Posted on May, 3, 2026.
Forwarded for Sonoma County Matsuri Festival
Matsuri! Japanese Arts Festival
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Location: Juilliard Park, 227 Santa Rosa Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Enjoy the showcase of Japanese arts and culture at Julliard Park in Santa Rosa. Demonstrations of taiko drumming, folk dance and music, martial arts, and mochi pounding will be held throughout the day.
The festival will also feature Japanese art and cultural exhibits, clothing, food, children’s activity table, Japanese language booth, origami, and more!
This year, there will be a special Sumo demonstration by Honu Sumo from San Diego, one of the most prominent Sumo groups in North America. Sumo is not only popular in Japan as its national sport but also has a passionate following among fans across the United States. Embracing the rituals and history, Honu Sumo shows that Sumo is far more than just a physical sport. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the power, skill, and tradition of Sumo up close—and gain insight into this revered art form firsthand.
Free admission and fun for all ages!
For the festival schedule, performer and vendor information, visit www.sonomamatsuri.org
2026 ENTERTAINMENT AND DEMONSTRATION SCHEDULE
Juilliard Park:
11:00 – Hideaki & Hitomi – Hachijo Daiko
11:15 – Welcome and Introductions – M.C. Chris Smith, Remarks from Honored Guests
11:30 – Mochitsuki – Mochi Pounding Demonstration, By Booth #20 – Audience Participation
11:30 – Ensohza Minyoshu – Traditional Folk Music & Dance
12:15 – DeLeon Judo Club – Judo Demonstration
12:45 – Honu Sumo – Sumo demonstration – Central Field
1:45 – Mochitsuki – Mochi Pounding Demonstration, By Booth #20 – Audience Participation
1:45 – Hideaki & Hitomi – Hachijo Daiko – Audience Participation
2:30 – Bay Area Miyake – Miyake-style Taiko Drumming
3:15 – Sakura-Ren – Traditional Folk Music and Dance
4:00 – Sonoma County Taiko – Taiko Drumming
4:45 – Closing Remarks
Art Alley – Seishin Studio:
11:30 – Eiko Soei Mouri
Eiko Soei Mouri of the Omotesenke school will present Tea Ceremony. (Only seated guests will receive tea.)
12:30 – Ron Kōdō Brown
Ron Kōdō Brown will demonstrate Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging.
1:30 – Elliot Kanshin Kallen & Naoko
Elliot Kanshin Kallen (Shakuhachi) and Naoko (Koto, Shamisen, Vocals)
Experience the evocative, authentic sounds of the traditional ensemble music of Japan.
2:30 – Eiko Soei Mouri
Eiko Soei Mouri of the Omotesenke school will present Tea Ceremony. (Only seated guests will receive tea.)
3:30 – Ron Kōdō Brown
Ron Kōdō Brown will demonstrate Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging.
Honu Sumo Club https://www.honusumoclub.com/
Honu Sumo is a San Diego based amateur sumo organization dedicated to growing the sport of sumo in the United States through competition, education, and community engagement. Working closely with the United States Sumo Federation (USSF), Honu Sumo provides training opportunities for youth, adults, and masters athletes while also helping develop national level competitors. The organization focuses on introducing sumo to new communities, supporting athletes on their path to national and international competition, and building a strong pipeline for Team USA.