Since 2008, students at the Musashino Art University in Tokyo have ventured to Kamizeki Lagoon Park in Niigata City, Japan to erect huge sculptures made from straw. Every year the students build large wooden frames which serve as the base for the woven straw artworks.

The festival also features kite flying, a miniature market and other events. It’s a huge hit with kids and parents as people get to interact with the sculptures, taking photos and playing in the open fields.

This year’s Straw Art Festival started on August 29 and will remain open until November 1, 2015. For more information visit the official site and Facebook page.

Below you will find some straw art sculptures from this year as well as highlights from past festivals.