Obon Festival @ SM Veteran's Community Center

The Guadalupe Buddhist Church Annual Obon FestivalSunday, July 26, 2026, 12-6pmLocation: Santa Maria Veterans Memorial Building313 W Tunnell St, Santa Maria, CA 93458Obon Festivals are held around the world in honor of ancestors who have shared their compassion and wisdom with us, therefore contributing much to our lives. Our GBC festival has been held annually before and since the Japanese-American community returned to this area after World War II, with the 2 year exception of the Covid-19 pandemic years, and it is a favorite local event.Food!!Savor Japanese food! From Teriyaki Chicken dinners, Udon, Sushi, even Strawberry Shortcake.Chicken dinner drive thru pickup option available as well during the festival. Japanese DancesExperience traditional dance during the Obon Festival.If you would like to learn the Obon dances beforehand, and have a whole lot of fun,we invite you to participate in our Bon Odori Dance practices! Obon dance practice schedule this year:2026 Practices will be the four Mondays preceding Obon(06/29, 07/06, 07/13 and 07/20) from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the Santa Maria Veteran’s Memorial Community Center andSaturday, July 18th at the church 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.This year’s dance list is:Bon Odori UtaTokyo OndoSeinen OndoThe Lantern SongEi Ja Nai KaBambutsu No TsunagariIchi Tasu Ichi (1+1)Tanko BushiShiawase Samba Raffle!Top 10 Prizes are Cash & Many more prizesRaffle tickets order form coming soon!Performances!Grab food and stay for the traditional performances. -Taiko drummers-Martial arts performances featuring the Rising Sun Martial Arts Academy-Tai Chi- Join in on the fun-Japanese Dance- Join in on the fun-Bonsai! – View a bonsai demonstrationJapanese Store:-View various cultural items available from kimonos, housewares, decorations and more!Silent Auction:-Bid on unique cultural items Contact:Email: GUADALUPEBUDDHISTCHURCH@GMAIL.COMCall: (805) 343-1053WHERE:Veterans’ Memorial Center313 W Tunnell St, Santa Maria, CA 93458(FREE street parking)Admission is FREE