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. By bringing this tradition to North Texas, the festival serves as a significant cultural bridge, offering residents an immersive experience of Japanese arts, cuisine, and entertainment without cost, thereby promoting diversity and mutual understanding in the region.
The festival's entertainment lineup features a dynamic mix of traditional and contemporary Japanese performances. Dallas Kiyari Daiko will open the evening with 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. in the Martial Arts area. A Ghibli song concert at 6:30 p.m. and a children's chorus performance by the Dallas Cherry Blossom Children's Chorus at 7:00 p.m. will grace the Main Stage. Okinawan dance by Okinawa Eisa Ryukyu-damashii is scheduled for 7:40 p.m., followed by a live JPOP concert by Sallad at 8:20 p.m. The evening will conclude with an anime appearance and screening featuring English voice actor Emi Lo, known for her role as Maomao, at 9:10 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Beyond performances, the festival will offer a wide range of cultural activities, including demonstrations, games, bounce houses, and Japanese cultural experiences. Art and cultural vendors will be on site, and the SpotOn Food Pavilion will feature authentic Japanese, Asian, and American cuisine. Plano Mayor John B. Muns will welcome festival guests, underscoring the event's community significance. Admission and parking are free, and guests are encouraged to register in advance for free tickets to be entered for door prizes and receive festival updates.
The Otsukimi Festival is made possible through the support of Community Impact Partner Toyota and key sponsors, including 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 contributions highlight a collective commitment to enriching the North Texas community with diverse cultural opportunities. This festival not only provides an evening of entertainment but also strengthens ties between Japanese and American communities, fostering appreciation for Japanese heritage and creating lasting connections among attendees.
For more information and to reserve free tickets, visit the official event page. The festival will take place at Haggard Park, located at 901 E. 15th Street, Plano, TX 75074. Guests are advised to check the official event schedule for performance locations and times, as activities will occur throughout the festival grounds and are subject to change.
