International Cat Day
Come celebrate cats, culture, and community at Nikka Yuko – it’s going to be the purr-fect day!
Date
August 8, 2025 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
835 Mayor Magrath Drive S Lethbridge, AB
Event Details
Paws, Play, and Purrs at Nikka Yuko!
International Cat Day – Friday, August 8, 2025
Calling all cat lovers! Join us at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden & Bunka Centre for a meow-nificent day celebrating feline fun, Japanese culture, and community giving.
FREE Screenings of The Cat Returns (Studio Ghibli Classic)
Showtimes: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM & 2:30 PM–4:30 PM
Kawamura Room, Bunka Centre
First come, first served – limited seating!
One-Day Gift Shop Sale – 10% Off All Cat-Themed Items!
Including Maneki-neko (Lucky Cats), Hello Kitty snacks, cat tote bags, bento boxes, and adorable Tomo baby onesies!
Cat Food Donation Drive
Support local rescues – Lethbridge and District Humane Society & Last Chance Cat Ranch – by donating unopened, unexpired cat food at the Bunka Centre.
Explore Japan’s Cat Culture!
Visit the Pavilion to learn about:
– Aoshima, Japan’s “Cat Island”
– The history and symbolism of Maneki-neko
– Cats in anime, folklore, and daily life
Come celebrate cats, culture, and community at Nikka Yuko – it’s going to be the purr-fect day!
Organizer
- Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
Established in 1967 to commemorate Canada’s Centennial, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden stands as a tribute to the contributions of Japanese Canadians to Lethbridge, Alberta, and as a lasting symbol of international friendship. The name “Nikka Yuko” blends elements of both Japanese and English: Ni (from Nihon, meaning Japan), Ka (from Canada), and Yuko (meaning friendship), representing the deep connection between the two nations.
Opening Day and Hours
Opening day for 2025 is Thursday, May 8th.
The garden is open five (5) days a week:
- Monday: 10-6pm
- Tuesday/Wednesday CLOSED
- Thursday: 10-6 pm
- Fridays: 10-8 pm (Last Entry 7:30 pm)
- Saturdays: 10-8 pm (Last Entry 7:30 pm)
- Sunday: 10-6 pm
Daily Programming
- Daily Garden Tours at 11, 1 & 3 pm
- Thursday: Tea: 2 pm & 4 pm Pavilion/Ceremony (Program)
- Friday: Food Truck Fridays/Sumo/Anime/Wild Nights; Ceremonies 2pm & 4pm
- Saturday: Nodate Tea Service 2 pm & 4 pm (Experience/Program)
- Sunday: Nodate Tea Service 2 pm & 4 pm (Experience/Program)
- Monday: Meiso (Relaxation) Mondays
Performances and Presentations: 3:00 pm
Yukata Dressing:
Guests can wear Yukata around the Garden and community 5 days per week.