Family Fun: Tanabata Festival at Japanese Friendship Garden
Enjoy the summer sun and join the Tanabata Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden!
Originating from Chinese folklore, the Tanabata celebration centers on the meeting of Orihime and Hikoboshi. Separated by the Milky Way, the stars Orihime and Hikoboshi can meet once per year on the seventh day of the seventh month.
Tanabata Festival Performers
This year’s festival will be full of kid-friendly fun, such as games, performances, crafts, and food!
Enjoy a full schedule of live performances and food from local vendors in the lower garden. Children’s games and activities will be set up in the upper garden.
- 11:00 AM: Aya Kameoka
- 12:00 PM: Hau’oli Hula Club
- 1:00 PM: San Diego Shishimai Kai
- 2:00 PM: Masazumikai
- 3:00 PM: Aikido Del Mar
Kazari at the Tanabata Celebration
A common practice during Tanabata is to decorate the nanatsu kazari, or seven decorations. The nanatsu kazari include the Fukinagashi, Tanzaku, Kamigoromo, Orizuru, Kinchaku, Toami, and Kuzukago.
The Fukinagashi is the most eye-catching decoration. It represents the weaving yarn in the Tanabata legend of Orihime and is a charm for improving the arts.
See you there!
Come admire the decorations, learn the meaning behind the Tanabata celebration, and enjoy the beauty of the Japanese Friendship Garden!
📆 July 7, 2026 | 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 2215 Pan American Road. E., San Diego
ℹ️ Find more details here
See you there, San Diego!
