2026 Obon Festival Volunteers Needed!

(Picture: 2025 Obon Festival first shift volunteers)

Join us in bringing the Obon Festival to life!

JASM is now accepting volunteer applications for the 2026 Obon Festival. Whether you are a returning volunteer or joining us for the first time, we invite you to be part of one of JASM’s most beloved community events. Volunteers play an essential role in creating a welcoming, fun, and memorable experience for hundreds of festival attendees.

The Obon Festival will take place on Sunday, August 16, 2026. To help everyone feel prepared and confident in their role, volunteers are required to participate in Volunteer Orientation on either Thursday, August 6th at 6:00 PM or Tuesday, August 11th at 6:00 PM.

Below, you will find descriptions of the various volunteer opportunities available. We hope you will join us in sharing Japanese culture, building community, and making this year's festival a success!

• Yo-Yo Tsuri - a game where participants fish for floating balloons. Volunteers will need to organize booth, prepare water balloons, prepare hooks, and help run game. 
  
  
• Calligraphy - assist calligraphy master and help people with calligraphy (previous experience with calligraphy is preferred)
  
  
• Balloon Makers - help make balloons for Yo-Yo Tsuri 
  
  
• Kingyo sukui - our version will involve participants fishing for rubber fish with scoopers. Volunteers will need to prepare tubs of water, and help run game. 
  
  
• Japanese Quiz - encourages participants to take part in a fun challenge

• Main Booth - attend the JASM market to help fundraise 

Everyone aged 18 and older is welcome to volunteer. Current JASM members will be given priority consideration. If you are not yet a member, we encourage you to join the JASM family today and become part of our community.

Please fill out the form as soon as possible to secure your spot in the fun! Please note that while the deadline is Saturday, August 1st, our volunteer spots can fill up before then. Thank you!

**Please note that all volunteers need to attend a mandatory volunteer workshop before the festival to get all necessary information and instructions.

We're looking forward to working with you!