[2025–2026] Complete Guide to Music Festivals in Kyushu & Okinawa and Featured Must-See 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.

The music festival scene in Kyushu and Okinawa is heating up even more this year.

From urban festivals in Fukuoka to open-air events held on Okinawa’s beautiful beaches, unique music gatherings are popping up all over.

In these special spaces, you can experience moving performances, with a wide range of sounds from local artists to popular bands echoing throughout.

Kyushu and Okinawa’s music festivals let you fully enjoy the wonders of music alongside grand natural landscapes and regional charm.

Why not join the events that catch your eye and create unforgettable memories?

Past events

UMK SEAGAIA JamNightSat, Sep 13 - Miyazaki Prefecture

http://www.umk.co.jp

Since 1977, this has been a long-running event. It takes place at Seagaia. It’s divided into Jazz Night and Juke Night: Jazz Night features seasoned veterans, while Juke Night brings together trending bands and artists, drawing a lively crowd of all ages.

Schedule	Saturday, September 13, 2025
place	Miyazaki Prefecture, Miyazaki City, Seagaia Square 1
Website	https://www.umk.co.jp/jamnight/
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1CHANCE FESTIVALSat 9/6 – Sun 9/7, Kumamoto Prefecture

1chancefes.com

This is an outdoor festival hosted by WANIMA, the popular three-piece rock band known for doing commercials and theme songs. Holding a festival they run themselves in their hometown of Kumamoto is a long-awaited event for both the band and their fans! I can’t wait to see which of their close-connected bands will be on the lineup. It’s a must-see event for fans who want to fully enjoy both music and Kumamoto. If you’re visiting Kumamoto for the first time, be sure to set aside plenty of time and go have fun!

Schedule	Sat–Sun, Sep 6–7, 2025
place	Kumamoto Prefecture, Kōshi City, Kumamoto Prefectural Agricultural Park Country Park
Website	https://1chancefes.com/
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BAYSIDE FESTIVALSat, 9/6 – Sun, 9/7 Fukuoka Prefecture

http://www.baysideplace.jp

Schedule	Sat–Sun, Sep 6–7, 2025
place	Bayside Place Hakata, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Website	https://www.baysideplace.jp/bayfes2022/
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SUKIYAKI OKINAWATue, Aug 26 — Okinawa Prefecture

pbs.twimg.com

“SUKIYAKI MEETS THE WORLD,” one of Japan’s leading world music events, has been running for over a quarter of a century. As an expansion of this festival, which is held every August in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, it will once again take place in Okinawa this year following last year’s edition.

Schedule	Tuesday, August 26, 2025
place	Okinawa Prefecture, Okinawa City, Sakurazaka Theater

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Sky JamboreeSun, 8/24, Nagasaki Prefecture

http://www.skyj.jp

Sky Jamboree, a long-running rock festival held since 1999, is an outdoor festival that takes place every year in Nagasaki. With many popular rock bands on the lineup, it’s an event you’re guaranteed to enjoy if you attend.