This is a Japanese summer festival, which features beautiful performances, wonderful demonstrations, and fun art activities. Join the Drachen Foundation and make a Japanese style kite!

"Tanabata," (Evening of the Seventh) is an annual Japanese festival based on the legend of two stars, Vega and Altair who are separated lovers in the Milky Way. Once a year on the evening of July 7th, Vega and Altair are allowed to meet. Traditionally, prayers are offered, and poems, wishes and words are attached to bamboo branches.

The Festival has now expanded! Celebrate Tanabata at BOTH The Wing and the Japanese Garden in the Arboretum with a shuttle to transport you between the celebrations.