STOCKTON — The Stockton Buddhist Church presents its annual Bon Odori and Cultural Bazaar beginning on Saturday, July 20, at 7 p.m. with the traditional Cultural Bon Odori dance with it’s colorful costumed dancers and music. They follow up on Aug. 3-4 with the cultural arts and food bazaar.

All events will be held at the temple grounds located on 2820 Shimizu Drive in Stockton.

The public is invited to participate and share in this annual event that begins with the traditional Bon Odori Festival dance at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. Bon Odori, is the Buddhist event that commemorates remembrance of one's ancestors. Members of the Church commemorate this tradition with dancing to traditional music. Dancers dressed in traditional Japanese costume, including perform traditional celebration dances including the use of fans, castanets as they celebrate remembrance of ancestors and loved ones who have left.

 It’s believed that during Obon, one’s ancestral spirits return to this world in order to visit their relatives. This Buddhist festival has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people from outside cities return to their hometowns and visit and give remembrance to those departed. 

The second part of the celebration is the traditional Cultural festival is the food, entertainment and games on August 1-2, starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m. each day The indoor stage will feature performance by groups such as the Stockton Bukkyo Taiko and Sacramento Taiko groups along with demonstrations by the Stockton Kendo and a special music performance by the Stockton-Lodi Ukulele Strummers and Sacramento Ukulele group.  This takes place in our Social Hall along with a variety of Japanese crafts for sale and displays 

Outside and indoors feature our food bazaar featuring traditional teriyaki chicken, traditional sushi and hot Udon noodles. There will be other treats including include BBQ oysters, Shaved Ice and a new favorite, Asia dogs.  There’ll be games for kids and adults alike in the carnival area and there will be guided tours of the Temple. The popular plant sale will be on hand as well as the famous raffle for prizes.

The public is encouraged so come out and celebrate, enjoy the arts, play the games and of course, dine on the food. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, please contact the Stockton Buddhist Temple office at:

209-466-6701. Proceeds will benefit the Church community events.