Everfest stands in solidarity with the Black community and supports the fight for justice and equality. We will be donating the first month of each new vendor & artist subscription to the Austin Justice Coalition. We encourage you to join us and consider supporting the Austin Justice Coalition or the organization leading the ongoing movement for accountability and change in your community.
Obon, also known as the Festival of Lanterns, is a Japanese Buddhist tradition honoring those who have passed away. Bon Odori, a Japanese folk dance, is a major part of Obon. Just as Japanese culture has reached lands far beyond Japan, Obon and Bon Odori festivals have, too. These festivals take place in cities across the United States, from the Charlotte Bon Odori Festival in Charlotte, North Carolina, to the Fresno Buddhist Temple Obon Festival in Fresno, California. Gujō Odori in Gujō, Japan, is hundreds of years old and lasts close to a month. Alongside the Bon Odori, these festivals feature a profusion of Japanese culture, from Japanese food and taiko drums, to Buddhism talks and tea ceremonies.