Get off base! Upcoming events in Okinawa

Editor's note: There are some great events coming up, so get off base and check them out! (This was updated Nov. 23)

*Schedules are subject to change and change daily. Please check each organization and/or event’s official websites for current information. 

55th Anniversary of founding Southeast Botanical Garden: Until Dec. 31; photo, drawing, or writing contest, exhibition pertaining to history at Southeast Botanical Garden in Okinawa City; 098-939-2555; website.

Cosplay Photo Sessions at Ocean Expo Park: Until March 17, 2024 (Jan. 27-28, March 16-17), 9 a.m.-5 p.m., (until 4 p.m. for Nov. & Jan. sessions); 300 yen; 0980-48-2741; website.

2023 Okinawa International Carnival: Nov. 25-26, 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.; samba carnival, bikers carnival; free admission; at Koza Music Town, Yaeshima Park, Koza Gate Street, Park Avenue; 098-938-3918; website

JASDF Naha Base Churaumi Air Festa 2023: Dec. 10; website.

Okinawa Prefecture Cycling Event: Jan. 7-8, 2024; Yanbaru Churashima Kaido Course (60K, 10,000 yen), Yonabaru Nature Course (100K, 12,000 yen), Sesoko Island Circuit Course (7,500 yen), Parent-Child Bicycle Class (2,500 yen) ; at Motobu Sports Park on Jan. 7, at Motobu Cultural Exchange Center on Jan. 8; 090-6859-7627; website.

21st Ishigaki Island Marathon: Jan. 21, 2024, 8:00 a.m. for 24K and full marathon, 8:40 a.m. for 10K; Japan's southernmost road race: 10K, 24K, and full marathon; registration: until Oct. 31; start and finish at Ishigaki Chuoundo Park; 098-082-1212; website.

33rd Miyako Island 100K Marathon: Jan. 21, 2024, 5:00 a.m. for 100K, 11:00 a.m. for 50K; cost 17,000 yen-100K, 10,000 yen-50K; registration: until Nov. 26; 0980-73-2691; website.

2024 Okinawa Main Island Round Marathon: Jan. 27-28, 2024, 6:00 a.m.; cost: 25,000 yen; 250 km road race; registration until Sept. 30; start and finish at Okinawa International Youth Hostel in Naha; 090-4917-1715; website.

29th Taketomi Town Marathon: Feb. 10, 2024, 12:40 p.m.; cost: 5, 000 yen for 23K and 10K; registration: Oct. 1 – Nov. 30; start and finish at Uehara Elementary School; website.

29th Okinawa Marathon: Feb. 18, 2024; 09:00a.m.-full marathon, 09:40 a.m.-10K; Full marathon and 10K road races, start/finish at Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park; 098-938-0088; website.