As a spin-off of hoshioto, which is held annually in Okayama Prefecture, this event is titled machioto because, unlike hoshioto—which takes place at a campground under starry skies—it is held in live music venues in the city. It’s a circuit-style event that takes place across several live houses in Okayama City. Why not come and discover some new music?

A spring festival organized by YUMEBANCHI, a company that plans and produces events, kicked off in Okayama in 2023. For locals, it’s exciting not to have to travel out of the prefecture to see those artists come to Okayama! The festival features two stages, the SOLID STAGE and the STRIPED STAGE, so if there’s an artist you absolutely want to be up front for, it’s a good idea to check the setlists in advance and plan accordingly.

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter preserves townscapes from the Edo period. This jazz festival takes place in this area steeped in historical charm. A small river runs through the quarter, and rows of traditional white-walled buildings create a wonderful atmosphere. A jazz festival held in such a setting is sure to be something special.

As we grow older, I feel like we have fewer and fewer chances to gaze at the starry sky. This festival is imbued with the hope that, under a sky full of stars, many people who had almost forgotten to look up at the night sky will feel something. As a first step toward caring about environmental issues, perhaps it begins with simply experiencing beautiful scenery.

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.