Culture Calendar
Premieres, festivals, drops, holidays, and cultural moments to discover.
Culture events, festivals, and markets in major North American metros. Each page lists upcoming dates for that city.
Santa Anita Park and Alameda County Fairgrounds, California
The 626 Night Market organization says the market returns summer 2026 in Southern and Northern California, with stops at Santa Anita Park and the Alameda County Fairgrounds.
Image: Guillaume Paumier (user:guillom) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Westminster, California
Orange County's longest-running Vietnamese night market is back for summer: Friday through Sunday evenings, June 19 through August 9, 2026, at Asian Garden Mall in Westminster. Free admission, free parking, and street food worth the drive.
Image: DHN / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Torrance, California
Donguri Republic, Studio Ghibli's official merchandise shop, opened its first U.S. pop-up June 23 at Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance with 400-plus licensed items through December 31, 2026.
Image: Studio Ghibli via VIZ Media
New York, New York
It's Time for K-Culture 2026 runs July 8–August 22 at Korean Cultural Center New York (122 E 32nd St) with immersive PC Bang, K-beauty and tourism zones, late-night Korean horror screenings in August, and free gallery hours most weekdays and Saturdays.
Image: Kidfly182 / Wikimedia Commons
New York City
NYAFF's 25th edition runs July 10–26, 2026 across five New York venues including Film at Lincoln Center, opening with Yeon Sang-ho's Colony and honoring Joan Chen with a lifetime award.
Image: New York Asian Film Festival / Wikimedia Commons
Santa Clara, California
ANIME Impulse Bay Area runs July 18–19, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., at Santa Clara Convention Center with vendor hall, artist alley, guests, and a 3-in-1 pass for K-PLAY! FEST and Collectors Expo. ZZZ LIVE is free for pass holders on July 19.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / panoramio
Ashburn, Virginia
Asia in a Bite runs July 18–19, 2026 at One Loudoun in Ashburn with 30–40 Asian food vendors, merchandise rows, and free RSVP entry.
Image: Asia in a Bite Festival
Mountain View, California
Mountain View Buddhist Temple Obon runs July 18–19, 2026 (Sat 4–9 p.m., Sun 12–8 p.m.) with food, games, cultural displays, and traditional plus Maui dancing at 575 N Shoreline Blvd.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Anaheim, California
Orange County's largest temple Obon fills a July weekend with taiko, bon odori, and a full festival food lineup: July 18–19, 2026 at Western High School in Anaheim. Free to attend, with free parking and shuttle service.
Image: Orange County Buddhist Church
Pasadena, California
Pasadena Buddhist Temple Obon is Saturday, July 18, 2026, 4:00–8:30 p.m., at 1993 Glen Ave with Japanese food, taiko at 4:15 p.m., and Bon Odori at 5:00 p.m.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Seattle, Washington
Seattle Bon Odori marks its 94th year July 18–19, 2026 at Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple with street dancing, Matsuri Taiko, food booths, and a beer garden with Two Story Zori. Admission is free; food and drinks are cashless.
Image: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Seattle, Washington
CID Celebration runs July 18, 2026 at Hing Hay Park with multicultural performances, family activities, and neighborhood programming.
Image: Seattle CID Celebration
Burnaby, British Columbia
The 24th Korean Cultural Heritage Festival is Saturday, July 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby with free admission, Korean food, taekwondo and traditional dance, K-pop contest finals, and a DINDIN evening set.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Culver City, California
Venice Hongwanji Obon runs July 18–19, 2026, 3:00–9:00 p.m., at 12371 Braddock Dr in Culver City with food (including the temple's famous udon), games, silent auction, and Bon Odori at 7:00 p.m.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Houston, Texas
Anime Matsuri marks its 20th year July 23–26, 2026 at George R. Brown Convention Center with Japanese pop-culture panels, concerts, and vendor hall.
Image: Anime Matsuri
San Diego, California
Comic-Con International runs July 23–26, 2026 at the San Diego Convention Center (Preview Night July 22) with comics, anime, film, TV, and gaming panels plus the Exhibit Hall. Attendee badges for 2026 are sold out.
Image: The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek / Wikimedia Commons
San Francisco, California
Bhangra & Beats Night Market returns July 24, 2026 at Yerba Buena Gardens in downtown San Francisco, with Non Stop Bhangra, dhol drumming, DJs, food vendors, and a South Asian makers market from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Image: Brendan Lally / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Washington, D.C.
Asia in a Bite returns July 25–26, 2026 at Tingey Plaza in Navy Yard with about 30 Asian street-food vendors, merchandise rows, DJ music, and free RSVP entry.
Image: Asia in a Bite Festival
Chicago, Illinois
Chinatown Summer Fair runs July 25–26, 2026 on Wentworth Avenue with lion dance procession, food vendors, and stage performances.
