Matsuri! Japanese Arts Festival in Santa Rosa

Sonoma County Matsuri Festival is here on Saturday, May 7, 2016. From 11am to 5pm you can find wonderful Japanese art showcases including: art exhibits, clothing, food, origami, crafts, drumming, folk dancing, music, martial arts, and more! There’s free admission to the festival for all to enjoy. The location is at Juilliard Park in SOFA Arts District Downtown, Santa Rosa. Since its beginning in 2011, the festival has grown to become recognized as one of the signature cultural festivals in the North Bay. The goal is to offer deep insights into Japanese culture, increasing the participation of Bay Area artisans, artists, and performers of authentic Japanese traditional arts.

"We are very pleased to continue offering traditional and authentic Japanese culture first-hand in Sonoma County," says Henry Kaku, Sonoma Matsuri Board President. Kaku states, "This year, we are excited to welcome new food vendors and a new performing arts group. The festival is growing, thanks to the community's strong support."

As a prelude to the festival, Sonoma County Matsuri will offer a special evening concert Haru no Yo: Shakuhachi Music for Spring Evening by Grand Master Riley Lee, a highly acclaimed shakuhachi player on Friday, May 6 at 7pm. It will be held at the Church of One Tree in Santa Rosa. Ticket are $15 advance sale and $20 at the door.

A portion of the proceeds from the festival will be donated to the relief efforts in a five-year commemoration of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. This event is organized by Sonoma County Matsuri and partially funded through the City of Santa Rosa's Community Promotions Funding. Sponsors include Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, Japan Foundation Los Angeles, Julia L. Grant Donor Advised Fund of Community Foundation Sonoma County, Exchange Bank - Sebastopol, and many other supporters.

Date: Saturday, May 7, 2016

Time:11:00am - 5:00pm

Location:Juilliard Park in the SOFA Arts District
227 Santa Rosa Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404