Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach will host its annual
Obon Weekend on August 10-11, from 10am to 5pm. Obon is a traditional Japanese festival and holiday observed to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors, who are believed to return home for a short time to visit their living relatives.
Bon Alter and Memory Slips
During Obon Weekend, museum visitors are invited to fill out paper slips in memory of lost loved ones. Guests can also pay their respects to founder George Morikami’s bon altar on display in the Kamiya Room, next to the Membership desk.
Taiko Drumming
Experience the ancient art of taiko drumming. Fushu Daiko will perform live drumming performances in the Morikami Theater on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm (Sunday only). Taiko performances are $5 for members; $10 for non-members with paid museum admission. Purchase tickets at
morikami.org/event/obon-weekend.
Bon Dancing Workshop and Performance
On Saturday, learn the ancestral art of Bon Odori with Fushu Daiko on the museum’s lakefront terrace. Also known as the Bon dance, this festive folk dance is performed in a circle and honors the deceased relatives and ancestors. Afterward, participants will participate in a Bon dance performance to live music by Fushu Daiko. Bon dance workshop is from 3:30-3:50pm; Bon dance performance is from 3:50-4:20pm. Free.
Guiding Lights
In honor of Obon, guests can light up private celebrations and welcome home beloved ancestors’ spirits with a colorful Guiding Light Lantern ($5 each). Available for purchase in the Morikami Museum Lobby.
Obon Weekend admission is $16 for adults; $10 for children; and free for museum members.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit
morikami.org.
In Japan, Take Akari, or Bamboo Light festivals, have become beloved cultural celebrations, captivating audiences across the country for over three decades. These festivals were initiated to raise awareness about the critical importance of maintaining bamboo forests and to educate the community on the significance of this vital natural resource in daily life. Now, this mesmerizing experience comes to life at the Morikami.
Take Akari: Bamboo Lights offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the artistry and master craftsmanship of Akihiro Mashimo, whose illuminated bamboo installations create a unique and immersive atmosphere. The exhibition allows attendees to experience a piece of Japan's vibrant festival culture and brings awareness to the importance of environmental conservation.
Take Akari: Bamboo Lights is funded in part by 
