Obon Festival 2026 Santa Maria
About this Event
Obon Festivals are held around the world in honor of ancestors who have shared their compassion and wisdom with us, therefore contributing much to our lives. Our GBC festival has been held annually before and since the Japanese-American community returned to this area after World War II, with the 2 year exception of the Covid-19 pandemic years, and it is a favorite local event.
Food!!
Savor Japanese food! From Teriyaki Chicken dinners, Udon, Sushi, even Strawberry Shortcake.
Chicken dinner drive thru pickup option available as well during the festival.
Experience traditional dance during the Obon Festival.
If you would like to learn the Obon dances beforehand, and have a whole lot of fun,
we invite you to participate in our Bon Odori Dance practices!
Obon dance practice schedule this year:
2026 Practices will be the four Mondays preceding Obon
(06/29, 07/06, 07/13 and 07/20) from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the Santa Maria Veteran’s Memorial Community Center and
Saturday, July 18th at the church 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
This year’s dance list is:
Bon Odori Uta
Tokyo Ondo
Seinen Ondo
The Lantern Song
Ei Ja Nai Ka
Bambutsu No Tsunagari
Ichi Tasu Ichi (1+1)
Tanko Bushi
Shiawase Samba
Top 10 Prizes are Cash & Many more prizes
Raffle tickets order form coming soon!
Performances!
Grab food and stay for the traditional performances.
-Taiko drummers
-Martial arts performances featuring the
-Tai Chi- Join in on the fun
-Japanese Dance- Join in on the fun
-Bonsai! – View a bonsai demonstration
Japanese Store:
-View various cultural items available from kimonos, housewares, decorations and more!
Silent Auction:
-Bid on unique cultural items
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Call: (805) 343-1053
Videos:
–YouTube Video from past Obon festival
-Highlights from the 2022 Obon Festival
–Santa Maria Times 2024
–Santa Maria Times
–News Channel 3
–Lompoc Record 2017
WHERE:
Veterans’ Memorial Center
313 W Tunnell St, Santa Maria, CA 93458
(FREE street parking)
Admission is FREE
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
