[2025–2026] Recommended Music Festivals: A roundup of outdoor festivals and major rock festivals you should attend at least once

RADIO CRAZY, known as “RediKure,” is the annual year-end rock blowout. Held over two days at INTEX Osaka, RediKure features multiple stages where many popular artists deliver performances worthy of closing out the year.

As its name suggests, the festival called COUNTDOWN JAPAN traditionally features a countdown at the end of the year. Spanning four days, the festival hosts many remarkably star-studded artists befitting the close of the year. In addition, during the first sunrise of the new year, The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” is played.

This festival started in 2010 as BLARE DOWN BARRIERS, a live event hosted by coldrain, and from 2020—its 10th year—it has been held as BLARE FEST. With a stellar lineup that festival lovers won’t be able to resist, a sellout seems inevitable. We recommend checking ticket information early. It’s the kind of festival where you’ll want to catch every second across all three stages, so if you’re coming from out of town, plan to stay overnight and make the most of it.

TENJIN ONTAQ is a circuit-style event held at live music venues in Tenjin, Fukuoka, with the concept of “encounters with music.” Bands that have been making headlines recently and those gaining popularity will perform! We can’t wait to see what this year’s lineup will be like.

This event has been held since 2013, launched by the Osaka Sakai-based bands GOOD 4 NOTHING and THE CHINA WIFE MOTORS out of a desire to give back to their hometown. The venue has been in Sakai City since the beginning, and the event is deeply rooted in Sakai, with booths introducing local food, clothing, housing, and various cultures. This year, the venue has been moved to Sakai City’s Umi to no Fureai Hiroba, featuring an outdoor stage. With the event taking place at the end of May, the weather should be just right for a comfortable and enjoyable time.

DEAD POP FESTiVAL, which has been held since 2010 under the slogan “Break the Wall,” has firmly established itself as an outdoor event and joined the ranks of summer open-air festivals. The festival is hosted by the hugely popular reggae-punk band SiM. Because SiM is always taking on new challenges, the event has featured initiatives unlike anything seen before. This year as well, their fresh ideas will no doubt make it an incredibly fun experience.

TRINGLE, held within Fukuoka’s Seaside Momochi Beach Park. It’s incredibly appealing that so many popular bands from the loud and melodic hardcore scenes are gathering, and a two-day pass is available at this price. It’s a highly recommended festival for live music kids around Kyushu! A rock fest on the beach at summer’s end—the sunset scenery will surely strike a chord in your heart, don’t you think?