In yesterday’s post I wrote about ways to help encourage our children to be great travelers, even when we aren’t traveling ourselves. The one on the list that I’ve been least committed to was attending local cultural celebrations and I set myself the goal of making a list and marking my calendar for some upcoming events over the upcoming months.

I’m going to plan on updating this list every couple months to keep visibility of the next 4 months or so, be sure to let me know if there’s a great event I left off! I may need to make a separate list of events happening in San Francisco, because I’m sure there are a lot.

SplashoMania 2017 Bollywood Rain Dance Holi Event, Sunnyvale, April 1

Celebrating the Hindu “Festival of Colors” this event features a colorful rain dance set to a DJ playing the best in Bollywood music. They also have a “kid zone” where the little ones can play and color each other. Food stalls selling Indian food will be set up. Tickets are $25/person but there are discounts available for groups of 6+ or for purchasing tickets early. Kids under 3 are free.

I’m going to have to mark this one for next year, since we already have plans that weekend.

Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival, April 29-30

This Japanese cultural festival celebrates the cherry blossoms and Cupertino’s sister city Toyokawa, Japan. There is Japanese food, entertainment, and exhibitions. As far as I can tell it is free admission.

San Jose Greek Festival, June 2-4

It looks like the admission last year was $5 but you could print off a pass for free admission from their Facebook page. Greek food, music, and dancing, sounds like a party to me so I’ve added it to my calendar!

Dia de Portugal Festival, San Jose, June 10

This festival honors Portuguese heritage and features traditional dance and music, a children’s carnival, a traditional parade, as well as food stalls. This event is free.

El Dia de San Juan Salsa Festival, San Jose, June 17

The festival celebrates the people of Puerto Rico and includes food, music, and dancing as well as kid friendly entertainment. Tickets are $25 at the door, but can be bought for $15 until March 31st and $20 until June 16th.

Tahiti Fete, San Jose, July 1-3

This is a dance competition for traditional Tahitian dance. The dancers wear elaborate traditional costumes, traditional food stalls are set up, and cultural dancing workshops are set up for guests. Tickets will go on sale in April, and the website doesn’t say how much they will be but they were $22/adult and $17 for children under 13 in 2015.

I think this one sounds particularly awesome, although maybe a little pricy, but this year we will be out of town.

San Jose Betsuin Obon Festival, San Jose, July 8-9

This Buddhist celebration includes traditional Odori line dancing, drum performances, traditional Japanese food, presentations, and performances. The festival is free but I’m sure we would be dropping some money on yummy gyoza dumplings!

I’ve marked my calendar for this one!