Image: Chinatown Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Las Vegas, Nevada
Discover Japan Expo runs July 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Ninja Karaoke on Spring Mountain Road with yukata, jinbei, Japanese goods, and festival-wear shopping.
Image: Ninja Karaoke Las Vegas
Annandale, Virginia
DMV Asian Night Market returns July 25, 2026, 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at 7200 Columbia Pike in Annandale with free admission, Asian street food, and live performances.
Image: Neon District DMV
Los Angeles, California
Higashi Honganji Obon runs July 25–26, 2026, 1:00–9:00 p.m., at 505 E Third St in Little Tokyo with food, games, bingo, farmers market, taiko, Manto-E services, and Bon Odori at 6:30 p.m. both nights.
Image: Toksave / Wikimedia Commons
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto Chinatown Festival runs July 25–26, 2026 on Spadina Avenue with lion dance, food vendors, and cultural performances. Admission is free.
Image: Toronto Chinatown BIA
Vista, California
Vista Buddhist Temple Obon runs July 25–26, 2026, 2:00–8:00 p.m., at 150 Cedar Rd with Japanese food, taiko, marketplace, cultural workshops, and Bon Odori.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Los Angeles, California
West LA Buddhist Temple Obon runs July 25–26, 2026 in Sawtelle Japantown with bon odori dancing, taiko, carnival games, and Japanese food booths. Saturday hours are 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Sunday 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Image: West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple
Auburn, Washington
White River Bon Odori runs Saturday, July 25, 2026, 4:00–9:30 p.m., at 3625 Auburn Way N with free admission, food booths, Eisa and Seattle Matsuri taiko, kids' dance, Obon service, and evening Bon Odori.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Los Angeles, California
Zenshuji Soto Mission Obon Carnival runs July 25–26, 2026, noon–7:00 p.m., at 123 S Hewitt St with Bon Odori, tea ceremony, food, crafts, taiko, folk dance, and Shorinji Kempo.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
San Francisco, California
Buddhist Church of San Francisco Bon Odori runs July 26, 2026 in Japantown with street bon odori dancing, taiko, and food booths.
Image: Buddhist Church of San Francisco / Photo via Funcheap
New York City
Asian CineVision presents the 49th Asian American International Film Festival July 30 through August 9, 2026, in person in New York City and online.
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor
Washington, D.C.
Otakon 2026 runs July 31–August 2 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with anime, manga, gaming, music, cosplay, and Asian pop-culture programming. Registration is open on otakon.com.
Image: APK / Wikimedia Commons
Baltimore, Maryland
Asia in a Bite returns August 1–2, 2026 to Baltimore Peninsula (201 E Cromwell St) with about 30–40 Asian food vendors, merchandise rows, K-pop dance party energy, and free RSVP entry.
Image: Asia in a Bite Festival
Ashburn, Virginia
Asia in a Bite runs August 1–2, 2026 at One Loudoun in Ashburn with rotating Asian street-food vendors and free RSVP entry.
Image: Asia in a Bite Festival
San Diego, California
Buddhist Temple of San Diego Obon Odori is Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. at 2929 Market St with food, taiko, Obon Again Store, and Bon Odori at 6:30 p.m.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Gardena, California
Gardena Buddhist Church Obon runs August 1–2, 2026 with taiko, bon odori dancing on the street, food booths, bingo, and carnival games. Festival hours are 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. both days.
Image: Gardena Buddhist Church
San Francisco, California
The 52nd Nihonmachi Street Fair runs August 1–2, 2026 in San Francisco Japantown with two performance stages, food vendors, and community booths.
Image: Nihonmachi Street Fair
Oakland, California
Buddhist Church of Oakland Obon Festival is Saturday, August 1, 2026, 1:00–7:30 p.m., at 825 Jackson St with food bazaar, ikebana, Chidori Band, and Obon Odori on Jackson Street. Obon service is Sunday, August 2 at 10:30 a.m.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Palo Alto, California
Palo Alto Buddhist Temple Obon runs August 1–2, 2026 (Sat 1–8 p.m., Sun 2–7:30 p.m.) at 2751 Louis Rd with food, crafts, games, taiko, and Sunday Odori after the 5:00 p.m. Obon service.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Vancouver, British Columbia
Powell Street Festival marks its 50th year August 1–2, 2026 at Oppenheimer Park with Japanese Canadian arts, food vendors, and community programming.
Image: Powell Street Festival Society
Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma Buddhist Temple Obon is Saturday, August 1, 2026, 4:00–8:00 p.m., on Fawcett Street with Fuji Taiko, Bon Odori dancing, food hall, beer garden, and a memorial candle observance at 8:00 p.m.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Upper West Side, New York
JAPAN Fes brings a roaming Japanese street-food fair to the Upper West Side on August 2, 2026, per organizer listings.
