Japanese Obon Festival
August 16, 2026 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Overview
In partnership with the Japan America Society of Minnesota and the Saint Paul Nagasaki Sister City Committee, the Obon Festival celebrates Japanese culture through music, dance, martial arts, food, art, and tradition. The evening concludes with the festival's signature lantern lighting ceremony, as hundreds of floating paper lanterns illuminate the Japanese Garden pond and Frog Pond in a moving tribute to ancestors.
Festival highlights include:
- Live taiko drumming performances
- Traditional and contemporary Japanese music, singing, and dance
- Martial arts demonstrations
- Koto (Japanese zither) and shakuhachi (bamboo flute) performances
- Japanese food and beverages
- Cultural exhibits and demonstrations
- Japanese vendors and artisans
- Family-friendly games and activities
- The breathtaking lantern lighting ceremony at dusk
Admission
- Adults (13+): $8
- Children (ages 3–12): $5
- Seniors (65+): $5
- Children under 3: Free
A free shuttle service will operate throughout the event between the Saint Paul Public Schools District Service Facility (1930 Como Avenue) and the festival grounds. The final shuttle drop-off at Como will be at 10 p.m.
Japanese Obon Festival
Address
Admission
Japanese Obon FestivalComo Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive
Saint Paul , MN 55103
