FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Join us for White River's 2026 Bon Odori on July 25th from 4 - 9:30 PM. The event is free and all are welcome to join our festivities - from the Okinawan Kenjin-Kai Eisa Taiko Performance, Kids' Obon Dance, Service, Dancing, the Seattle Matsuri Taiko Performance, and last but not least FOOD! All are welcome.

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ABOUT OBON

Obon (お盆) is the Japanese Buddhist holiday to honor the spirits of one's ancestors. It is of significant religious importance and is the biggest event of the year for the Temple.

For over 50 years, White River Buddhist Temple has held this annual gathering welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, July 25th from 4:00 - 9:30 pm.

Admission to the event is FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

FOOD & PAYMENT options

This year’s event will include a number of food booths with items for sale including shaved ice, spam musubi, somen, pies, strawberry sundaes, mochi, manju, pork bowl, karaage, a beer garden, and more!

Each booth accepts cash, credit card, and checks.

Donations are also greatly appreciated and can be made at www.wrbt.org/donate.

Bon odori SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

6:00 pm | Welcoming Remarks
6:15 pm | Dancing Begins!
7:30 pm | Intermission - Seattle Matsuri Taiko Performance
9:15 pm | Last Dance

4:00 pm | Okinawa Kenjin-Kai Eisa Taiko Performance
4:30 pm | All booths Open
5:00 pm | Kids' Obon Dance
5:30 pm | Obon Service

BON ODORI DANCE LINEUP

Mi Kokoro

Isson Ippin Ondo (2 Kachi Kachi)

Oyama Ondo

Tanko Bushi
Sponsored by Mike & Louise Kato | In honor of Rosie Kato

Hokkai Bon Bushi

Goshu Ondo
Sponsored by Georgette Magnin | In memory of Joyce Anahori Ding

Soran Bushi
Sponsored by Karen & Darlene Yamada | In memory of Ben & Yoshiko Yamada

Pokemon Ondo

Hanabi Ondo

Dance sponsorship is available. Please contact office@wrbt.org if you are interested in sponsoring a dance or you can submit your sponsorship HERE.

Dance Practices

First time to Bon Odori? Need a refresher? Want to hone your moves? Attend one of our dance practices before the big day! Join us for a low-pressure, casual practice where we will review all the dances. Practices are at the Temple (3625 Auburn Way North, Auburn, WA 98002) on the following dates:

Thursday, July 16 2026 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, July 21 2026 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm