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. The free, family-friendly event will feature a diverse lineup of performances, demonstrations, and cultural activities, highlighting the enduring Japanese tradition of moon viewing while fostering community engagement in North Texas.
Otsukimi, meaning "moon viewing," is a centuries-old Japanese autumn custom that celebrates the beauty of the moon, the changing season, and community bonds. JASDFW's annual festival brings this tradition to life with an evening designed for all ages. Attendees can enjoy Japanese cultural experiences, art and cultural vendors, family activities, and a wide variety of food vendors serving authentic Japanese, Asian, and American cuisine in the SpotOn Food Pavilion. 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 their free tickets to be entered for a chance to win door prizes and receive festival updates.
The entertainment lineup promises a dynamic mix of traditional and contemporary Japanese arts. Taiko drumming by Dallas Kiyari Daiko will open the festival at 6:00 p.m. on the Main Stage and again at 7:40 p.m. at the Martial Arts area. Sumo wrestling demonstrations by the Dallas Sumo Club will take place at 6:20 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 8:50 p.m. at the Martial Arts location. A Ghibli Song Concert is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on the Main Stage, followed by a Children's Chorus Concert by the Dallas Cherry Blossom Children's Chorus at 7:00 p.m. Okinawan Dance by Okinawa Eisa Ryukyu-damashii will perform at 7:40 p.m. on the Main Stage. A live JPOP concert by Sallad will begin at 8:20 p.m. on the Main Stage, and an anime appearance and screening featuring special guest English voice actor Emi Lo, known for her role as Maomao, will close the evening at 9:10 p.m. on the Main Stage. Guests should check the official event schedule for the location of each performance and demonstration, as activities will take place throughout the festival grounds. Performance times are subject to change.
The festival's significance extends beyond entertainment; it serves as a cultural bridge, allowing North Texans to experience Japanese traditions firsthand. 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, whose support helps make this community celebration possible. For more information about the festival and to reserve free tickets, visit the Japan-America Society of DFW website.
The Otsukimi Festival will be held at Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th Street, Plano, TX 75074, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on September 26, 2026. Admission and parking are free.
