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 promises an evening filled with authentic Japanese cultural experiences, entertainment, and cuisine. Otsukimi, meaning "moon viewing," is a centuries-old Japanese autumn tradition that celebrates the beauty of the moon, the changing season, and community. By bringing this tradition to North Texas, JASDFW aims to foster cultural exchange and understanding between Japan and the United States.
The festival will feature a dynamic lineup of performances and demonstrations across multiple stages and areas within Haggard Park. Taiko drumming by Dallas Kiyari Daiko will open the festivities at 6:00 p.m. and again at 7:40 p.m. on the Main Stage and Martial Arts area. Sumo wrestling demonstrations by the Dallas Sumo Club will take place at 6:20 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 8:50 p.m. in the Martial Arts area. The Main Stage will host a Ghibli Song Concert at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Dallas Cherry Blossom Children's Chorus at 7:00 p.m., Okinawan dance by Okinawa Eisa Ryukyu-damashii at 7:40 p.m., a live JPOP concert by Sallad at 8:20 p.m., and an anime appearance and screening at 9:10 p.m. featuring English voice actor Emi Lo, known for voicing Maomao. Attendees are encouraged to check the official event schedule for specific locations and any changes, as activities will be spread throughout the festival grounds.
In addition to performances, the festival offers a wide range of Japanese cultural experiences, art and cultural vendors, games, bounce houses, and family activities. A variety of food vendors serving authentic Japanese, Asian, and American cuisine will be available in the SpotOn Food Pavilion. 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 free tickets to be entered for a chance to win door prizes and receive festival updates. Those interested can reserve free Otsukimi tickets through the JASDFW website.
The event is supported by Toyota as the Community Impact Partner, along with 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 help make this community celebration possible. The festival not only provides entertainment but also serves as a platform for cultural education and community building. By showcasing traditional and contemporary Japanese arts, the Otsukimi Festival highlights the importance of cross-cultural dialogue and the rich cultural diversity of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. For more information and to register for free tickets, visit the JASDFW Otsukimi page.
