White River Buddhist Temple to host annual Bon Odori Festival in Auburn July 26

The White River Buddhist Temple will host the Bon Odori Festival on July 26, 2025, drawing over 1,000 visitors to celebrate cultural heritage and honor ancestors. This vibrant event, free and family-friendly, takes place from 4 to 9:30 p. m. at the temple grounds, located at 3625 Auburn Way North. Tessa Asato, co-chair of the festival, highlighted the event's inclusive nature, offering a mix of dance, culture, and traditional foods.

The evening's schedule includes a Buddhist service at 5:30 p. m. , welcome ceremonies at 6 p. m. , and Bon Odori dancing at 6:15 p.

m. Attendees can enjoy live performances by the Okinawa Kenjin-Kai Eisa Taiko Group and Seattle Matsuri Taiko, scheduled at 4 p. m. and 7:30 p. m.

, respectively. Traditional Japanese foods such as shaved ice and chicken karaage will be available at food booths. The festival also marks the introduction of a new White River Buddhist Temple T-shirt for purchase, enriching the community's cultural offerings.