Buu Mon Garden Festival

Gulf breezes rustle bamboo into a natural music. It’s not wind chimes. These bamboo stalks are growing toward the sun, and surround a towering figure in the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple gardens.

Bring your cameras and your family to experience the tranquility of Garden Festival on June 4-5 at the temple, near downtown Port Arthur. The festival will be from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Cultural events will continue until 11 p.m. on Saturday, as the event is also a celebration of Buddha’s birthday.

Look for the red pagoda and large golden Buddha statue at 2701 Procter St. Temple members invite the public for cultural presentations of music and dance. Stroll through gardens of lotus blossoms, roses, towering bamboo, citrus and koi ponds. Saffron-robed monks may guide visitors through the temple and meditation areas. Several statues highlight the grounds. Vendors offer crafts and Vietnamese cuisine.

For more information, call 409.982.9319, 409.543.2803. While you’re in Port Arthur, check out the Museum of the Gulf Coast.