Event Schedule – WasabiFest 2026

VIP Session

12:00 PM– Doors open for VIP ticket holders
Enjoy early access to food and saké samples and events!

12:30 - 12:45 PM – Kagami Biraki Ceremony
Experience the Kagami Biraki, a traditional saké barrel-breaking ceremony performed to summon good fortune and toast to new beginnings.

12:50 - 1:20 PM – Chef Demo
Join Chef Kate Koo (Zilla Sake) and Seisuke Knife in the kitchen for a special demonstration.

General Admission

1:00 PM – Doors open for General Admission ticket holders

1:30 - 2:00 PM - Takohachi Performance
Feel the energy of this dynamic Center Stage performance.

2:00 - 2:30 PM – Chef Demo
Come to the kitchen for a demonstration by Jeff Kim from Aji Fish Butchery

2:10 - 2:25 PM – Oregon Coast Wasabi Presentation
Step over to the Center Stage for a presentation by Markus Mead of Oregon Coast Wasabi. Learn how to seek quality wasabi and how to know if the wasabi you’re eating is real.

2:30 - 3:00 PM – Wasabi Eating Contest!
Attendees take to the Center Stage to compete in two back-to-back “heats”! The top three winners from each heat will advance to the finale at 3:45.

2:45 - 3:15 PM – Chef Demo
Chef Kate Koo and Oo-nee Sea Urchin Ranch partner for the last Chef Demo of the festival in the kitchen.

3:10 - 3:40 PM – Takohachi Performance
Portland Takohachi returns to the Center Stage for their final performance of the festival.

3:45 - 4:00 PM – Wasabi Eating Contest Finale!
Stay at the Center Stage to watch the top three finalists from the two earlier heats compete for a hand-crafted wasabi grater from Seisuke Knife.

4:00 - 4:30 PM – Seisuke Knife Sharpening Demo
Learn to properly sharpen your knives with a 20-minute demonstration followed by a Q&A period.

5:00 PM – Festival Ends


Special Notes:

  1. Scheduled photo ops with Wally Wasabi will be throughout the day. A schedule will be available the day of the festival.

  2. Overall schedule is subject to change.