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 will feature Japanese drums, sumo wrestling, Okinawan dance, live concerts, and anime, marking a significant celebration of Japanese culture in North Texas.
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 Plano, JASDFW aims to foster cultural understanding and provide an authentic Japanese experience for residents of all backgrounds. The festival's expansion to its largest iteration yet underscores the growing interest in Japanese culture in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The entertainment lineup includes performances by Dallas Kiyari Daiko, who will perform taiko drumming at 6:00 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. on the Main Stage and at the Martial Arts area. The Dallas Sumo Club will present sumo wrestling demonstrations at 6:20 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 8:50 p.m. at the Martial Arts area. A Ghibli Song Concert will take place at 6:30 p.m. on the Main Stage, followed by the Dallas Cherry Blossom Children's Chorus at 7:00 p.m. Okinawa Eisa Ryukyu-damashii will perform Okinawan dance at 7:40 p.m., and the JPOP band Sallad will give a live concert at 8:20 p.m. The evening will conclude with an anime appearance and screening featuring English voice actor Emi Lo, known for her role as Maomao, at 9:10 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Plano Mayor John B. Muns will be onsite to welcome festival guests, highlighting the city's support for cultural diversity. 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. The festival will also include Japanese cultural experiences, art and cultural vendors, family activities, games, bounce houses, and a wide variety of food vendors serving authentic Japanese, Asian, and American cuisine in the SpotOn Food Pavillion.
The Japan-America Society of DFW recognizes Toyota as its Community Impact Partner and 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, whose support helps make this community celebration possible. Their involvement reflects a broader commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of North Texas.
For more information and to register for free tickets, visit the Otsukimi Festival registration page. The event will be held at Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th Street, Plano, TX 75074. Performance times are subject to change, and guests should check the official event schedule for the location of each performance and demonstration.
