2026 Obon Festival July 2026
Information to be posted Spring 2026
2025 Summer Obon Festival Summary.
The Guadalupe Buddhist Church Annual Obon Festival
Took Place:
Sunday July 27, 2025, 12-6pm
2024 Location: Santa Maria Veterans Memorial Building
313 W Tunnell St, Santa Maria, CA 93458
Obon 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.
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 Dances
Experience 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! Schedule to be posted soon.
Top 10 Prizes are Cash & Many more prizes
Raffle 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 demonstration
Japanese Store:
-View various cultural items available from kimonos, housewares, decorations and more!
Silent Auction:
-Bid on unique cultural items
Contact:
Email: GUADALUPEBUDDHISTCHURCH
Call: (805) 343-1053
Videos:
–YouTube Video from past Obon festival
-Highlights from the 2022 Obon Festival
–Santa Maria Times 2024
–Santa Maria Times
–News Channel 3
–Lompoc Record 2017
WHERE:
Veterans’ Memorial Center
313 W Tunnell St, Santa Maria, CA 93458
(FREE street parking)
Admission is FREE