Michelle Sasonov
Audio By Carbonatix
Arizona Matsuri 2026 returns to Phoenix for two days of vibrant Japanese culture and cuisine.
The annual festival takes over Steele Indian School Park on Feb. 21 and 22, transforming the central Phoenix green space into a daytime celebration of tradition and pop culture. Expect booming taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, traditional dance, live music and a crowd-favorite cosplay contest alongside rows of food and artisan vendors.
Founded in 1984, Arizona Matsuri has grown into one of the Valley’s signature spring festivals. This year’s theme, “kizuna,” the Japanese word for bonds and connection, honors the 50th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Phoenix and Himeji, Japan, and highlights decades of cultural exchange.
Spring festival season in metro Phoenix is stacked. But few events pack this much flavor, history and spectacle into one weekend. Here’s everything to know before you go to Arizona Matsuri 2026.
Benjamin Leatherman
Does Phoenix have a Japanese festival?
Yes. Arizona Matsuri is a two-day festival celebrating Japanese culture.
What does matsuri mean?
In Japanese, the word “matsuri” is a traditional festival that often includes performances and rituals honoring seasonal events or various deities.
Arizona Matsuri dates
Arizona Matsuri 2026 is on Saturday, Feb. 21, and Sunday, Feb. 22.
What time is AZ Matsuri?
Arizona Matsuri runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. A Mikoshi procession kicks off at 9:30 a.m. each day.
Michelle Sasonov
How much is Arizona Matsuri?
Admission to Arizona Matsuri 2026 is free.
Who can attend?
The festival is an all-ages event.
Arizona Matsuri location
The festival takes place at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix.
The main entrance to the park is located off Indian School Road and Third Street. A Valley Metro Rail station at Central Avenue and Indian School Road is just a short walk away. Fares are $2 per ride or $4 per day for unlimited rides.
Arizona Matsuri parking
A limited amount of free parking will be available at Steele Indian School Park. Several pay parking garages are located within walking distance of the park:
- 4041 Parking Garage: 4028 N. Second St. (credit card only)
- Park Central Parking Garage: 150 W. Catalina Drive ($14 per vehicle, credit card only)
- Phoenix Plaza Parking Garage: 21 E. Catalina Drive ($20 per vehicle, credit card only)
- 4044 N. First Ave. parking lot (credit card only)
Valley Metro also operates several free park-and-ride locations across the Phoenix area along the light rail route.
Benjamin Leatherman
What to Wear at Arizona Matsuri 2026 in Phoenix
Dressing up is part of the fun at Arizona Matsuri 2026. Many attendees arrive in traditional Japanese outfits like kimonos and yukatas, adding vibrant color to Steele Indian School Park throughout the weekend.
Anime and manga cosplay is equally popular. If you’re planning to suit up as your favorite character, the official cosplay contest takes place at 3:10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the SRP Martial Arts Stage. The event will be hosted by Uncle Yuhki, and it’s one of the festival’s most crowd-drawing moments.
Entertainment lineup at Arizona Matsuri 2026
Arizona Matsuri 2026 features four stages and dozens of performances across two days in Phoenix. The Matsuri Amphitheater showcases local taiko drumming troupes throughout the weekend, along with hands-on taiko workshops at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The Cultural Arts Stage highlights traditional dance, storytelling, sing-alongs and J-pop music. The SRP Martial Arts Stage hosts action-packed demonstrations from local dojos and martial arts schools.
Michelle Sasonov
Japanese Food and Drink at Arizona Matsuri 2026
Arizona Matsuri 2026 offers more than 30 food and drink vendors serving Japanese favorites in the heart of Phoenix.
Festivalgoers can grab yakisoba, ramen, mochi doughnuts and sake from booths throughout the park. A dedicated food truck area will be located in the parking lot near Memorial Hall, with additional food courts on the north and south ends of the Circle of Life, making it easy to eat your way through the weekend.
