Tanabata, the Japanese Star Festival, celebrates the legend of Orihime, the weaver princess, and Hikoboshi, the herder. These lovers, separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet just once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month.

Enjoy a summer evening relaxing in Hillwood’s spectacular gardens, and take part in festive outdoor entertainment on Hillwood’s expansive Lunar Lawn:

• Listen to delightful music performed outdoors on the Lunar Lawn by the Washington Toho Koto Society.
• Explore the enchanting Japanese-style garden.
• Bring a blanket or lawn chairs from home and enjoy a picnic on the spacious Lunar Lawn. Sandwiches, drinks, and snacks are available for purchase from Merriweather To Go.
• Create and decorate your own paper lantern to take home.
• Write poems and special wishes on colorful strips of paper, called tanzaku, to hang on bamboo, following the traditional Japanese custom to celebrate Tanabata.
• Try your hand at Japanese calligraphy and origami.
• While here, be sure to explore our newest exhibition, Glass: Art. Beauty. Design.

EVENT TIMELINE

5:30-7 p.m.

• Enjoy Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and the Glass: Art. Beauty. Design. exhibition.
• Merriweather To Go and museum shop open
• Picnic on the Lunar Lawn
• Paper lantern-decorating and tanzaku (paper wishes)

7-8 p.m. | Concert by the Washington Toho Koto Society  

PICNICKING INFORMATION

• Please bring your own picnic blankets or lawn chairs for seating on the lawn.
• Picnicking is welcome at this event. Please note our liquor license does not allow patrons to bring in outside alcohol.
• Food and drinks, including beer and wine, will be available from Merriweather To Go.

Click here to see how Hillwood is following the latest health and safety guidance.

INCLEMENT WEATHER