Image: JAPAN Fes
Chicago, Illinois
Ginza Holiday runs August 7–9, 2026 at Midwest Buddhist Temple with teriyaki, taiko, demos, and Obon odori dancing.
Image: Midwest Buddhist Temple / Ginza Holiday
Pasadena, California
88rising's Head in the Clouds returns August 8, 2026 at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena with KATSEYE, XG, Rich Brian, Dabin.kr, KiiiKiii, and more. Gates open at 2:00 p.m.; curfew is 11:00 p.m.
Image: Goldenvoice / 88rising
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Holoholo Market returns August 8, 2026 at Fergusons Downtown on Fremont Street with AANHPI and Pacific diaspora food, craft, and community vendors on the second Saturday of the month.
Image: The Holoholo Market / Eventeny
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival returns August 8–9, 2026 at Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park with races, food court, and cultural stage.
Image: Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York
Hanover, Maryland
Live! Night Market returns August 8–9, 2026 at Live! Casino Maryland with free entry, rotating Asian street-food vendors, and DJ music.
Image: Asia in a Bite / Live! Casino Maryland
Los Angeles, California
The 5th Annual Nikkei Celebration in Boyle Heights is Saturday, August 8, 2026, 5:00–10:00 p.m., with a free parade toward Otomisan (2506 E 1st St), taiko and community performances, Sukiyaki sing-along, and closing Bon Odori.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Boston, Massachusetts
The 55th Chinatown August Moon Festival is Sunday, August 9, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., across Boston Chinatown streets with lion dance, martial arts, folk dance, crafts, and food vendors.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Arcadia, California
626 Night Market's summer 2026 Arcadia weekend runs August 14–16 at Santa Anita Park with 200+ Asian food, merchandise, and entertainment vendors. The organizer lists this as the final Southern California stop before Pleasanton.
Image: Guillaume Paumier (user:guillom) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Los Angeles, California
JANM's free Natsumatsuri Family Festival runs August 15, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Terasaki Budokan in Little Tokyo with cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families.
Image: Japanese American National Museum / Photo by Kazz Morohashi
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha Obon runs August 15, 2026 at the Heinrich YMCA with Kaminari Taiko, memorial lanterns, and bon odori dancing.
Image: Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha
Los Angeles, California
The 18th Los Angeles Tanabata Festival displays kazari at JACCC August 15–23, 2026, during Nisei Week in Little Tokyo.
Image: Los Angeles Tanabata Festival
Los Angeles, California
Nisei Week runs August 15–23, 2026 in Downtown Los Angeles Little Tokyo with the Grand Parade, Plaza Festival at JACCC, coronation ceremonies, and Ondo street dancing to close the festival.
Image: Nisei Week Foundation / Photo by Kevin Kuromi
Washington, D.C.
Panda Fest DC debuts August 15–16, 2026 on Pennsylvania Avenue NW with Asian food vendors, live performances, and cultural programming.
Image: Panda Fest
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto Korean Festival runs August 21–23, 2026 at Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge St) with K-pop stage acts, traditional performances, hanbok fashion, K-beauty pavilion, and Taste of Korea vendors.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Washington, D.C.
Asia in a Bite returns August 22–23, 2026 at Tingey Plaza in Navy Yard with Asian street-food vendors and live entertainment.
Image: Asia in a Bite Festival
Anaheim, California
K-PLAY! FEST returns to Anaheim Convention Center August 22–23, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with vendor and artist alley, random play dance, photocard trading, karaoke, food, and fan-hosted K-pop programming.
Image: K-PLAY! FEST
Coquitlam, British Columbia
Kimchi & K-Food Festival returns August 28–29, 2026 to Coquitlam Town Centre Park with free admission, K-street food, kimchi and hanbok experiences, K-beauty workshops, and main-stage contests.
Image: Goldscene editorial (contextual)
Seattle, Washington
Panda Fest Seattle runs August 28–30, 2026 at Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion with Asian food vendors, live performances, and cultural programming.
Image: Panda Fest
Las Vegas, Nevada
Talofa Fest runs August 28–30, 2026 with a downtown opening parade August 28 and festival days August 29–30 at Desert Breeze Event Center featuring Pacific fashion, island food, and live music.
Image: Talofa Fest / Toalepai Productions
Ashburn, Virginia
Asia in a Bite returns August 29–30, 2026 at One Loudoun in Ashburn with rotating Asian street-food vendors and free RSVP entry.
Image: Asia in a Bite Festival
Annandale, Virginia
DMV Asian Night Market returns August 29, 2026 at 7200 Columbia Pike in Annandale with free admission, rotating Asian street-food vendors, and live performances.
Image: Annandale Today / Neon District DMV
Long Beach, California
Long Beach Buddhist Church Obon runs Saturday, August 29, 2026, with memorial service, taiko, and evening bon odori dancing at the temple.
