The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) will host its 2026 Natsumatsuri Family Festival on Saturday, August 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. PDT. The event, which is free to the public, will be held at the Terasaki Budokan located at 249 S. Los Angeles St. in Little Tokyo. While admission is free, the museum requests that attendees reserve tickets in advance through the organization’s website.
Event Schedule and Cultural Programming
The festival offers a range of performances throughout the day at the Terasaki Budokan. According to the event schedule, the programming begins at 11 a.m. with the JANM ukulele band. At 11:30 a.m., Elaine Fukumoto will lead a community Bon Odori dance, a tradition associated with Obon festivals that honor ancestral spirits.
The afternoon lineup continues at 1 p.m. with an improv performance by Cold Tofu, identified by the museum as the nation’s longest-running Asian American improv and sketch comedy group. Following that, the indie band Kotolan will perform at 1:45 p.m., featuring a mix of synth and art pop. The festival concludes with a 2:30 p.m. performance by the J-Town Taiko Club, a group that offers programs in traditional Japanese drumming.
Activities and Community Engagement
Visitors can participate in several interactive stations throughout the festival. These include a photo booth provided by Mighty Little Studio and a craft area where attendees can decorate baseball caps or make paper fans. Ruthie’s Origami Corner will host sessions on folding lanterns and frogs, an activity named for the late JANM volunteer Ruthie Kitagawa, who led such workshops for years.
Additional engagement opportunities include a stamp rally featuring designs by Paul Frank and a Discover Nikkei activity focused on family stories and food. The Democracy Center will also host a pop-up Wish Wall, inviting participants to contribute to a national project marking the 250th birthday of the United States.
Did You Know? The Natsumatsuri Family Festival is being held at the Terasaki Budokan because the main JANM Pavilion is currently closed for renovations. The museum plans to continue its programs at various locations throughout Southern California through late 2026.
Future Outlook
The festival serves as a component of the museum’s broader strategy to maintain public engagement while its permanent facility undergoes construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to attend the Natsumatsuri Family Festival?
No, the festival is free, though the museum asks that all attendees reserve tickets online at janm.org/events/2026-08-15/2026-natsumatsuri-family-festival.
Where is the festival located this year?
The event will be held at the Terasaki Budokan, located at 249 S. Los Angeles St. in Little Tokyo.
What is the significance of the origami activity?
The activity is held in honor of long-time JANM volunteer Ruthie Kitagawa (1937–2020), who facilitated origami workshops at the museum for many years.
Will you be participating in any of the traditional craft or dance workshops during this year’s festival?
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