Dancers at Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple’s 2019 Obon Festival.
Celebrating their 65th anniversary, the Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will hold their Obon Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20, from 3 to 9 p.m. each day.
Obon is a time when we gather to express our gratitude to friends and loved ones who have passed on before us.
This year’s festival will feature many of your favorite Obon foods, including chicken teriyaki, fried won ton, andagi (aka dango), sushi, hot dogs and chili rice, and Asian chicken salad from Feast from the East (vegetarian options available). Cool off with some shave ice or ice cold beer from Brewyard Brewery (over 21 only).
There will be plenty of games for the young and not so young. Play Aloha Toss, Ping Pond Toss, Plinko, Roll ‘Em and Where’s Sensei for a chance to win some amazing prizes.
Visit our silent auction and marketplace, where you can bid on great items, including Field Level seats for an upcoming Dodgers game, or purchase Obon T-shirts and tenugui (towels) and other merchandise. You may also take a chance at our opportunity drawing.
Our Bon Odori will begin at 7 p.m. both days. Everyone is welcome to join in the dancing fun featuring many of your Obon favorites. Live performers will be on hand too.
You may visit www.givebutter.com/vhbtobonscrip25 to pre-order scrip for use during the festival (booths only take scrip) and www.32auctions.com/vhbtobon2025 to view and bid on our auction items.
The temple is located at 12371 Braddock Dr. (at Centinela), Culver City. Limited parking is available at the Venice Japanese Community Center, 12448 Braddock Dr. We hope you will join us on Obon weekend!