Celebrate summer with the Japanese American National Museum’s Natsumatsuri Family Festival on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Terasaki Budokan, 249 S. Los Angeles St. in Little Tokyo (note new location).
The free family festival features cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and kids of all ages.
Free but attendees are asked to reserve tickets. Info: www.janm.org/events/2026-08-15/2026-natsumatsuri-family-festival
Activities
Photo Booth — Grab some fun props from Mighty Little Studio and take a souvenir photo with friends and family.
Ruthie’s Origami Corner — Learn to fold an origami lantern or an origami frog. This activity is named in honor of JANM Volunteer Ruthie Kitagawa (1937-2020), who led origami activities for many years.
Baseball Cap Craft — Keep cool at the next ball game and do so in style. Stop by and decorate your very own cap to sport this summer.
Fan Craft — Need further cooling? Learn to create your own paper fan this summer.
Stamp Rally — Complete your stamp rally with new stamps by Paul Frank. Visit select tabling organizations for a chance to win some prizes.
Wish Wall — The Democracy Center invites you to add your wish to the pop-up Wish Wall on the Democracy Plaza and at locations across the country for the U.S.’ 250th birthday.
Discover Nikkei Activity — Discover Nikkei is JANM’s community-based website exploring Nikkei family stories, culture, and more from around the world. Participate in a creative activity exploring family and foods.
Schedule
11-11:15 a.m.: JANM Band. Celebrate the summer and sing along with JANM’s ukulele band.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Bon Odori Community Dance. Learn about Japan’s Obon festivals, which honor and celebrate the spirits of ancestors. A group Bon Odori (traditional dance) will then be led by Elaine Fukumoto.
1-1:30 p.m.: Cold Tofu Improv and Comedy Group. Enjoy a performance by the nation’s longest-running Asian American improv and sketch comedy group as they improvise scenes and games based on audience suggestions.
1:45-2:15 p.m.: Kotolan Performance. Kotolan is an L.A. indie band that plays a mix of eclectic indie synth and art pop influenced by new wave and city pop.
2:30-3 p.m.: J-Town Taiko Club Performance. JTTC is a performing community taiko group located at Terasaki Budokan, which offers different types of programs to learn the traditional Japanese art of taiko drumming.