The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, in partnership with the City of Plano, will host the 27th Annual Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Haggard Park in Plano. This year’s event is expected to be the largest in the festival’s history, reflecting the region’s deepening engagement with Japanese culture.
Admission is free, and the family-friendly festival is open to all ages. The Otsukimi, or “moon viewing,” tradition has been observed in Japan for centuries, celebrating the autumn moon with seasonal foods, music, and gatherings. The North Texas version aims to bring together families, friends, and visitors from all backgrounds to experience Japanese culture through traditional and contemporary entertainment, hands-on activities, and cuisine.
Grant Ogata, President of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, emphasized the festival’s role as a community bridge. “Otsukimi is a special opportunity for families, friends and visitors of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the beauty of Japanese culture,” he said. “We are excited to expand this year’s festival with more entertainment, activities, food and cultural experiences than ever throughout the entire park.”
Attractions will include spectacular taiko drum performances, Japanese anime and pop culture experiences, sumo wrestling demonstrations, free children’s games, live music, traditional Japanese dance, and an expanded food pavilion featuring authentic Japanese and Asian cuisine. Martial arts demonstrations and hands-on cultural workshops will also be offered.
The event underscores the growing popularity of Japanese cultural events in North Texas, where the Japan-America Society has been active for decades. Organizers encourage guests to reserve free tickets in advance through the festival website to receive updates and enter prize drawings.
Businesses and organizations interested in participating as sponsors or vendors can find information on the society’s site. Sponsors will gain on-site engagement opportunities and promotional visibility. The festival’s expansion signals increasing community support for cross-cultural exchange in the region.
For more details, visit www.jasdfw.org.
