The first dance at last year’s VHBT Bon Odori.
Taiko drummers on the yagura kept the beat.
Food booths were staffed by hard-working volunteers.
Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will hold their Obon Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19, from 3 to 9 p.m. both days with Bon Odori at 7 p.m.
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 the return of our famous udon, chicken teriyaki, fried won ton, andagi (aka Okinawa dango), sushi, hot dogs, chili rice and Chinese 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).
Plenty of games for the young and not so young to have a chance to win some amazing prizes. We will also have a game for seniors.
Visit our silent auction and marketplace, where you can bid on some amazing items including Field Level box seats for an upcoming Dodgers game, or purchase T-shirts, tenugui (towels) and other temple-branded merchandise.
Everyone is welcome to join in the Bon Odori fun featuring many of your Obon favorites.
You may visit www.givebutter.com/VHBTObonScrip26 to pre-order scrip for use during the festival (booths only take scrip) and www.32auctions.com/vhbtobon2026 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 at 12448 Braddock Dr. We hope you will join us on Obon Weekend!