JULY 25, 2026 | 4:00 - 9:30 pm
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.
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, smash burgers, pork bowl, 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
2026 Bon Odori Merchandise - ON SALE NOW!
This year, Bon Odori will feature limited edition totes, embroidered strawberry hats, and special chochin lantern stickers. Created by resident artist Tessa Asato, each shows your support of the temple this festival season.
Pre-order available online at https://wrbt.square.site for pick up at Bon Odori practices or the day of the event!
Stock is extremely limited! Don’t delay!
BON ODORI DANCE LINEUP
Thank you to all of our dance sponsors!
Mi Kokoro
Sponsored by Rev. Sara Jogaku Perrott | In memory of Dennis & Debbie Kline.
Oyama Ondo
Sponsored by Ruth Terry | In memory of Kazuko Schilthroat
Isson Ippin Ondo (2 Kachi Kachi)
Sponsored by the Natsuhara Family | In memory of Frank and Shizuko Natsuhara.
Manmaru Ondo (1 uchiwa fan)
Sponsored by Anonymous | In memory of our White River Buddhist Temple Ancestors
Lantern Song
Sponsored by Dave & Joan Hoskin | In memory of Al Yamada
Soran Bushi
Sponsored by Karen & Darlene Yamada | In memory of our parents, Ben & Yoshiko Yamada
Tanko Bushi
Sponsored by Mike & Louise Kato | In honor of Rosie Kato
Sponsored by Carol Yanagawa | In memory of all my Yanagawa and Mikami ancestors - and all the memorable and happy times enjoyed at White River Buddhist Temple. Namu Amida Butsu.
7:30 Intermission - Seattle Matsuri Taiko
8:00 Northwest Minyokai Live
Hokkai Bon Bushi
Sponsored by the Okimoto Family | In memory of Frank and Hatsue Okimoto
Souma Bon Uta
Sponsored by JR & Chiho Pewitt | In memory of Joe Watanabe
Ei Ja Nai Ka
Sponsored by Tsuru for Solidarity
Hanabi Ondo
Sponsored by Mitsi Akiyama | In memory of Bob Akiyama
Pokemon Ondo
Sponsored by the Asato Ohana | In loving memory of Nana, Lillian Asato
Goshu Ondo
Sponsored by Georgette Magnin | In memory of my spouse, Joyce Anahori Ding
Dance sponsorships are 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
Follow our social media channels for the most up to date information!