A longstanding Japanese cultural tradition will return to Stockton this September as the Buddhist Church of Stockton presents its Annual Obon Japanese Festival & Odori on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The community celebration will be held at the Buddhist Church of Stockton, 2820 Shimizu Drive, and will bring together Japanese food, traditional dancing, cultural demonstrations and family activities. Admission and parking are free, making the festival an accessible opportunity for families throughout the region to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
For generations, Obon celebrations have provided Japanese American families with an opportunity to honor those who came before them while bringing communities together through food, music and dance. At the center of many Obon festivals is Odori, a traditional form of communal Japanese dancing in which participants gather and dance together.
Stockton's celebration carries that tradition forward while welcoming people from all backgrounds.
Throughout the festival, visitors can expect a variety of food and entertainment along with flower arrangements, martial arts demonstrations, drawings and other cultural activities. A raffle will also be held, with a $1,000 grand prize.
The Buddhist Church of Stockton has been actively preparing for its 2026 Obon season, publishing this year's Obon schedule earlier this summer.
For those unfamiliar with Obon, the festival provides an opportunity to do more than watch from the sidelines. Community celebrations traditionally encourage participation, allowing younger generations to connect with their heritage while introducing Japanese traditions to neighbors and visitors.
That combination of preserving history while sharing it with others has helped make cultural festivals an important part of Stockton's identity.
With generations of Japanese American families contributing to the history of Stockton and San Joaquin County, the annual gathering is also a reminder of the many communities whose traditions have helped shape the region.
Event Details
What: Buddhist Church of Stockton Annual Obon Japanese Festival & Odori
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Where: Buddhist Church of Stockton, 2820 Shimizu Drive, Stockton
Admission: Free
Parking: Free
Whether visitors come for the food, traditional dancing, martial arts or simply the opportunity to experience something new, Stockton's Obon Festival offers families a chance to spend the day celebrating culture, community and traditions passed from one generation to the next.