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Obon Weekend

Celebrate Obon Weekend at the Morikami

Enjoy live taiko drumming performances in the spirit of Obon

Saturday, August 15 & Sunday, August 16, 2026
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

We invite guests to take a contemplative stroll through the gardens, fill out paper slips in memory of lost loved ones, enjoy live taiko drumming performances in the spirit of Obon, and pay respects to George Morikami at the Bon altar.

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Taiko Drumming Performances

Experience an electrifying fusion of tradition and innovation as Fushu Daiko brings the thunderous heartbeat of Japan to life with a dazzling Taiko drumming performance.

Date: Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, 2025
Cost:  $5 for Members | $10 for Non-Members
Showtimes:

  • 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
  • 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
  •  2:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Location: Morikami Theater

Online Pre-Sales will close on Friday, August 14th. All remaining tickets will be available at the theater doors on the day of the show.
(Reminder: This ticket does not include admission to the museum. Admissions information: Hours & Admission)

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Bon Dancing Workshop & Performance

Traditionally, Obon festivities include dancing where people join in a circle and dance to music. Join in our Obon celebration…

Learn how to dance one of Japan’s traditional Bon dances, along with members of our staff, South Florida Japanese community members, and members of Fushu Daiko.  After you learn the steps, we will all dance together with music accompaniment by Fushu Daiko.

Date: Saturday, August 15 & Sunday, August 16
Cost:  FREE for all attendees
Times:

  • 3:30 pm – 3:50 pm – Workshop to learn the Bon Dance
  • 3:50 pm – 4:20 pm – Bon Dance Performance

Location: Morikami Terrace*

*If there is inclement weather, we will move the workshop and performance into the theater.

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Cultural Organizations

Connect with Japanese cultural institutions and community organizations that support and promote U.S.–Japan relations. Meet representatives from groups such as the Consulate General of Japan in Miami, the Florida JET Alumni Association, and the Japan-America Society of Miami/South Florida, and explore their contributions to cultural exchange, education, and friendship.

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Guiding Lights & Lantern at Home Kits*

Purchase a Guiding Light Lantern to brighten your weekend in the garden and take home a Lantern at Home Kit to keep the celebration going.

Date: Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, 2026
Cost:  $5 Guiding Lights | $8 Lantern at Home Kit

Location: Morikami Museum Lobby

*While supplies last

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Family Fun Day: Lantern Craft

Join us for Obon Weekend and make your own special paper lantern to light the night.

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Sakai Room

All Family Fun Days are FREE with paid admission

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Food & Artisan Vendors

Obon Weekend features a variety of food vendors, local artisans, and specialty vendors offering delicious eats and unique handmade goods.

Artisans

  • Kazumi Gardens
  • Sakura Signatures (Saturday Only)
  • Hiko Bonsai

Food

  • Cornell Cafe
  • Fruity Cane of South Florida
  • Kaminari Ramen
  • Akiko-ya Japanese Sweets

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Sunday, August 16, 2026
Starting at 6:30 PM

AN EXCLUSIVE FUNDRAISING EVENT CELEBRATING OBON

We are excited to announce the return of this special evening that celebrates the spirit and tradition of Obon. Join us for an unforgettable night of reflection, community, and celebration under the stars.

Cost:  $200

More Information and Tickets

For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website, as activities may change due to weather: https://morikami.org/event/obon-weekend/

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