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2026 Obon Festival 盆踊り at Placer Buddhist Church
Placer Buddhist Church, 3192 Boyington Rd, Penryn, CA, USWe close out this year's Obon (or Bon Odori) season with the festival held at Placer Buddhist Church. If you missed the one in Sacramento this year (or if you just can't get enough Obon), here's one more chance to take part in this fun cultural event! It's smaller than the Sacramento Obon, and a little more out of the way, but just as enjoyable (and a lot LESS CROWDED). They also have the best selection of dances and the best instruction in the area (according to Norio). This is one of the highlights of every summer for this Meetup, definitely not to be missed. We highly recommend that you participate (dance!) and not just watch. The dances are not hard, but it helps a LOT if you come to practice. You practice for two weeks (on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) before the festival, going through all the dances. Practice starts at 7 pm. Practice Dates: July 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, and 31. The festival will be Saturday, August 2.
Many of the dances use certain equipment. It's not necessary to have any of the items to do the dances, but it does make it more fun!
Here's a list of the items used in the dances: 1. Kachi Kachi (Japanese castanets) 2. Sensu (folding fan) 3. Uchiwa (circular fan, one with a round stick so it can be rotated in your hand is best) 4. Tenugui (hand towel). You may be able to get some of these items at the festival itself, at the practice sessions, or locally at Daiso.
Tips for First Timers:
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Past events
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