A centuries-old Japanese tradition has become one of North Texas’ largest celebrations of Japanese culture. The 27th annual Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival returns to Haggard Park in Plano on Sept. 26, bringing taiko drumming, traditional dance, martial arts, Japanese food and hands-on cultural activities to the city’s downtown.
Hosted by the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) in partnership with the city of Plano, the free festival runs from 6 to 10 p.m.
What began as a celebration of an ancient moon-viewing tradition has evolved into JASDFW’s largest public event, drawing approximately 6,000 people to Haggard Park in 2025.
From Moon Viewing To Thousands Of Visitors
Otsukimi, which means “moon viewing,” is a Japanese tradition centered on gathering to appreciate the autumn moon and express gratitude for the harvest. JASDFW has been bringing that tradition to North Texas for decades. By its 20th celebration in 2019, Otsukimi had already become the organization’s highest-attended annual program and had moved north after years of being held at Klyde Warren Park…