This weekend the exciting and entertaining Obon Festival at the Stockton Buddhist Temple takes place.  It all starts on Saturday, July 31st lasting through Sunday, August 1st.  This annual festival will bring the food, dance, sword displays and entertainment of the Japanese culture.  Time is 11:00am-8pm on both days.

From StocktonBuddhistTemple.com:

The exciting Cultural festival that will be on Saturday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 1, starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m. each day. Performances by community performance groups including Stockton Bukkyo Taiko and Sacramento Taiko groups as well as traditional dance from local dance groups and martial arts demonstrations will be done throughout the day. This takes place in our Social Hall along with a variety of Japanese crafts for sale and display.

The traditional “taste of Japan” brings traditional favorites of teriyaki chicken, kushiyaki, traditional sushi, and hot udon, all served both indoor and outside. Outside entertainment includes our variety of games for children and adults. Temple tours will also be given along with our farmer’s market and plant sale.

Check out the Samari demonstration from the 2009 Obon Festival: