Date: August 8-10, 2008
Cost: $4
Organizer: Midwest Buddhist Temple
What to expect: Japanese arts and entertainment dominate this fest, featuring demonstrations on everything from pottery making and hula dancing to martial arts and Taiko drumming. There will also be a ton of authentic cuisine, including udon, edamame and kintoki (shaved ice flavored with sweet crushed beans).
Why to go: The Waza. Four master crafts-persons came from Tokyo exclusively for this event; all you have to do is head to their outdoor booths daily to see 300 years of Edo craft come alive.
Centerstage Reviewer: Ben Rubenstein