Toro Nagashi: Lantern Ceremony at Jackson Park

The annual Toro Nagashi lantern ceremony returns to Jackson Park's Osaka Garden on Thursday evening, August 6, from 7:00 to 11:00 PM, offering one of the most quietly profound community gatherings in the city. Only 300 registrants are admitted, each receiving a lantern to decorate on-site from 7:00 to 8:00 PM before the floating ceremony begins. Rooted in the Buddhist Obon tradition, the evening includes shamisen music from Toyoaki Sanjuro, remarks from city and cultural leaders, and the chance to place lanterns in the garden's pond and throughout Yoko Ono's SKYLANDING. Registration is required and free, though space is extremely limited — no dogs, food, or photography are allowed inside the garden.