The White River Buddhist Temple will welcome more than 1,000 visitors on Saturday, July 26, 2025 for its annual Bon Odori Festival, a vibrant community celebration honoring ancestors through traditional Japanese dance, food, and music.

The free, family-friendly event runs from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at the temple grounds at 3625 Auburn Way North (map below), and is open to the public.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our annual Bon Odori with the Auburn community while remembering those who have passed on,” said Tessa Asato, Bon Odori co-chair. “From dancing, to culture, to traditional foods—the event has something for everyone.”

The evening will begin with a Buddhist service at 5:30 p.m., followed by welcome ceremonies at 6 p.m. and the signature Bon Odori dancing at 6:15 p.m.

Guests can also enjoy live performances by the Okinawa Kenjin-Kai Eisa Taiko Group at 4 p.m. and Seattle Matsuri Taiko at 7:30 p.m.

Traditional Japanese foods such as shaved ice (kori), somen noodles, mochi, spam musubi, and chicken karaage will be available at food booths open from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. A beer garden will also be on site.

This year’s festival will also debut a new White River Buddhist Temple T-shirt available for purchase.

For full event details, visit www.wrbt.org/bonodori.