Welcome to BCO’s 2026 Obon Festival!
We, at the Buddhist Church of Oakland (BCO), wish to extend our warmest welcome to you. Try our Japanese delicacies at the food bazaar, enjoy the traditional Japanese cultural demonstrations and Ikebana Floral Exhibit. Complete the exciting evening by joining in and celebrating with us in the Obon dancing.
New 2026 Poster by Mika Bridge
OBON FESTIVAL
One of the most colorful and festive events expressing the meaning of life on the Buddhist calendar is the Obon Festival. It is a time to set aside for joyous festivity, to express gratitude for shared lives, and to deepen the understanding between all humankind.
According to the Ulambana Sutra, this is the origin of Obon:
When a high disciple of Buddha attained insight into the depths of existence, he saw his mother suffering in Hungry Hell. She was in great pain, emaciated to bones and clothed in rags. In front of her was a tempting spread of delicacies and rich food. When she picked up something to eat, the food burst into flames. This was her punishment for greediness and selfishness in her lifetime. In deep grief, the disciple sought the help of Buddha, whose heart was moved with compassion. The Buddha told the disciple to do a great deed of selfless giving. This, the disciple did. The woman was released from hell and delivered to a comfortable place. When the disciple saw this, he was overjoyed, and he and his friends celebrated with music, dancing, and an offering of gratitude to Buddha.
The story is significant in that as we reflect upon our lives, we are able to visualize the re-enactment of this story, even in our present lives. For example, for the welfare of their child, parents may choose an undesirable path, the child often unaware. To open our eyes to this
fact, to see ourselves in the true light, and to extend our gratitude for such sacrifices is the meaning of Obon.
*2026 Obon Program
Version 2.0 – 7/21/2026
Event/Dance Program
*subject to change without notice.
Obon Donation
Sangha & Friends – Help Needed !
Volunteers requested for Friday, July 31st and Saturday, August 1st to assist with food preparation, construction, and other support activities. If you are able to help, please contact Jon Takagaki by email (jtaka1014@gmail.com)
2026 Obon Dance Practice Schedule
Obon Dance Practice Schedule
(all practices 7:00 – 8:30 pm)
Tuesday, July 21
Thursday, July 23
Monday, July 27
Wednesday, July 29
Thursday, July 30
2026 v.2 Practice Obon Flyer
All practice sessions held at
Buddhist Church of Oakland – 825 Jackson St., Oakland
Limited parking available
Obon Memorial Lantern Tags
*New and Renew Tags
Information and Ordering
REGISTRATION AND REQUESTS
FOR ALL
New & /Current Existing TAGS
Please mail Checks to Church if you ordered before the deadline: July 26th.
*We are requesting that all past/existing/current Obon Lantern Tags be renewed each year BEFORE JULY 26th. Orders for NEW Tags must be made before JULY 26th.
Please click on the BUTTON above to renew a past lantern tag and/or request a new tag. Contact the Church Office if you have any questions (CONTACT).
2026 OBON DINING MENU
Saturday August 1, 2026 – 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
*Menu Items
Chicken Teriyaki Meals
Short Rib Teriyaki Meals
Hamburgers & Hot Dogs
Udon
Curry Rice
Curry Udon
Inari Sushi
Spam Musubi & Flavored Musubi
Kuri Asazuke (Cucumber on a Stick)
Kurimanju & Ohagi
Assorted Fresh Baked Desserts and Snack Items
Assorted Drinks (Soda, Water, & Tea)
Japanese Beer & Premium Sake
Hot Tea (free – available in main hall)
* Please come early for best selection of food items.
All items will be available in limited quantities.
Menu Subject to Change Without Notice.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday August 1, 2026
(Subject to Change)
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
FOOD BAZAAR
Location: Outdoor Plaza and Social Hall
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
IKEBANA FLORAL EXHIBIT
Ohara School
Madam Suiyo Fujimoto & Students
Location: Main Building, 2nd Floor (Elevator available)
1:30 pm
TEMPLE TOUR
Rev. Harry Gyokyo Bridge
Location: Main Building, 2nd Floor, Hondo-Chapel – Elevator available
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
TEA CEREMONY
Urasenke School of Tea
Madam Soga Fujimoto, Sojin Hagawara, & Students
Location: Issei Kaikan Annex Building
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
KOTO TRIO PERFORMANCE
4:00 pm
DRESSING AREA OPEN
Women & Men’s Dressing Rooms Available for Dancers
Location: Issei Kaikan Building
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
MUSIC BY SAN JOSE CHIDORI BAND
Location: Jackson St. – Front of Church
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
OBON ODORI DANCE
Location: Jackson St. – Front of Church
*Program Subject to Change Without Notice.
OBON ODORI DANCE PROGRAM
Musical accompaniment: San Jose Chidori Band
Master of Ceremonies: Gary Tominaga
Public invited to join in the dancing!
***
*Event/Dance Program
Note: Dance Program Subject to Change….
Please join us for our
Obon Service
Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 10:30am
Hatsubon Service -9:30am
(What is Hatsubon? <Link>
Notice: *All Food and Beverage Items are available in “very” limited quantities. We anticipate that many items will sell out “early”. We apologize if the items you choose are not available. This Menu subject to change without notice. Prices subject to change without notice.
The Buddhist Church of Oakland reserves the right to deny service and/or admission to anyone, for any reason, and at any time. All rights are reserved.
Obon Donations
Please make an Obon donation to BCO.
- CHECKS: Mail checks to: Buddhist Church of Oakland, 825 Jackson St, Oakland CA 94607. Please list the “In Memory of…” name if applicable.
Sangha & Friends – Help Needed !
Volunteers requested for Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 to assist with food preparation, construction, and other support activities.
We especially need help Saturday Evening from 5:00 to 8:00 pm to cleanup the food selling areas, dining areas and to clear the street dancing area.
If you are able to help, please contact Jon Takagaki (Coordinator) at jtaka1014@gmail.com
Email: OfficeBCO@gmail.com
Call: the Church Office – 510-832-5988
All Programs and Menus Subject to Change Without Notice. At any time and for any reason, Buddhist Church of Oakland (BCO) reserves the right to refuse and/or revoke admission, passage, and/or services to anyone. Prices and availability of food & beverage items subject to change without notice.