The Japan-America Society of DFW (JASDFW) will host its largest Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Haggard Park in Plano, Texas. The free, family-friendly event celebrates the centuries-old Japanese autumn tradition of moon viewing, known as Otsukimi, and aims to bring Japanese culture to North Texas through a diverse lineup of performances, demonstrations, and activities.
The festival will feature a variety of entertainment across multiple stages. Taiko drumming by Dallas Kiyari Daiko will open the evening at 6:00 p.m. and again at 7:40 p.m. on the Main Stage. Sumo wrestling demonstrations by the Dallas Sumo Club are scheduled for 6:20 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 8:50 p.m. at the Martial Arts area. A Ghibli song concert at 6:30 p.m., a children's chorus performance by the Dallas Cherry Blossom Children's Chorus at 7:00 p.m., Okinawan dance by Okinawa Eisa Ryukyu-damashii at 7:40 p.m., a live JPOP concert by Sallad at 8:20 p.m., and an anime screening with voice actor Emi Lo at 9:10 p.m. will also take place on the Main Stage. Emi Lo, known for voicing Maomao, will make a special appearance.
Beyond performances, attendees can enjoy Japanese cultural experiences, art and cultural vendors, family activities including games and bounce houses, and a wide variety of food vendors serving authentic Japanese, Asian, and American cuisine in the SpotOn Food Pavillion. Plano Mayor John B. Muns will be onsite to welcome festival guests. Admission and parking are free, and guests are encouraged to register in advance for free tickets to be entered for a chance to win door prizes and receive festival updates.
The event is supported by Toyota as Community Impact Partner and key sponsors including SpotOn, H-E-B, Kawai, 7-Eleven, NEC, i Fratelli Pizza, The Original Pancake House DFW, EZ On Coat, The Time Group, and FC Dallas. Their support underscores the growing interest in Japanese culture and community engagement in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
For business and technology leaders, the festival highlights the increasing cultural and economic ties between Japan and North Texas. The involvement of major corporations such as Toyota, NEC, and 7-Eleven demonstrates how Japanese companies are investing in local communities, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and building brand loyalty. The event also showcases the integration of technology and entertainment, with anime and JPOP performances appealing to younger demographics and driving engagement. As the DFW area continues to attract Japanese businesses and talent, cultural festivals like Otsukimi serve as vital platforms for networking, cultural exchange, and community building, ultimately strengthening international business relationships.
The Otsukimi Festival is free and open to the public. It will be held at Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th Street, Plano, TX 75074. For more information and to register for free tickets, visit the Japan-America Society of DFW website.
