SAN DIEGO’s Yokohama Festival | Nov 14, 2026 | 70th Anniversary of San Diego-Yokohama Sister Cities | At Balboa Park in San Diego, 9AM to 9PM
Experience Yokohama in San Diego
For 70 years, San Diego and Yokohama have shared a friendship built through culture, education and people-to-people exchange. On Saturday, November 14, that friendship comes alive in Balboa Park with a day of Japanese culture, performances, food, activities and fun for all ages.
Experience the energy of taiko, join in Bon Odori, explore cultural and community booths, discover Yokohama, and enjoy special activities throughout the day. Whether this is your first introduction to Japan or a friendship generations in the making, everyone is invited to celebrate with us.
Yokohama Festival
CleanPic ($10 per person)
Yokohama Festival (Free)
Mottainai Market (Free)
The Gateway (Free)
70th Anniversary Reception (Ticketed)
Date: November 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
9:00 AM: CleanPic check-in
10:00 – 11:00 AM: CleanPic
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Yokohama Festival & Mottainai Market
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM: The Gateway
6:00 – 9:00 PM: 70th Anniversary Reception
(Time varies by event)
Location: Balboa Park in San Diego
MAIN STAGE SHEDULE
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: House of Pacific Relations, International Cottages, Balboa Park
Throughout the afternoon, the Main Stage will move between performance, tradition and audience participation, creating a festival experience for all ages.
12:00 PM: Honu Sumo | Experience the power, skill, and tradition of Japanese sumo as wrestlers compete in an exciting live exhibition.
1:00 PM: Bon Dance Joy | Join Bon Dance Joy for a celebration of Japanese community dance, where everyone is welcome to participate.
2:00 PM: Hau’oli Hula Club | Experience the beauty and storytelling of Hawaiian hula through graceful movements, vibrant costumes, and traditional island music.
3:00 PM: Southern California Koto Ensemble | Discover the elegant sounds of Japan’s traditional stringed instrument, the koto, through a captivating live musical performance.
4:00 PM: Buddhist Temple of San Diego Taiko | Feel the powerful rhythms and dynamic energy of Japanese taiko drumming in a spirited festival performance.
MOTTAINAI MARKET
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: International Lawn, House of Pacific Relations, Balboa Park
Cleanup Kitsune’s Mottainai Market is an immersive circular marketplace where creativity, community and sustainability come together.
Inspired by the Japanese concept of mottainai, an expression of regret when something useful is wasted, the market invites children and adults alike to rethink what we throw away and discover the possibilities hidden in the things around us.
Through art, food, play and hands-on experiences, Mottainai Market demonstrates that taking care of our planet can be creative, empowering and fun.
70th Anniversary Celebration & Reception -EVENING IN YOKOHAMA- ($30)
TIME: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
LOCATION: Balboa Park Club, Balboa Park
Step into Yokohama for an evening celebrating seven decades of friendship between San Diego and Yokohama.
70th Anniversary Reception brings together friends, community leaders, international partners and guests for an immersive anniversary celebration filled with food, culture, music and connection.
Rather than a traditional seated dinner, the evening invites guests to explore the space, discover specialty food and drink experiences, enjoy cultural and interactive areas, and connect with the people who have helped build our sister-city relationship across generations.
Performance Schedule
6:00 PM: Southern California Koto Ensemble
7:00 PM: Chura Sanshin
8:00 PM: Mission Bay High School The Preservationists