Celebrating its 79th anniversary, the Nisei Week Japanese Festival offers two weekends of free, family-friendly cultural events, interactive and unique activations, delicious tastes, music, and more in the historic neighborhood of Little Tokyo.

The JACCC hosts free outdoor entertainment,including  taiko drums, Japanese dancers, martial arts, and musical performances, as well as children’s activities, cultural exhibits, and food & drinks.  (A schedule of many of the festival events can be found on their website).

Among the first weekend highlights are a Grand Parade that goes through Little Tokyo on Sunday at 4 pm,  and the 11th Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival (all weekend). Returning on the first Sunday is Aki’s Pup Up Pawty, where attendees can bring their fur babies to partake in the festivities and enjoy a special appearance by Aki the Akita and other celebrity Instagram-famous dogs.(11am – 2pm).

Notable events on the second weekend include Gyoza Eating Competition,  a Rubik’s Cube Openand the Nisei Week Car Show, (all on Saturday). On Sunday, guests can enjoy ​Ondo Public Street Dancing at 4pm on 1st Street.  A Closing Ceremony follows.

The Nisei Week Japanese Festival is when the streets of Little Tokyo come alive with food, culture, arts, and entertainment. Come celebrate our 79th anniversary with us! The two weekends will be packed full of FREE fun and festivities.

EVENTS SCHEDULE

AUGUST 10 (Saturday)

– Nisei Week at JACCC
– Cultural Exhibits & Demos, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center – JACCC
– Rubik’s Cube Open, JACCC Plaza – 8AM
– Los Angeles Tanabata Festival, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA – 11AM
– 2017 Natsumatsuri Family Festival, Japanese American National Museum- 11AM
– Coronation, Aratani Japan America Theater – 7PM*

AUGUST 11 (Sunday)

– Nisei Week at JACCC
– Cultural Exhibits & Demos – JACCC
– Los Angeles Tanabata Festival – 11AM
– Grand Parade, Streets of Little Tokyo – 4:00pm

AUGUST 17 (Saturday)

– 2019 Day-Lee Foods World Gyoza Eating Championship, JACCC Plaza – 2PM
– NISEI Showoff CAR SHOW at Aiso Parking Lot Los Angeles
– Nisei Week at JACCC
– Cultural Exhibits & Demos – JACCC

AUGUST 18 (Sunday)

– Nisei Week at JACCC (feat. taiko drumming)
– Cultural Exhibits & Demos – JACCC
– Ondo and closing ceremony, 1st Street between San Pedro St. & Central Ave. – 4PM