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 celebrates the centuries-old Japanese autumn tradition of moon viewing and will feature a diverse lineup of performances, demonstrations, and cultural activities.
Otsukimi, meaning "moon viewing," honors the beauty of the moon, the changing season, and community. JASDFW's annual festival brings that tradition to North Texas, offering an evening designed for all ages. Attendees can experience Japanese culture through performances, demonstrations, games, bounce houses, art and cultural vendors, and a wide variety of food vendors serving authentic Japanese, Asian, and American cuisine in the SpotOn Food Pavillion.
The entertainment schedule includes taiko drumming by Dallas Kiyari Daiko at 6:00 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. on the Main Stage and 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. in 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. Okinawan dance by Okinawa Eisa Ryukyu-damashii is set for 7:40 p.m., a live JPOP concert by Sallad at 8:20 p.m., and an anime voice actor appearance and screening at 9:10 p.m., all on the Main Stage.
Special anime guest Emi Lo, the English voice actor behind Maomao, will join the evening's entertainment for an appearance and special screening. 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.
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. Their support helps make this community celebration possible.
This festival is significant for the North Texas region, as it highlights the growing cultural and economic ties between the area and Japan. With major Japanese companies like Toyota, NEC, and Kawai sponsoring the event, it underscores the importance of Japanese investment and cultural exchange in Texas. The free admission and diverse activities make Japanese culture accessible to a broad audience, fostering community engagement and understanding. For local businesses, the festival offers opportunities to connect with a diverse consumer base and showcase products to an estimated large crowd. Moreover, the event reinforces Plano's reputation as a hub for international cultural events, potentially attracting tourism and further business interest from Japanese firms looking to expand in the U.S. The Otsukimi Festival not only celebrates tradition but also strengthens the multicultural fabric of the region, promoting mutual respect and collaboration.
