JAPAN Fes Returns to NYC with Expanded 2026 Schedule

Novel York City’s vibrant Japanese street food festival, JAPAN Fes, is set for a major expansion in 2026, bringing dozens of events to neighborhoods across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. The festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in New York this year, will feature over 34 events, with organizers anticipating even more additions throughout the season.

What is JAPAN Fes?

JAPAN Fes is a celebration of Japanese culture and cuisine, offering attendees a chance to experience a wide array of Japanese street food, crafts, and cultural experiences. What began as a local New York City event in 2016 has grown into a global phenomenon, with festivals now held in Florida, Texas, and Paris [JAPAN Fes Official Website].

2026 NYC Event Dates and Locations

The 2026 season kicks off in New York City on March 28th at Astor Place in the East Village. A second event will follow on March 29th on 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Midtown. Here’s a detailed schedule of events through October:

March

• March 28: East Village
• March 29: Midtown West

April

• April 4: The Village
• April 5: Upper West Side
• April 11: East Village
• April 12: East Village
• April 18: Morningside Heights
• April 19: Chelsea
• April 25: Chelsea
• April 26: Astoria

May

• May 2: Upper East Side
• May 3: Upper West Side
• May 9: Chelsea
• May 24: The Village
• May 30: Upper East Side
• May 31: East Village

June

• June 6: East Village
• June 7: Upper West Side
• June 14: East Village
• June 21: Brooklyn
• June 27: Times Square
• June 28: Astoria

July

• July 11: Chelsea
• July 19: Times Square

August

• August 2: Upper West Side

September

• September 12: Chelsea
• September 13: Chelsea
• September 19: Upper East Side
• September 26: Morningside Heights
• September 27: Upper East Side

October

• October 3: East Village
• October 10: Astoria
• October 24: East Village
• October 25: Upper West Side

What to Expect at JAPAN Fes

Attendees can expect a wide variety of Japanese street food, including teriyaki chicken skewers, karaage (fried chicken), onigiri (rice balls), ramen, takoyaki (octopus balls), and yakisoba (fried noodles). Sweet treats like matcha shaved ice and bubble tea will also be available, alongside Japanese snacks, crafts, and cultural booths [Time Out New York].

Global Expansion

Before the New York City launch, JAPAN Fes will hold events in Miami, Austin, and Paris in March 2026 [Time Out New York]. Organizers plan for more than 80 events globally in 2026, marking the festival’s most ambitious year yet [Time Out New York].

Each event typically runs from 10 am to 6 pm.