Nikkei Matsuri 2026: Japanese Summer Festival
About this Event
- Zenyasai (Matsuri Eve: Outdoor Dance Party): Friday, September 4 | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Main Festival: Saturday, September 5 & Sunday, September 6 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Daily
Celebrate the vibrant traditions, flavours, and sounds of Japan right here in Burnaby! Returning for its 14th year on Labour Day weekend, Nikkei Matsuri is expanding with more culture, more food, and a new community zone. Whether you're here for the thunderous taiko drums, the sizzling street food, or dancing in a sea of colourful yukata under the lanterns, there is something for everyone.
✨ New for 2026: The Festival is Expanding!
Introducing our brand-new, admission-free Community Booth Zone just west of the Nikkei Centre along Southoaks Crescent!
- Community Booths: Showcasing the rich diversity of Japanese Canadian culture.
- Kids' Crafts Corner: Origami, face painting, and family-friendly activities.
🏮 Festival Highlights
Live Performances: Over 20 performances, including Taiko drumming, traditional dance, martial arts, and contemporary J-Pop.
Food & Beverages: Taste your way through 20+ options! Enjoy traditional street food from Yatai stalls, local food trucks, the Nikkei Café, or unwind at the Beer & Sake Garden and peaceful Tea Lounge.
Culture & Traditions: Witness the lively Mikoshi (portable shrine) procession and join the Bon Odori dance around the central Yagura tower. Yukata (summer kimono) rentals are available on-site!
Shopping & Markets: Explore the popular Anime Market, hunt for hidden gems at the Otakara Japanese Flea Market, and browse our curated Museum Shop and Japanese Bookstore.
Family Fun & Heritage: Classic Japanese festival games (yo-yo balloon fishing, super ball scooping) and an interactive Pokémon League. Plus, step inside to explore our museum exhibits.
⚡ Buy advance tickets online for priority entry! Online ticket prices include the Eventbrite fee.
- Advance Online Tickets: $12 + tax (Valid for single-day admission)
- General Admission (At the Gate): $15 (Includes GST)
🆓 FREE Admission (No ticket or booking required for):
- Children & Youth (Under 18)
- Seniors (Over 65)
- NNMCC Members (Valid membership card must be presented at the gate)
- Tourism Privilege Pass Holders (Valid pass must be presented at the gate)
- Everyone enters FREE daily between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM!
Important Event Guidelines & FAQ
🎟️ Ticket Info & Exchanges
- Your ticket is valid for one day. Please select Saturday, September 5 OR Sunday, September 6 when purchasing. If you wish to attend both days, please purchase a ticket for each day.
- Need to change days? If you need to switch days (e.g., Sunday instead of Saturday), you can exchange your ticket for another day directly within Eventbrite.
- Please have your ticket QR code ready on your mobile device for scanning at the entrance (printed tickets are also accepted).
↩️ Refund Policy
- Refunds are available up to 7 days before the event starts.
- Eventbrite fees are non-refundable and will be deducted from your refund.
👶 Strollers
- Strollers are not allowed inside the building. They are permitted in the front Nikkei Garden. Unsupervised stroller parking is available near the entrances.
🐾 Pets & Service Animals
- Certified Service Animals are allowed anywhere on site.
- Well-behaved pets are welcome in the front garden but are not permitted inside the building.
👺 Costumes & Cosplay
- Costumes are welcome! However, to ensure safety, attendees wearing costumes that completely obscure or cover the face (such as kigurumi) cannot enter the paid areas.
🍺 Beer & Sake Garden
- You must be of legal drinking age 19+ to purchase beer and sake. Two pieces of valid government-issued ID are required.
Stay Connected
Visit to check out the event program.
Follow us on NNMCC social media channels for updates.
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Agenda
🕑: 12:00 PM
Omikoshi and Shishimai (portable shrine and lion dance)
🕑: 03:00 PM
Bon Odori (Japanese folk dance in the garden)
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 12.60 to CAD 15.00
