A group of people in blue robes play traditional drums outdoors.
Taiko drummers play at Mendocino Obon Festival in Mendocino, Calif., in an undated photo. The festival returns to the Mendocino Art Center for the fourth year Saturday, July 8, 2026, to benefit the town's sister city relationship and exchange program with a town in Japan. (Mendocino Art Center via Bay City News)

MENDOCINO CO., 8/7/2026 — A festival celebrating Mendocino’s ties to its sister city in Japan is returning Saturday to welcome the spirits of ancestors and departed loved ones who are believed to come home in the middle of August each year. 

The Fourth Annual Mendocino Obon Festival will be held at the Mendocino Art Center starting at noon on Saturday with live performances including Taiko drumming, bamboo flute and Japanese dance.  

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Savana Robinson is a staff writer and photographer based in Ukiah, California.