This August, you can experience the glowing sight of floating lanterns gliding across Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens for the annual Obon Weekend! Each will carry a unique message of hope, love and dreams, creating a magical atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
Just a short drive up in Delray Beach, the scenic lakeside destination invites visitors for a fundraising ‘Launch the Lantern Dinner’ on Sunday, August 16. Rooted in traditional Japanese culture, Obon is a heartwarming summer festival dedicated to honoring the spirits of ancestors, often using Toro Nagashi (floating lanterns).
The night will begin with premium sake and whiskey tastings, followed by a sit-down dinner and dessert served indoors. Out on the terrace, diners will then be treated to a live Taiko drumming performance before heading to the water’s edge.
That’s where they’ll design their own paper lanterns with heartfelt messages to lost loved ones before releasing them into the lake, creating a spectacle under the night sky. Tickets for the fundraiser dinner are priced at $200 per person, which supports Morikami’s cultural programs and exhibits.
For the kids: Family Fun Day
In addition to the main event, an Obon-themed Family Fun Day is taking place for the kids on Saturday, August 15. Drop into the Sakai Room anytime between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., where kids of all ages can craft their very own paper lanterns to take home and light up the night! Organizers say no reservations are needed for the free (with museum admission) event.
For the culture seekers: Feel the beat with Fushu Daiko
Also on Saturday, beginning at 11:30 a.m., visitors can feel the thunderous heartbeat of Japan inside the Morikami Theater after strolling the gardens. In the spirit of Obon, the renowned Fushu Daiko will be putting on a high-energy Taiko drumming show that blends ancient tradition with innovation.
Other notable Morikami Museum events
If you’re looking to do more than just explore the beautiful grounds of the museum and gardens, you’ll want to keep the following events on your radar for the rest of the year. Here’s what you can expect:
- August 8 – Kurinuki Ceramic Workshop
- August 18 – Taiko Class
- Through August 30 – Yōkai: Scenes of the Supernatural in Japanese Woodblock Prints exhibit
- September 12 – Koto Workshop
- September 17 – Sunset Stroll
- Opens October 3 – Clifton Karhu: An American in Japan exhibit
- October 4 – The Art of Bonsai
📍 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446
