October Music Festivals [2025–2026]: A roundup of fall fests, outdoor rock festivals, and other music events

Kobe Jazz Street is a jazz festival with an uncompromising passion for jazz. In Kobe, they are committed to preserving traditional, orthodox jazz, so they recruit performers with a focus on traditional jazz and, rather than solos, on ensembles. Every year, jazz musicians from Japan and abroad—both professionals and amateurs—gather to take part.

An event hosted by the rock band Guitar Wolf, held under the slogan of “rock” at an ancient burial mound (kofun). In keeping with the historical setting of the kofun venue, the stages are given history-themed names such as Yamata no Orochi. Music festivals set against the backdrop of a kofun are quite rare, so even seasoned festival-goers may find this a fresh and enjoyable experience.

Kyū-Uchiyamashita Elementary School: This is an event held using a former elementary school that has been closed. In the familiar setting of an elementary school where everyone spent their childhood, it’s a festival offering a variety of experiences—from music to food and workshops.