Hokkaido Music Festivals [2025–2026]: Outdoor Festivals and Events Summary

This historic festival in Kushiro, Hokkaido began in 1985. It started by turning the troublesome sea fog—something the locals often contend with—into a unique event theme. Highlights include not only live performances by artists, but also food stalls and kitchen cars from local shops offering delicious fare, as well as a sound-and-light fog laser show in collaboration with DJs. Since 2021, there have also been booths where you can experience glamping and day-trip camping. It’s well worth the trip: enjoy music and food while taking in the natural surroundings!

JOIN ALIVE has been held every year since 2010 at Iwamizawa Park, which features an open-air music hall and the Hokkaido Greenland amusement park. You sometimes hear about music festivals held at amusement parks, but a unique feature of JOIN ALIVE is that you can actually enjoy the rides there as well. This means families can attend without younger children getting bored. Admission is also free for junior high school students and younger, so this event may inspire many children to fall in love with music.

A uniquely Hokkaido event that fuses live music with Hokkaido cuisine. Over the course of a month, live performances are held in the Sapporo Music Tent that appears in Odori Park and at multiple venues throughout Sapporo. The tent is set up like a restaurant, providing a relaxed space where you can sit down, enjoy a meal, and take in the live music.