General Info
The 2026 Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Obon Festival will be held on July 18-19 from 3PM to 9PM. We invite you all to join us in person for some delicious food, fun games, our opportunity drawing, silent auction, and of course Bon Odori (dancing), which will run from 7:00PM-8:30PM both days.
We are returning to our traditional food offerings of chicken teriyaki, fried wonton, andagi (Okinawa dango), hot dogs, chili, and shave ice.
Our Obon Festival is open to the public.
Obon Sponsors
Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (VHBT) gratefully thanks and acknowledges SPONSORS of our 2026 Obon Commemoration. To become an Obon sponsor, please visit https://givebutter.com/VHBTObonSponsor26 or complete the form HERE. Thank you to our Sangha and community for your generous support!.
- In Memory of Minoru and Betty Hisashima
- In Memory of Butch & Riva Hisashima & Mittens Motobo
Odori Dancing
Bon Odori practices start on Wednesday, July 1, at 7:00 PM. Additional dates are Fri July 3, Mon July 6, Wed July 8, Mon July 13.
We are bringing back many of our favorites so it is easier to pick up the moves again:
So, start stretching and get ready to dance and come to practice so you can get your popsicle too!
Opportunity Drawing
Our Opportunity Drawing offers the chance to win the Grand Prize of $1000 cash, 2nd prize of $500, and 3rd prize of an iPad! In addition, through the generosity of local merchants and Temple members, a number of other prizes will be available.
The Drawing will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 8:00PM. Winners need not be present and will be notified by e-mail or phone.
Email us at obon@vhbt.org or call us at (310) 391-4351 for more information.