Tanabata – The Star Festival

Star Festival features a colorful display of tanzaku, or wish strips, hanging from bamboo. This tradition of writing wishes or prayers comes from the Edo period, when children were encouraged to practice their writing and hang them from bamboo for all to see. Tanabata is one of five seasonal festivals celebrated in Japan since the 8th century. 10:30am – 2:30pm PDT: Wish writing in the Yanai Classroom.
11:00am & 12:30pm PDT: Musical performances by Takohachi Q Ensemble (taiko drums, shinobue flute) featuring storytelling of the Tanabata story in the Pavilion’s East Veranda. Adult: $19.95, Senior (65+) $16.25, Student: $15.25, Youth (6-17): $13.50, Child under 6: Free