Image: Long Beach Buddhist Church
Irvine, California
OCO Natsu Matsuri runs August 29, 2026, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Tanaka Farms in Irvine with taiko, ondo dancing, a float parade, games, food, a beer garden, and sake tasting. Pre-purchased parking is required; no walk-ins.
Image: Orange County Optimist Club
Washington, D.C.
Washington Chinese Culture Festival runs August 29, 2026 on Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues NW with cultural performances and community booths.
Image: Greater Washington Chinese American Community
Austin, Texas
#OitaATX Japan Summer Festival runs August 30, 2026 at the Long Center with Japanese food, marketplace vendors, and cultural performances.
Image: Austin Oita Sister City Committee
Vancouver, British Columbia
VTWFF marks its 20th anniversary September 4–5, 2026 at the VIFF Centre with the theme New Generation Lenses, spotlighting emerging Taiwanese filmmakers through screenings, panels, and industry programming.
Image: Vancouver Taiwanese Film Society
Chicago, Illinois
CSAFF's 17th edition runs September 17–20, 2026 in downtown Chicago, showcasing South and Southeast Asian cinema with screenings, panels, galas, and networking across the Midwest film circuit.
Image: Chicago South Asian Film Festival
Los Angeles, California
L.A. Comic Con returns October 30 through November 1, 2026 at the Los Angeles Convention Center with 800-plus exhibitors, 200-plus panels, and dedicated anime programming at Anime and Akiba Station.
Image: L.A. Comic Con
Toronto, Ontario
Reel Asian's 30th anniversary festival runs November 11–21, 2026 in Toronto with an online Canada-wide edition November 16–29, presenting pan-Asian and diaspora film across TIFF Lightbox, Hot Docs, and partner venues.
Image: Reel Asian
Past listings stay here for a few weeks so you can catch recaps, photo dumps, and what to bookmark for next year.
Los Angeles, California
The City of Los Angeles Lotus Festival returns July 11–12, 2026 at Echo Park Lake, honoring Sri Lankan culture with dragon boat races, two stages of performances, a food court, and the Lights of Dreams lantern event.
Image: Ramsey Isler / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Skokie, Illinois
Japan Fest Chicago runs July 11–12, 2026 at Skokie Sports Park East with taiko, tea ceremony, J-pop, and Japanese street food.
Image: Chicago Japanese American Council / Photo via Eventbrite
Hanover, Maryland
Live! Night Market at Live! Casino Maryland runs July 11–12, 2026 with free entry, Asian street-food vendors, DJ music, and casino giveaways.
Image: Asia in a Bite / Live! Casino Maryland
Riverside, California
Spirit of Japan Riverside runs July 11–12, 2026 at White Park with Japanese festival food, sake tastings, cultural programming, and live performances. Hours are 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9:00 p.m. Sunday.
Image: Spirit of Japan
Boston, Massachusetts
Chinatown Main Street Summer Festival runs July 11, 2026 at Auntie Kay and Uncle Frank Chin Park / Chinatown Gate with lion dance, martial arts, and vendor booths.
Image: Boston Chinatown Main Street
Fairfax Station, Virginia
Ekoji Obon runs July 11, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with bon odori, Nen Daiko, food booths, and a candlelight memorial garden ceremony. Tickets are $10; no sales at the gate.
Image: Ekoji Buddhist Temple
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Holoholo Market returns July 11, 2026 at Fergusons Downtown with AANHPI and Pacific diaspora food, craft, and community vendors.
Image: The Holoholo Market / Fergusons Downtown
Oxnard, California
Oxnard Buddhist Temple Obon runs Saturday, July 11, 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with food, dance, and music. Admission is free.
Image: Chuck Kirman / Ventura County Star
Austin, Texas
The Austin Asian American Film Festival lists its 18th edition for June 24-28, 2026, with film submissions closed and badge and schedule details on the official site.
Image: Ron Cogswell / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Anaheim, California
Taste of Japan runs June 19–21, 2026 at STC Anaheim GardenWalk with free general admission, more than 100 Japanese food and culture vendors, main-stage performances, and a 21+ Kanpai Yokocho sake and beer garden.
Image: Adrian / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Boston, Massachusetts
Nathika Events hosts the Asian Food Festival at Rowes Wharf Plaza on the Rose Kennedy Greenway June 20–21, 2026, with street food vendors, live performances, games, and a DJ from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Image: Pattaya (thanks for 40 Mio views!) from Pattaya / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
San Francisco, California
The San Francisco Dragon Boat Festival holds Friendship Races at Lake Merced June 20–21, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with sprint and distance heats, cultural programming, vendors, and family activities after a Chinatown opening on June 13.
Image: San Francisco Dragon Boat Festival
