BON Fest Chicago

Garden of the Phoenix (6300 South Cornell Avenue Chicago, IL 60637)

Saturday, August 12th

8:00 - 10:00pm

Garden of the Phoenix, Jackson Park

The Japanese Art Foundation and Japanese Culture Center in partnership with the Chicago Parks District, Shubukai and Tsukasa Taiko from Asian Improv aRts Midwest invites you to BON Fest Chicago. Join us Saturday, August 12th at 8:00pm for taiko drumming, bon odori dancing, and festivities in Chicago’s historical Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park.

An Obon Matsuri / Bon Festival is traditionally held in the peak heat of summer when space between the natural and the supernatural world is thinnest. This is a time when individuals come together to remember ancestors and those lost as a community. As we continue to process the tremendous loss from the COVID-19 pandemic, we welcome our community to come together through the arts. Traditionally, Bon Odori dancing is performed by those in attendance to welcome spirits, though each community and region has their own style of dance and music.

Curious what a Bon Fest and Bon Odori dancing is all about? You can peek at last year’s virtual BON Fest HERE!

At this time, no additional date due to rain is scheduled. Please check the weather report and confirmation of the event will be announced at 11 AM CT on August 12th.

In order to protect the sanctity of the Garden, attendance to the event is very limited. To gain access to this year’s festival, participants must have attended at least one of the classes with Yoshinojo Sensei. Please make sure to register for one of the workshops through Eventbrite.

These classes are free of charge; however, donations are welcomed.

REGISTER NOW