The annual Summer Festival in Raleigh is a combination of two Japanese festivals, Tanabata and Obon. Tanabata is the Star Festival and people write their wishes on strips of fancy paper and display on bamboo trees signaling that summer has finally arrived and that summer vacation is just around the corner. For many Japanese, it would not be summer without Bon-odori (local folk dance) around a drum set.
This is a large event with multiple vendors, performances, and activities. For full details, please visit ncjapanfest.org.