Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival
沖縄全島エイサーまつりFestivalAugust, SeptemberCentral Okinawa
The Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival brings eisa drum dance groups from across the island to Okinawa City on the first weekend after the lunar Obon holiday. The 71st festival ran from 4 to 6 September 2026.
The festival opens on a Friday night with a michijunee (道じゅねー) street parade around the Goya crossroads (胡屋十字路) in Okinawa City, which ran from 19:00 to 21:30 in 2026. On Saturday and Sunday the dancing moves into the athletics stadium at Koza Sports Park from 15:00 to 21:00. The middle day doubles as the Okinawa City Youth Festival, and the island-wide festival takes the last.
Only the upper stand seats are ticketed on the Saturday and Sunday. The ground around the dance floor and the lawn seating are free.
Worth knowing
- The Friday parade at the Goya crossroads costs nothing to watch.
FAQ
Quick answers about Okinawa Zento Eisa Festivalよくある質問
When is the Zento Eisa Festival?
The Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival is held on the first weekend after the lunar Obon holiday, which falls in August or September. The 71st festival ran from 4 to 6 September 2026 in Okinawa City.
Is the Zento Eisa Festival free?
Yes. Only the upper stand seats at Koza Sports Park need a ticket on the Saturday and Sunday. The ground around the dance floor and the lawn seats are free.
When is Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival?
Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival takes place the first weekend after the lunar Obon holiday. The next published date is 2026-09-04 to 2026-09-06.