Kansai Music Festivals [2025–2026]: Special Feature on Must-See Outdoor Fests & Events

Music Festival Master / Editor-in-ChiefKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC and in charge of music festivals. When I attended my first music festival as a freshman in college, I was captivated by its charm—“I can’t believe there’s a place this free and this fun.” I share information about wonderful music festivals every day to help grow the community of festival fans.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

Live performances resonating from vast outdoor stages, the electric energy created by artists and fans as one, and making memories with friends.

This year, a variety of unique music festivals will once again be held across the Kansai region.

In these special spaces where diverse genres—rock, pop, jazz, and more—intertwine, why not experience irreplaceable moments of excitement?

In this article, we introduce standout outdoor festivals and event information.

Past events

Nara D-SONICMon, 10/13 Nara Prefecture

nextheartjapan.wixsite.com

An event held at the Heijō Palace site in Nara. There will be food vendors from over 40 stalls and a variety of other booths. On the stage, artists from various genres such as jazz and DJs will perform, and there will also be dance performances, so you’re sure to have a great time.

Schedule	Monday, October 13, 2025
place	Heijō Palace Site, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Website	https://nextheartjapan.wixsite.com/dsonic
SNS

View details

Kadoma Jazz FestivalMon, Oct 13 — Osaka Prefecture

http://www.kadoma-jazz.com

This is a jazz festival held in Kadoma, Osaka. Taking place in early October, when the autumn breeze is refreshing and it feels great to be outdoors, the festival unfolds throughout the city of Kadoma—perfect for spending a relaxing time. It is organized as a community-focused event, driven by the idea of combining the power of jazz and local citizens to bring vibrancy to the city.

Schedule	Monday, October 13, 2025
place	Furukawabashi Station, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture / Station Front Venue
Website	http://www.kadoma-jazz.com/

View details

Festival of the Wind PeopleMon, Oct 13 — Osaka Prefecture

Schedule	Monday, October 13, 2025
place	Hattori Ryokuchi Open-Air Music Hall, Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Website	https://www.facebook.com/kajipitofes/

View details

WESSION FESTIVALSun 10/12 – Mon 10/13, Osaka Prefecture

Schedule	Sunday–Monday, October 12–13, 2025
place	Higashi-no-Hiroba (East Plaza), Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture
Website	https://www.wowow.co.jp/event/wession/
SNS

Sakai Blues FestivalSun 10/12 – Mon 10/13, Osaka Prefecture

http://www.sakai-bluesfestival.com

This event, held with the aim of revitalizing local commerce and industry through music, is one to really look forward to, as it offers the chance to see many bands.

Schedule	Sunday–Monday, October 12–13, 2025
place	Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
Website	http://www.sakai-bluesfestival.com
SNS

View details

Kasugano Music FestivalSun, 10/12 Nara Prefecture

kasuganofes.jp

Kasugano Music Festival is held with Kasuga Taisha as the main stage, alongside several stages set up in Nara Park and around the town. It’s a community-participation music festival aimed at city-building, featuring dedication performances, choral singing, and more. A market also appears at the main venue, where you can enjoy delicious food.