Dates not confirmed yet. This edition is expected in August 2027, based on when it has run before. Check the organizer before making plans.

Community

Ginza Holiday Festival

#japanesefestival#taiko#oldtown#midwestbuddhisttemple#chickenteriyaki#august

Date

Expected August 2027

Location

Midwest Buddhist Temple
435 W Menomonee St, Chicago, IL 60614

Organized by

Midwest Buddhist Temple

About this happenin

Ginza Holiday Festival is a weekend of Japanese American food and stage shows in the parking lot of the Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee Street in Old Town. The temple started it in 1955 as a fundraiser to introduce its neighbors to Japanese food and entertainment, and borrowed the name from the Tokyo shopping district. Guests still walk in through the original red torii gates. The first year brought the chicken teriyaki, a family recipe from an early temple member, and it is still the top seller. On stage are minyo folk dancing and martial-arts demonstrations such as kendo. Taiko drumming has been on the program since the mid-1970s. Artisans sell outdoors. The chapel opens for tours, and on Saturday and Sunday the ministers give short talks on Shin Buddhism between sets. It runs Friday evening to Sunday afternoon in August. Everyone 12 and over is asked for a $5 donation, and anyone under 16 needs an adult along.

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