Experience Japanese Culture, Food, Music, and Traditions at Nikkei Matsuri
Matsuri Eve Zenyasai Beer Garden
Friday, August 30, 2024
4pm-10pm
Nikkei Matsuri
Saturday and Sunday, August 31 and September 1, 2024
11am-7pm
Nikkei Matsuri returns this Labor Day weekend. Join us for a weekend filled with festivities - a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture.
Festival Highlights:
Cultural Experiences: Witness the lively Mikoshi procession and participate in the Bon Odori dance around the festival Yagura tower. Yukata rentals are available for those wanting to dress in traditional Japanese festival attire.
Food & Games: Enjoy Yatai street food stalls and food trucks offering delicious Japanese festival foods. Young attendees will love festival games like yo-yo balloon fishing, super ball scooping, balloon darts, and more, with fun prizes to be won.
Activities & Shopping: Enjoy treats and unique shopping opportunities at the Food Zone, Beer Garden, Nikkei Cafe, Marketplace, Tea Room, and Japanese Bookstore. Explore Hello Kitty crafts, museum exhibits and archives, and relax at the Seniors Lounge.
Special Guests from Japan:
This year, we are welcoming three special guests from Japan.
Masaki Yogi: A sanshin maker, player, and teacher from Miyako Island, Okinawa. Yogi will perform, demonstrate the sanshin-making process, and showcase and sell handmade crafts.
WA Studio KIWA: A kimono upcycling designer who will present stage performances, workshops, and exhibit unique creations.
Mrs. Candy-G: A candy artist introducing innovative candy art. Join her interactive balloon candy-making event on Friday evening, and enjoy demonstrations and sales on Saturday and Sunday.
Special Event:
Matsuri Eve Zenyasai Beer Garden: Relax and dance on Friday, August 30, from 4pm-10pm among chochin lanterns and the Yagura tower in the garden. Enjoy cold beer, Japanese sake, and festival foods while dancing to summertime house music.
Visit NIKKEIMATSURI.CA for details. Related workshops will be held on Monday, September 2.
Nikkei Matsuri is made possible by the support of sponsors, donors, volunteers, community members, and members. All proceeds benefit the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre’s cultural and community programs, educational outreach, and exhibits. For more details and updates, visit our website or follow us on social media.
We are looking for volunteers to help make the festival a success. Join us!
Admission
Advance tickets: $8 + tax
At the door: $10 tax included
Paid admission is required for Adults 18-64 years old.
Advance tickets with priority entry are available for $8 + tax. Tickets at the door are $10 including tax.
Free and no tickets nor bookings required for:
NNMCC members [presentation of membership card required at entrance]
Children/Youth 0-17 years old.
Seniors 65+
Admission is free for all between 6pm-7pm.
Tickets
Your ticket is valid for one day.
Advance tickets - we encourage you to present your ticket on a mobile device, but you can print it out too.
Refund policy
Refunds are available up to 7 days before the event starts.
Eventbrite fees are non-refundable and will be deducted from your refund.
Strollers
Strollers are not allowed inside the building.
Strollers are allowed in the front Nikkei Garden.
Unsupervised stroller parking is available by the West and East Entrances.
Pets and animals
Service Animals are allowed anywhere.
Pets are allowed in the front garden.
Pets are not allowed inside the building.
Wearing costumes
People wearing costumes covering your face, such as kigurumi, cannot enter the paid areas.
