Bon Odori is a centuries-old Japanese Buddhist festival dedicated to remembering and honoring the lives of deceased family and friends. This is viewed as a joyful occasion, providing an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of those who came before us with gratitude and thanksgiving.
Festival highlights include folk dancing in the street, delicious food, beer garden featuring live music, and cultural displays. All are welcome to join in the dancing and festivities.
Check back here for additional details and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SeattleBonOdori!
Scenes from 2025 Bon Odori
FAQ
When is the festival?
The event takes place on Saturday, July 18, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Festivities continue on Sunday, July 19, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Where is it located?
The festival is hosted at the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple. The address is 1427 S Main Street, Seattle, WA 98144
Do I need to pay for admission?
All are welcome to join in the dancing and festivities. However, the event features a cashless payment system, and credit card readers will be used for purchasing food, drinks, and merchandise.
Can anyone participate in the dancing?
Yes! All are welcome to join in the dancing and festivities. For those wanting to learn the dances beforehand, practice sessions will be held in the Seattle Betsuin Gymnasium from 7:30-9:-00pm on July 7, 8, 9, 13, and 14.
Food & Beverage Information
We offer a wide variety of Japanese festival food including Yaki onigiri (grilled rice ball with Teriyaki sauce), Niku Don (beef bowl), Kori (shaved ice), Teriyaki chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, and more!
For those 21 & over, we have a Beer Garden serving draft beer, sake, seltzers and wine. Two Story Zori will be playing both evenings!
Transportation Information
We highly encourage carpooling, or public transportation!
By Streetcar (First Hill Line)
- Closest Stop: 14th Ave S & S Washington St
- Directions to the Gym: Once you exit the streetcar at 14th & Washington, simply walk South for 1 block along 14th Ave S. The gymnasium will be right at the corner of 14th Ave S & S Main St.
By Bus (King County Metro) There are several major bus routes that drop you off just one block away from the Temple along S Jackson St:
- Route 14, Route 7, Route 36, and Route 106 all frequently travel along S Jackson St.
- Closest Stops: Get off at the S Jackson St & 12th Ave S stop or the S Jackson St & 14th Ave S stop (depending on your route).
- Directions to the Gym: From S Jackson St, walk North for 1 block on 14th Ave S to reach the corner of S Main St and the gym entrance.
By Car (Parking)
- Temple Parking Lot: There is very limited paid parking lot located at the corner of 16th Ave S. and S. Main St.
