
Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple 2026 Obon Festival
days till the Obon Festival
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We warmly invite you to join us on Sunday, July 12th for this joyful annual celebration of remembrance, gratitude, and community spirit. Held at the Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple in Seaside, California, the festival offers delicious Japanese foods, vibrant entertainment, beautiful cultural displays, and fun activities for all ages. Whether you're a returning friend or a first-time visitor, come together under the summer sky to honor our ancestors and create lasting memories. We look forward to welcoming you!
Bon Odori Practice
Monterey Obon Dance practice begins June 2nd. The practice sessions for Monterey will be Tuesday and Thursdays at 7:00PM to 8:00PM. You can find the dates on the Calendar Page.
Remember to bring your Uchiwa, Sensu, and Kachi-Kachi. If you do not have your own there will be a limited number available for use during dance practice.
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Japanese Food
Tempura
Udon
Gyoza
Edamame
Sushi
Beef Teriyaki Bowl
Somen Salad
Japanese Hotdogs
Ice Cream
Shave Ice​
Drinks (Soda)
Beer Booth
Demonstrations
Shorinji Kempo
Tea Ceremony
Aikido
Bonsai Demonstration
Ikebana Demonstration
Taiko​
Other Attractions
Welcome Table
Asian Store
Temple Merchandise
Intro to Buddhism
Bonsai Display
Ikebana Display
Japanese Dolls Display
JACL Display
Kids Games
Donors List
The following is the list of Donor who contributed to the 2026 Obon Festival.
Andy & Kathleen Yoshiyama
Greg Nishimura
Karen Sakai
Anonymous
Toshiko Uyeda
Hisashi Yoneya
Leonard Yoshiyama
Kenneth & Joyce Esaki
Yoshiko Hong
Anonymous
Morgan & Setsuko Nishiguchi
Margaret Satow
Elizabeth Sumida
Giving Back to the Community
The Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple generously gives back to the local community by directing a portion of the proceeds from its annual Obon Festival toward donations supporting various non-profit organizations. This practice reflects the temple’s commitment to the spirit of compassion and interconnectedness central to Buddhist teachings, helping to fund essential services and initiatives that benefit residents across the Monterey Peninsula. Through these contributions, the temple strengthens community ties while honoring the joyful, communal essence of the Obon celebration.
Non-profit organizations that have received a donation from the MPBT in previous years
Direct Relief
Food Bank
Meals on Wheels
I-HELP
Long Term Care Ombudsman
Marina Foundation
Special Kids Connect
Big Sur Land Trust
JACL Heritge Fund
Art Abilities
Monterey Peninsula JACL
SPCA Wildlife Rescue
Breakthrough for Men
Seaside Police Activities League
Shuman Heart House
Blind & Visually Impaired Center
Elkhorn Slough Foundation
Salinas Valley Health Foundation
South County Animal Rescue
Monterey High School Resource Center

