanabata! Celebrate Tanabata Also Known as Star Festival-A Cherished Tradition in Japan for Centuries

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