Pasadena Buddhist Temple, 1993 Glen Ave. in Pasadena, will hold its Obon Festival on Saturday, July 18, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Last year’s festival was canceled after environmental testing revealed lingering contamination from the Eaton Fire, requiring additional cleaning and testing phases. Sixteen Sangha members lost homes or businesses in the fire.
Food booth items will include chirashi, beef chow mein and shave ice. There will also be a Beer Garden.
ABASonics, a band from Nishi Hongwanji, will perform from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m., followed by L.A. Taiko Ichiza from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m.
Bon Odori will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The last dance practice will be held on Thursday, July 16, from 7 to 8 p.m.
For sponsorship opportunities, email PasadenaSangha@icloud.com or visit https://givebutter.com/2026-obon-sponsorship-opportunities-copy-ywilot.
Obon (お盆) is an annual Buddhist event for commemorating one’s ancestors, whose spirits are believed to temporarily return to this world in order to visit their relatives during this time.
For more information, call (626) 798-4781 or visit pasadenabuddhisttemple.org.