by New York City, New York – One of New York City’s most popular outdoor food festivals is making its return this spring. JAPAN Fes, a beloved street food celebration dedicated to Japanese cuisine and culture, is kicking off its 2026 season later this month with events across the city.
The festival will launch its new season on March 28 at Astor Place in Manhattan’s East Village, bringing dozens of vendors serving authentic Japanese street food to the heart of the neighborhood.
Organizers say the 2026 season is particularly special as JAPAN Fes celebrates its 10th anniversary in New York City.
The opening event will feature a full day of food, drinks and cultural experiences from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Two Festivals to Launch the Season
The first event will take place on March 28 in the East Village, followed by a second festival the very next day.
On March 29, JAPAN Fes will move to Midtown Manhattan on 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, giving visitors another chance to experience the event.
Organizers say at least 34 JAPAN Fes events are already scheduled across New York City in 2026, with more likely to be added later.
The festivals will pop up in neighborhoods throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens during the spring, summer and fall.
A Celebration of Japanese Street Food
JAPAN Fes has become known for transforming city blocks into lively street food markets filled with the aromas of freshly cooked Japanese dishes.
Visitors can expect a wide range of traditional and modern street foods, including:
- Teriyaki chicken skewers
- Takoyaki (octopus balls)
- Karaage fried chicken
- Yakisoba noodles
- Ramen bowls
- Onigiri rice balls
Sweet treats and drinks are also a big part of the experience.
Vendors often serve matcha shaved ice, bubble tea, Japanese desserts and specialty snacks.
In addition to food, some festivals also feature Japanese crafts, merchandise and cultural booths.
Festival Has Grown Into a Global Event
JAPAN Fes first began in New York City in 2016, starting as a small local street food gathering.
Over the past decade, it has grown into a global event with festivals hosted in cities around the world.
Today, the event appears not only in New York but also in locations such as Florida, Texas and even Paris.
Organizers say more than 80 JAPAN Fes events are planned worldwide in 2026, making it the festival’s largest year yet.
Despite the international expansion, New York City remains the heart of the event.
Inspired by the Concept of “Wa”
Festival organizers often emphasize that the event is about more than just food.
They highlight the Japanese concept of “wa,” which represents harmony and community.
The goal, organizers say, is to bring people together through shared cultural experiences and food.
By creating welcoming street festivals, JAPAN Fes aims to introduce more people to Japanese culture while supporting small food vendors.
2026 JAPAN Fes Schedule in New York City
Events are scheduled throughout the year in different neighborhoods.
March
- March 28 – East Village
- March 29 – Midtown West
April
- April 4 – 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 – Village
- May 30 – Upper East Side
- May 31 – East Village
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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
A Festival Food Lovers Won’t Want to Miss
With dozens of events scheduled across the city, JAPAN Fes is expected to once again draw thousands of visitors eager to experience authentic Japanese street food.
For many New Yorkers, the return of the festival marks the unofficial start of outdoor food festival season in the city.
Have you ever visited JAPAN Fes in New York City? What Japanese street food would you be most excited to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
