Come join the downtown Los Angeles community at the 79th Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo. Taking place this year from August 10-18, Nisei Week is one of the nation’s longest running ethnic festivals of its kind. The Festival showcases free Japanese cultural events, activities and exhibits, including music and entertainment, food, and fun spanning two weekends. Take part and experience one of LA’s premier summer cultural events!
First Weekend – August 10-11
• Tanabata Festival: The 12th annual free Tanabata Festival (August 10-11) will color Little Tokyo’s Central Avenue and Museum of Contemporary Art (Geffen) between Temple and First streets with large, assorted streamers (kazari). Individuals, families, community groups, businesses, churches, temples, and others have contributed their one of a kind displays.
• Plaza Festival at the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center (JACCC): Plenty of entertainment such as Taiko, martial arts exhibitions, and activities will be available for the entire family at the Plaza Festival, August 10-11. Additionally, free cultural exhibits such as bonsai, calligraphy, Ikebana, and more will be on display.
• Sunset on the Plaza at JACCC: In the evenings, JACCC’s Plaza Fest transitions to the Nisei Week’s “Sunset on the Plaza” night event, featuring pop-up food vendors, entertainment, and more.
• Aki’s Pup Up Party: On Sunday, August 11, come join Aki the Akita and friends at Aki’s Pup Up Party, where there will be shopping, food, and fun for pups of all ages and sizes.
• Nisei Week Grand Parade: Routing through the streets of Little Tokyo, the Grand Parade will begin at 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 11. The parade will include Japanese traditional dancers, Japanese taiko drums, a Nebuta float, and special guests and honorees including this year’s Grand Marshal, retired Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender Janice Fukai.
Second Weekend – August 17-18
• Day-Lee Foods World Gyoza Eating Championship: On August 17, come watch the 13th Annual Day-Lee Foods World Gyoza Eating Championship, where competitive eating greats such as hot dog-eating champion Joey Chestnut and YouTube sensation Matt Stonie have competed. The Gyoza Championship will be taking place on stage at the JACCC.
• Ondo Street Dance Party: To close another year of Nisei Week, Ondo street dancing will be held on Sunday, August 18 at 4 p.m. on Little Tokyo’s First Street. The public is encouraged to join in this Japanese street dancing ritual.
For further information, visit www.NiseiWeek.org, call the Nisei Week office at 213-687-7183 or email info@niseiweek.org
NOTE: It is always a good idea to verify date, time, location and other information prior to going.
Eye Spy LA is not responsible for the accuracy of this information.
Go To Website *** Get MAP ***
|