80th Annual Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar
Where Tradition Meets Today
Saturday, August 8 | 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Step into a vibrant celebration of flavor, culture, and community at the 80th Annual Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar—where generations of tradition meet the energy of today.
For 80 years, the Buddhist Church of Sacramento has brought people together through food and shared cultural experiences. When the Japanese-Americans were released from internment camps in 1946 at the end of World War II, the Buddhist Church of Sacramento became a safe place for returning families to connect and support each other. The annual Japanese Food and Cultural Bazaar has grown into one of Sacramento’s longest-running and most beloved cultural events.
This year, experience the spirit of Japan—right here in Sacramento.
Come when it works for you—afternoon or evening—and enjoy great food, drinks, and entertainment with friends and family.
Tips for Enjoying Our Bazaar
Come hungry—there’s plenty to try
Bring friends and family to share the experience
Take your time exploring different food and entertainment areas
Don’t forget to try the Bazaar-exclusive favorites
Enjoy lunch with live cultural performances
Dance or chill to Clean Slate and DJ Soosh! and Friends during the afternoon and evening while enjoying drinks, food and entertainment.
Stay until the end to watch the fun, energetic Taiko groups from U.C. Berkeley and U.C. Davis.
A Festival of Flavor
You’ll be welcomed by the unmistakable aroma of our famous BBQ teriyaki chicken—smoke drifting along X Street and beef teriyaki being grilled for our uniquely Sacramento sandwich.
Enjoy traditional favorites like:
BBQ Teriyaki Chicken
Beef Teriyaki Sandwich
Udon, sushi, gyoza, tofu, poke, and somen
Japanese sweets like an pan and mochi
and more!
Plus, explore new modern street food menu items inspired by today’s Japan. Food is served and sold in various food stalls throughout our bazaar, so you can grab your favorite specialty item or sample your way through the Bazaar at your own pace.
Entertainment Throughout the Day
No matter when you arrive, you’ll find something happening.
Enjoy a mix of cultural performances and modern entertainment, including:
Taiko drumming and traditional arts
Martial arts demonstrations
Japanese dance and music
Live Koto musical performance
Ikebana flower arranging demonstration
Live band covering decades of hits
DJ sets bringing a contemporary vibe and live rap performances
Featuring:
Sacramento Taiko Dan
Sakura Minyo Doo Koo Kai
Eagle Claw Kung Fu
Sacramento Kendo Club
Sacramento Ikebana Club
Koto by Michiyo Koga
University Taiko featuring: UC Berkeley Cal Raijin Taiko and UC Davis Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan.
Clean Slate (10-piece band)
DJ Soosh! and Friends!
Drop in at any time and catch a performance—it’s all part of the experience.
Culture, Community & Connection
The Bazaar is more than a food festival—it’s a place to connect.
Learn through Buddhism 101
Watch live martial arts demonstrations of Kendo and Kung Fu
Enjoy kids’ games and raffles
Experience traditions passed down for generations
Whether it’s your first visit or a yearly tradition, there’s something here for everyone.
What to Expect
Free admission and entertainment
Food and drinks available throughout the day
A lively, welcoming atmosphere
Easy access with free shuttle service from nearby parking at 8th and X streets
A great place to meet up, explore, and enjoy at your own pace
Plan Your Visit
Make the most of your Bazaar experience with a little planning—then enjoy the day your way.
📍 Date & Time
Saturday, August 8
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
🎟 Admission
Free admission and entertainment for all ages
🚗 Parking & Shuttle
Convenient parking is available at the city lot under the freeway at 8th & X Street.
A free shuttle service will bring you to and from the Bazaar throughout the day.
⏰ When to Come
Midday: Relax and enjoy lunch as talented performers showcase Japanese music, dance, martial arts, and cultural traditions.
Afternoon & Evening: Enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, delicious food, refreshing beverages, and an unforgettable festival atmosphere.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available. See button below.
About
For over 75 years, our beloved Bazaar has always been something to look forward to and to reminisce. For one day in August, visitors and Sangha members alike enjoy a vast array of Japanese food, cultural events, music, and games.
The words “Thank You” are not enough to express our gratitude to the Greater Sacramento community for their patronage over the decades. It is through the continued support of our families, friends and visitors, as well as hundreds of dedicated volunteers, that enable us to keep this longstanding tradition alive as a highlight of the summer!
History
1947 marked the beginning of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento Bazaar, as the Japanese rebuilt their community following their forced removal from the West Coast by Executive Order during World War II. The Bazaar was primarily a social festival where church members and the local Japanese community shared good food, great memories and lasting friendships. In later years, the Bazaar was expanded to include Japanese cultural exhibits and demonstrations such as flower arranging (Ikebana), classical dancing (Odori), calligraphy, concerts, Taiko drum performances, and more.
Hundreds of volunteers, ages 7 to 90, invest thousands of hours to bring the Bazaar to life. We gratefully welcome back annual attendees and are thrilled to see new visitors, traveling from miles around, to join in the festivities. Proceeds from our Annual Bazaar support the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, as well as our affiliated organizations: Dharma School, youth basketball teams, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Sakura Gakuen Japanese language school for children and adults, among other groups at the temple.
Fun Facts
We cook over 2000 pounds of chicken
We use 1,000 pounds of rice
We use over 400 pounds of charcoal
We use over one ton or 3000 pounds of ice
We use over 20 gallons of soy sauce
We provide over 5000 packets of soy sauce
