Obon Community Celebration

Free for all Gather in Bestor Plaza for a vibrant, one-hour celebration inspired by Obon, the Japanese tradition of honoring ancestors through dance, music, remembrance, and community. Led by 2025 NEA National Heritage Fellow Adrienne Reiko Iwanaga, one of the nation's foremost Bon Odori teachers, and featuring reflections from Buddhist scholar George Tanabe and the powerful rhythms of New York City's Soh Daiko, this joyful gathering invites everyone to join in traditional community dances regardless of age or experience. With lanterns, fans, taiko drumming, and Japanese treats, we'll celebrate the ties that bind us across generations. As we conclude Chautauqua's Summer Assembly and reflect on America's 250th anniversary, let us close the season with gratitude, joy, and the enduring spirit of togetherness. In partnership with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.