Where Tradition Meets Today...
Where Tradition Meets Today...
The Experience
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Celebrating 80 Years
Saturday, August 8 from 11 a.m. to 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. Gather with family and friends and experience the taste and culture of Japan with delicious food stalls, cultural programs and entertainment.
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Fun For the Whole Family
Traditions Meet Today
For 80 years, the Buddhist Church of Sacramento has brought people together through food and shared cultural experiences. The annual Japanese Food and Cultural Bazaar has grown into one of Sacramento’s longest-running and most beloved cultural events. Food, drinks, live performances and kids games - there’s something for all ages.
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Entertainment All Day
Cultural Programs and Live Entertainment
Enjoy cultural demonstration and performances starting at 11 a.m. with Taiko and Koto performances, Martial Arts and Ikebana demonstration Buddhism 101, and Sake 101 presented by Takara Sake. Starting at 3 p.m. dance to the music of Clean Slate playing five decades of music, followed by Soosh! and Friends who will DJ and rap. The event comes to a close with Cal Raijin Taiko + UC Davis Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan.
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Plenty to Eat
Traditional Favorite and New Street Eats
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. A festival of flavor offering the traditional favorites like Sushi, Udon and fresh baked Japanese sweets and introducing popular foods today, with two new stalls - Izakaya offering dishes to share and Street Eats with favorites such as Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
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New Japanese Beverages Added
Quench your thirst with something new! This year we're featuring Japanese favorites like Konjac Jelly Drinks, Pocari Sweat, and a variety of Calpico flavors at our Cold Beverages booth. Be sure to stop by our new Matcha Booth for a refreshing Matcha Latte or Thai Tea.
For guests 21 and over, we're introducing two new premium sakes along with a refreshing J-POP Sparkling Malt beverage. Beginning at 3:00 p.m., following our Sake 101 presentation, enjoy a flight of four premium sakes available for purchase.
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Location and Parking Information
We are located at 2401 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95818. Paid parking is available under the freeway on 8th Street between W and X Streets. We offer a free shuttle to and from the parking lot to the main gate of our Bazaar on Quinn Way. There is also a pedestrian entrance on X Street.
Note: before we open at 11 a.m., guests can line up on the X street side. Just remember, there is plenty of entertainment and activity all day so check the schedule of events and plan accordingly. Food is prepared throughout the day. -
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Bid For Something Special
Our Tradition Continues in a New Way!
Instead of our bazaar raffle, explore our new Silent Auction featuring unique items and experiences. Your winning bid helps preserve traditions, strengthen community connections, and ensure this beloved Sacramento event continues for generations. Bidding closes when the Bazaar closes on Saturday, August 8 at 8 p.m. -
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Thank You To Our Sponsors
We appreciate the generosity of our business sponsors. With support from the business community, we are able to preserve traditions, strengthen community connections, and ensure this beloved Sacramento event continues for generations.
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Locator Map
There’s plenty to discover both indoors and outdoors! Food booths are located throughout the Bazaar, with different menu items available inside and outside. Entertainment and cultural performances also take place in both areas.
Indoor and outdoor dining areas are available for you to sit, relax, and enjoy your food.
Check out our Locator Map to find your favorite foods, performances, dining areas, and more!
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.
To our Sangha and friends, there are still shifts to fill so if you can work additional shifts, please sign up.
About
For 80 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..