For More Than 45 Years, This City Has Hosted The Longest-Running Festival Of Its Kind In Missouri

Labor Day weekend typically signals the unofficial end of summer, giving us one last opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy a slew of seasonal attractions, from swimming pools to amusement parks. We also have plenty of Labor Day weekend festivals and events to check out, too. Carve out some time that weekend for a visit to this long-running festival in St. Louis, Missouri.

Every Labor Day weekend for nearly five decades, the Missouri Botanical Garden has hosted the Japanese Festival, a three-day event that celebrates Japanese culture, history, and people.

Billed as one of the "largest and oldest festivals of its kind in the United States," the Japanese Festival is set for Sept. 2-4, 2023.

Hours run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday. The garden grounds open at 9 a.m. each day.

However, the garden's grounds will remain open until 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for a special candlelight walk.

The Japanese Festival will feature a variety of family-friendly events, including martial arts, taiko drumming, and bon odori festival dancing. Candlelight walks will be held Saturday and Sunday evenings until 10 p.m.

You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy authentic Japanese food.

Purchase tickets online or at the gate. Admission is $16 for adults 13 and older; $8 for children three to 12, and $8 for adult members who are 13 and older. If you have a membership that includes festivals, admission is free.

Learn more about the Japanese Festival or purchase tickets on the official website of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Or, stop by the Facebook page of this botanical garden in Missouri.

Have you been to this long-running festival in St. Louis, Missouri? Will you go again this year? Share your experience with me in the comments! Then read more about Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States. Don't forget to wear a pair of comfy shoes for your visit.