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.

Shiga Prefecture

Inazuma Rock FesShiga Prefecture, Sat 9/19–Mon 9/21

Inazuma Rock, an outdoor rock festival with an uncompromising focus on Shiga Prefecture, organized by Takanori Nishikawa—who hails from Shiga and serves as a Shiga Hometown Tourism Ambassador—has been confirmed for this year as well. Held in an unbeatable setting by Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei, the event mainly features artists connected to Shiga or who have ties with Nishikawa. Part of the venue offers free admission, and there’s even a stage within the free area where you can enjoy live performances! Nishikawa is also known for his engaging talk segments, so it’ll be exciting to see how he fires up the crowd.

Schedule	Sat–Mon, Sep 19–21, 2026
place	Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Karasuma Peninsula Lawn Field
Website	https://inazumarock.com/2022/
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Wakayama Prefecture

Shingu City Citizens’ Music Festival (Rock Division)Sun, Jan 25 – Wakayama Prefecture

Schedule	Sunday, January 25, 2026
place	Tanzaku Hall, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture
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Past events

NEIGHBORGOOD MUSIC FESTIVALSun, 11/9, Osaka Prefecture

Schedule	Sunday, November 9, 2025
place	Kyuhoji Ryokuchi Shukei Plaza, Yao City, Osaka Prefecture
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Sennan Four Seasons Music Festival - AutumnSun, 11/9, Osaka Prefecture

Schedule	Sunday, November 9, 2025
place	Osaka Prefecture, Sennan City, Sennan Municipal Cultural Hall
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méli mélo osakaSat 11/8–Sun 11/9, Osaka Prefecture

Schedule	Sat, Nov 8–Sun, Nov 9, 2025
place	Hattori Ryokuchi Park, Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Website	https://www.melimelo-osaka.com
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STORMY DUDES FESTASat, Nov 8 — Osaka Prefecture

RAZORS EDGE is a four-piece band from Osaka. Their circuit festival, STORMY DUDES FESTA, will be held again this year. It’s a circuit-style event that uses live music venues around America-mura. Centered on melodic hardcore and punk bands, it boasts a fiery lineup.

Schedule	Saturday, November 8, 2025
place	Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City BIGCAT / SUNHALL / ANIMA / Pangea / BRONZE / HOKAGE / SINKAGURA
Website	http://razorsedgejapan.com/sdf2024/index.html
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