The Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden (4344 Shaw Boulevard; 314-577-5100 or www.mobot.org) is a St. Louis tradition. This singular event celebrates Japanese culture and history with demonstrations in art forms such as ikebana (the Japanese art of floral arranging) and origami, Bon Odori dance, a plethora of martial-arts styles ranging from traditional Koryu Bugei to sumo, modern cosplay fashion shows and musical performances from koto players, taiko drummers and karaoke enthusiasts. And you must tour the exquisite Japanese Garden -- one of the largest of its kind in North America -- including the private Teahouse Island, for an additional fee. The Japanese Festival is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday (August 30 through September 1). Admission is $5 to $15.
Sat., Aug. 30, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 31, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Mon., Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 2014