When: Sat., July 21, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sun., July 22, 3-7 p.m. 2018
Immerse yourself in the culture of Japan during the annual Spokane Obon Festival hosted by the Spokane Buddhist Temple. The two-day event offers many opportunities for the community to taste, see and hear elements of the island nation’s culture, including a variety of Japanese food for sale at $10 or less per item, along with Asian and Hawaiian food. (We highly recommend trying the savory-sweet senbei rice crackers, $6.) Guests can also tour the temple, and experience an introductory Buddhist service on Sunday at 3 pm. Members of the Spokane Taiko drumming group offer thunderous entertainment through the weekend, which also includes a traditional Bon Odori dance and the chance to mingle with local cosplayers and organizers of Spokane’s KuroNekoCon anime convention. In Japanese Buddhism, Obon refers to the custom of honoring the spirits of one’s ancestors.
Sat, July 21 from 11 am-7 pm and Sun, July 22 from 3-7 pm • Free admission • Spokane Buddhist Temple • 927 S. Perry • spokanebuddhisttemple.org • 534-7954