17th Annual Aki Matsuri Japanese Festival Returns to Water Street Plaza This October

Mark your calendars! The popular Aki Matsuri Japanese Festival returns to Water Street Plaza for its 17th year on Saturday, Oct. 10.

This FREE traditional fall festival, which drew out more than 17,000 attendees last year, has become one of Southern Nevada's most popular cultural events of the year.

Festivalgoers can expect an immersive experience with live entertainment and demonstrations across multiple stages, authentic Japanese food and beverages, traditional and contemporary Japanese dance, sake tasting, kids and cultural crafts, activities and more.

New this year: see, hear and feel the beats of taiko featuring 7 Odaiko (big drum) players from the North American Taiko Taikai and their local/national taiko groups on the Cultural Stage.

The 17th Annual Aki Matsuri Japanese Festival is presented in partnership with the Japanese Festival Association of Nevada (JFAN) and receives support from the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco. The Aki Matsuri has been awarded the Foreign Minister's Commendation from the Japanese government for promoting friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and the United States.