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.

  • 10 AM: Honu Sumo Club
  • 11 AM: Akido Del Mar
  • 12 PM: Tsumiki Preschool
  • 1 PM: San Diego Elisa, Sanshin Hula Team
  • 2 PM: The San Diego Kimono Club
  • 3 PM: San Diego Yosakoi
  • 4 PM: San Diego Iai-Batto

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.

Tanabata Festival

See you there!

Come admire the decorations, learn the meaning behind the Tanabata celebration, and enjoy the beauty of the Japanese Friendship Garden!

Click here to learn more.

See you there, San Diego!

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Event Details
  • Start Date
    July 7, 2024 10:00 am
  • End Date
    July 7, 2024 4:00 pm
  • Status
    All done
  • Location
  • Venue
    • Japanese Friendship Garden
  • Address
    2215 Pan American Road. E., San Diego, CA 92101
  • More Info
Event Map
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Event Details
  • Start Date
    July 7, 2024 10:00 am
  • End Date
    July 7, 2024 4:00 pm
  • Status
    All done
  • Location
  • Venue
    • Japanese Friendship Garden
  • Address
    2215 Pan American Road. E., San Diego, CA 92101
  • More Info
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