The Japan-America Society of DFW (JASDFW) will host its largest Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Haggard Park in Plano, Texas. The free, family-friendly event celebrates the centuries-old Japanese autumn tradition of moon viewing, known as Otsukimi, which honors the beauty of the moon, the changing season, and community. This year's festival promises an expanded lineup of performances, demonstrations, and cultural activities, underscoring the growing interest in Japanese culture in North Texas and providing an accessible way for residents to experience authentic traditions without traveling abroad.
The entertainment schedule includes a diverse array of acts. Dallas Kiyari Daiko will perform taiko drumming at 6:00 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. on the Main Stage and Martial Arts area. The Dallas Sumo Club will present sumo wrestling demonstrations at 6:20 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 8:50 p.m. at the Martial Arts location. A Ghibli song concert is set for 6:30 p.m. on the Main Stage, followed by the Dallas Cherry Blossom Children's Chorus at 7:00 p.m. Okinawan dance will be performed by Okinawa Eisa Ryukyu-damashii at 7:40 p.m., and a live JPOP concert by Sallad will take place at 8:20 p.m. The evening will conclude with an anime appearance and screening featuring special guest Emi Lo, the English voice actor behind Maomao, at 9:10 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Beyond performances, attendees can enjoy Japanese cultural experiences, art and cultural vendors, family activities including games and bounce houses, and a wide variety of food vendors serving authentic Japanese, Asian, and American cuisine in the SpotOn Food Pavillion. Plano Mayor John B. Muns will be onsite to welcome festival guests. Admission and parking are free, and guests are encouraged to register in advance for their free tickets to be entered for a chance to win door prizes and receive festival updates. The festival's significance lies in its role as a cultural bridge, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between Japanese and American communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The Japan-America Society of DFW recognizes Toyota as its Community Impact Partner, along with key sponsors such as SpotOn, H-E-B, Kawai, 7-Eleven, NEC, i Fratelli Pizza, The Original Pancake House DFW, EZ On Coat, The Time Group, and FC Dallas. Their support helps make this community celebration possible, highlighting corporate investment in cultural exchange. The Otsukimi Festival not only preserves a cherished Japanese tradition but also enriches the local cultural landscape, offering a unique opportunity for North Texans to engage with Japanese arts, cuisine, and customs. As the largest Otsukimi festival hosted by JASDFW, it reflects the increasing popularity of Japanese culture and the importance of community-driven events in promoting diversity and inclusion. The event is free and open to the public, with activities spread throughout Haggard Park at 901 E. 15th Street, Plano, TX 75074. For more information and to register, visit the official event page.
