The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, in partnership with the City of Plano, has announced its 27th Annual Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival, set for Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Haggard Park. This year's celebration is planned to be the largest and most exciting Otsukimi Festival presented by the society, offering free admission to all ages.
Otsukimi, which translates to “moon viewing,” is a traditional Japanese celebration honoring the beauty of the autumn moon. The custom has been observed in Japan for centuries and is often celebrated with seasonal foods, music, artistic performances and gatherings with family and friends. The festival brings the North Texas community together to experience Japanese culture, traditional and contemporary entertainment, hands-on activities, food and family fun beneath the autumn moon.
“Otsukimi is a special opportunity for families, friends and visitors of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the beauty of Japanese culture,” said Grant Ogata, President of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. “We are excited to expand this year's festival with more entertainment, activities, food and cultural experiences than ever throughout the entire park.”
Festival attractions will include spectacular taiko drum performances, Japanese anime and pop culture experiences, sumo wrestling demonstrations, free children's games and family activities, live music and traditional Japanese dance, an expanded food pavilion featuring authentic Japanese and Asian cuisine, martial arts demonstrations, additional entertainment and activities throughout the evening, and hands-on cultural activities and workshops.
Guests are encouraged to reserve free tickets in advance at www.jasdfw.org to receive festival updates and opportunities to win special prizes. Applications are also open for businesses and organizations interested in participating as festival sponsors or vendors. Sponsors will have opportunities to connect with festival attendees through on-site engagement, promotional visibility and recognition associated with one of North Texas' leading Japanese cultural events. Sponsor information and vendor applications are available on the society's website.
This year's expansion of the Otsukimi Festival reflects growing interest in Japanese culture within the Dallas-Fort Worth area and provides an accessible, family-friendly event that fosters cross-cultural understanding. The festival's free admission and broad range of activities ensure that attendees from all backgrounds can participate, making it a significant community gathering. For local businesses, sponsorship offers a chance to engage with a diverse audience while supporting cultural education and community bonding. The event's growth also highlights the Japan-America Society's role in promoting cultural exchange and strengthening ties between Japan and the United States.
