On Saturday, July 29th we are excited to partner again with the Obon and Taiko festival to create an exciting atmosphere celebrating Asian cultural heritage in the arts, music, dance, folk art, and more. A marketplace, demonstrations of martial arts and crafts, and a variety of Asian food carts will also be included.

“Partnering with the Obon festival will be like experiencing a festival within a festival,” said Asian Celebration Director David Tam. “Although the Asian Celebration festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue throughout the day, the Obon festival will be featured from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and showcase traditional and contemporary Japanese dances, taiko drumming, Asian folk crafts, and youth activities during the twilight hours.” 

Eugene’s Obon & Taiko Drumming Festival began as an annual event in the late-1980s as an evening riverfront festival. Last summer, the pandemic necessitated the Oregon Asian Celebration to move outdoors, and the partnership with the Obon & Taiko Festival was a natural fit.  It was so successful, both festivals are continuing the festival-within-a-festival concept. 

According to Aimee Yogi, an event organizer of the Obon festival, “We are excited to share the meaning of Obon with new and former Obon festival attendees. Obon festivals are held annually throughout Japan, the United States, and other countries to commemorate and honor one’s ancestors. We teach traditional and contemporary circle dances that are easy to learn and we invite everyone to participate. For anyone who has lost a relative or loved one, the Obon festival is a time to honor and remember them.” 

See this year’s scheduled performances