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VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Falkor//Falkor Events//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20260801T220000Z
DTEND:20260803T040000Z
SUMMARY:Gardena Valley Buddhist Church Obon Festival 2026
DESCRIPTION:The Gardena Valley Buddhist Church Obon Festival runs August 1–2\, 2026\, one of the final Obon celebrations of the Southern California summer season. Gardena's Japanese American community is one of the densest in the United States\, and the Obon here reflects generations of cultural continuity in one of the most stable Japanese American neighborhoods in California.\n\nThe Gardena Obon is known for exceptional food — the temple's volunteer crews have been making these dishes for years\, and the teriyaki chicken\, yakisoba\, mochi\, and shave ice have a following that draws people from across the South Bay and beyond. The food lines start before the Bon Odori\, and some booths sell out before the final evening.\n\nBon Odori dancing circles the yagura each evening as darkness falls. Live Taiko drumming opens the dancing\, transitioning into the traditional recorded Obon songs that every seasoned dancer knows by heart. First-timers are welcomed and the dances repeat\, making it easy to learn as you go.\n\nThe Gardena Valley Buddhist Church is located at 1517 W 166th St in Gardena\, a short drive from the 405 freeway. Parking on-site and in surrounding streets. No admission charge. Children's games\, craft tables\, and a plant sale typically run alongside the main festival. The atmosphere is a neighborhood block party with Buddhist roots — warm\, multigenerational\, and genuinely communal.
LOCATION:Gardena Valley Buddhist Church\, 1517 W 166th St\, Gardena\, CA 90247
URL:https://www.falkorevents.com/eventcal/event/5492/details/
UID:event-5492@falkorevents.com
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