Kiku Matsuri 2026: San Diego’s Japanese Festival Returns Bigger on Oct. 25

Kiku, a nonprofit serving the Nikkei community in and around San Diego, will host its Japanese festival, Kiku Matsuri, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last year’s edition, held as Akimatsuri, drew more than 1,600 people. This year the San Diego Japanese festival comes back with a new name and a new venue, plus two stages, Bon Odori dancing everyone can join, and a full day of Japanese food and activities.

From 1,600 Guests to a New Name: Kiku Matsuri

Last year’s Akimatsuri brought together local food vendors along with taiko drummers, dancers, musicians and other performers from around the region. The celebration was enthusiastically embraced by everyone who came.

For its second year, the festival has been renamed Kiku Matsuri. The new name reflects what makes the event special: a Japanese festival created by San Diego locals, for San Diego locals.

The Venue: Hangar 858, on a Working Airfield

This year’s festival moves to Hangar 858 in San Diego’s Kearny Mesa neighborhood, a one of a kind venue located on a working airfield. The space allows for a layout that uses both the hangar itself, where private jets are on display, and the outdoor area beside it. Celebrating a Japanese matsuri inside an airplane hangar is something you will not find anywhere else.

Hangar 858 is roughly a two hour drive from Los Angeles. Since the festival falls on a Sunday, it works well as a day trip from anywhere in Southern California.

Two Stages, Bon Odori, Japanese Food and Family Activities

Both the venue and the program have grown from last year. Here is what is planned:

・Two stages (indoor and outdoor) with performances throughout the day
・Bon Odori: the classic circle dance, open to everyone
・Food vendors: Japanese favorites alongside local eats
・Marketplace and crafts: handmade goods, art and cultural items
・Family activities: games and workshops for kids

The lineup of vendors and performers will be announced on a rolling basis. Check the official Kiku website for the latest details.

Event Details

Item	Details
Event	Kiku Matsuri 2026
Date and time	Sunday, October 25, 2026, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Venue	Hangar 858
Address	3760 Glenn H. Curtiss Road, San Diego, CA 92123
Presented by	Kiku https://kiku.org/
Official page	https://kiku.org/kikumatsuri/

Tickets Start at $10, Free for Kids 12 and Under and Seniors 65+

Ticket type	Price
General Admission	$10
Youth (ages 13 to 18)	$5
Kids 12 and under	Free
Seniors 65+	Free
VIP	$75 (includes VIP seating and exclusive benefits)

Tickets are on sale now through Eventbrite.

About Kiku

Kiku is a nonprofit organization supporting the Nikkei community in San Diego and the surrounding area. Its programs include Kiku Bento, which delivers Japanese home style meals to seniors and people who have difficulty leaving home, and Club Kiku, a monthly gathering for seniors. The organization works to build connections across generations in the Japanese American community, and Kiku Matsuri is part of that same effort to widen the circle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When and where is Kiku Matsuri 2026?
A. Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hangar 858, 3760 Glenn H. Curtiss Road, San Diego, CA 92123.

Q. How much is admission?
A. General admission is $10, youth ages 13 to 18 are $5, and VIP is $75. Kids 12 and under and seniors 65+ get in free.

Q. Is it good for families with young children?
A. Yes. There are games, workshops and other activities for kids, and children 12 and under are admitted free.

Q. Is this different from last year’s Akimatsuri?
A. It is the same festival. Akimatsuri, which drew more than 1,600 people last year, has been renamed Kiku Matsuri starting this year.