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Let's Go to Tanabata!
七夕祭り行こう
July 6th & 7th, 2024
Let's Go to Tanabata!
July 6th & 7th 6pm - 10pm
(last admission at 9:30 pm)
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,* and delve into the vibrant atmosphere of a real nighttime 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.
*If wearing cosplay, please refrain from bringing props and keep your outfit family friendly.
General $20 / $22 at Gate
Youth 7-17: $18 / $20 at Gate
Under 7: Free
Member $15 / $17 at Gate
The first 50 guests each night will get a complimentary special edition uchiwa!
What to Expect
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. Join us in learning this traditional dance as we all gather around the taiko!
To cater to the interests of all Japanese cultural enthusiasts, we have curated our celebration to encompass all things J-pop culture! Experience the thrill of anime culture with dedicated vendors selling homemade wares and officially licensed merch alike!
Enjoy festival favorites like Japanese shave ice, Takoyaki, and other Japanese street foods and sweets from local vendors.
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 Schedule
Enjoy activities and performances throughout the evening! All are included with admission.
Activities
Yo-yo Fishing
Partake in this classic matsuri activity!
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*
Saturday, July 6th
6:30pm-6:45pm: Kawaba Beer Lecture
Learn about brewing beer in Japan from Kawaba Beer company!
7pm-7:30pm - Taiko Performance and Bon Odori
Join us for a traditional taiko performance celebrating Obon, a Summer Japanese holiday. Guests will get to not only listen to the performance, but join in on the bon dance as we all dance around the taiko!
7:45pm-8pm - Pikachu Parade
Join dancing Pikachu on parade through the Garden.
8pm-8:15pm: Kawaba Beer Lecture
Learn about brewing beer in Japan from Kawaba Beer company!
8:30pm-9pm - Taiko Performance and Bon Odori
Join us for a traditional taiko performance celebrating Obon, a Summer Japanese holiday. Guests will get to not only listen to the performance, but join in on the bon dance as we all dance around the taiko!
9pm-9:15pm - Pikachu Parade
Join dancing Pikachu on parade through the Garden.
Sunday, July 7th
6:30pm-6:45pm: Pocari Sweat Lecture
Learn all about Japan's favorite sports drink!
7pm-7:30pm - Taiko Performance and Bon Odori
Join us for a traditional taiko performance celebrating Obon, a Summer Japanese holiday. Guests will get to not only listen to the performance, but join in on the bon dance as we all dance around the taiko!
7:45pm-8pm - Pikachu Parade
Join dancing Pikachu on parade through the Garden - provided by Ganbatte Popup!
8pm-8:15pm: Pocari Sweat Lecture
Learn all about Japan's favorite sports drink!
8:30pm-9pm - Taiko Performance and Bon Odori
Join us for a traditional taiko performance celebrating Obon, a Summer Japanese holiday. Guests will get to not only listen to the performance, but join in on the bon dance as we all dance around the taiko!
9pm-9:15pm - Pikachu Parade
Join dancing Pikachu on parade through the Garden - provided by Ganbatte Popup!
Vendors
Self-taught illustrator and creator located in Arizona, selling prints, stickers, buttons, charms, and more!
Selling hand-crocheted plush as well as retro video game themed keychains and earring sets!
A Latina artist with a love for drawing anime inspired work!
JazzXShop
@JazzXShop is a multifandom artist with a love of anime anime and cartoons.
@Scribblenib is an aspiring animator and illustrator!
An adorable stationery company from California, with lots of works inspired by Japanese culture.
Rohoen Market
Shop Japanese goods, snacks, drinks and more!
Creating hand sewn felt keychains, pins, bags, earrings, along with art prints, stickers, posters, & postcards! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧
Strawberry Mart
StrawberryMart is a kawaii collective of artists - featuring @pink.hue, @yumepopshop, and @afishplanet.
Arizona’s premier maid cafe group! Come and take cute pics (cheki) with them
A kawaii sticker and stationery shop! Their artwork features a shiny, squishy style with big sparkly eyes! Stop by to see a variety of cute fanart and nostalgia!
A small business owner from San Tan Valley AZ who wants to spread the love for Asian culture and help new people discover new things they might not have been interested in before. Whether that be new types of jewelry, a new type of art, or as simple as a new show they might enjoy!
Food Vendors
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Cold Somen
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Edamame
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Takoyaki
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kakigori
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Yakitori
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Spam Musubi
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Grilled Butter Mochi
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Tanuki's Retro Cafe
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Melon soda float
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Cola soda float
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Coffee float
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Tanuki Cold brew
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We hope to see you at our next exciting event, July 6th & 7th, 2024!
A Special Thank You to Our Supporters:
