The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, in partnership with the City of Plano, announced it will present the 27th Annual Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Haggard Park, located at 901 E. 15th Street in Plano. Admission is free, and the festival is open to all ages, making it an accessible cultural event for the North Texas community.
This year's celebration is planned to be the largest and most exciting Otsukimi Festival presented by the society, according to the announcement. The evening will bring together families, friends, and visitors to experience Japanese culture through 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 are scheduled to 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.
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. For more information, visit www.jasdfw.org.
Guests are encouraged to reserve free tickets in advance 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 is available here, and vendor applications can be found here.
The festival's growth highlights the increasing interest in Japanese culture in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and provides a significant opportunity for local businesses to engage with a diverse audience. As the largest Otsukimi Festival yet, it underscores the society's commitment to fostering cultural understanding and community connection.
