Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth Plans Largest Otsukimi Festival Yet in Plano

The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, in partnership with the City of Plano, has announced plans for its biggest Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival to date. Scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Haggard Park in Plano, the free, family-friendly event promises to bring together the North Texas community for an evening of Japanese culture, entertainment, and hands-on activities under the autumn moon.

This year marks the 27th annual festival, and organizers say it will be the largest and most exciting yet. "Otsukimi is a special opportunity for families, friends and visitors of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the beauty of Japanese culture," said Grant Ogata, President of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. "We are excited to expand this year's festival with more entertainment, activities, food and cultural experiences than ever throughout the entire park."

Attractions will include spectacular taiko drum performances, Japanese anime and pop culture experiences, sumo wrestling demonstrations, free children's games, live music, traditional Japanese dance, an expanded food pavilion featuring authentic Japanese and Asian cuisine, martial arts demonstrations, and various hands-on cultural activities and workshops. The festival celebrates Otsukimi, a traditional Japanese custom of moon viewing that has been observed for centuries with seasonal foods, music, and gatherings.

Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to reserve free tickets in advance through the Japan-America Society's website to receive festival updates and opportunities to win special prizes. Applications are also open for businesses and organizations interested in participating as sponsors or vendors, offering opportunities to connect with festival attendees through on-site engagement and promotional visibility. For more information, visit www.jasdfw.org.

The festival's expansion reflects the growing interest in Japanese culture in North Texas and provides a platform for local businesses to engage with a diverse audience. As one of the region's leading Japanese cultural events, the Otsukimi Festival not only celebrates tradition but also fosters economic and community ties, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.