[2025–2026] Music Festivals & Outdoor Events Guide for Hokkaido and the Tohoku Region

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 majestic nature of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region awaits you as the stage for a music festival.

A celebration of music unfolds beneath vast mountains, sweeping grasslands, and crystal-clear blue skies—an extraordinary experience you won’t find in the city.

Enjoy delicious local specialties packed with each region’s charm, and warm encounters with the people who live there.

Under a pleasant breeze and a sky full of stars, come feel the unique sense of togetherness created by the audience and the artists.

Past events

Tricolore Music FestivalSun, Aug 24, Miyagi Prefecture

tricolore-fes.com

Schedule	Sunday, August 24, 2025
place	Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
Website	https://tricolore-fes.com/

View details

Date FestivalSat 8/23 – Sun 8/24, Miyagi Prefecture

datematsuri.jp

Schedule	Sat, Aug 23–Sun, Aug 24, 2025
place	Kōtōdai Park, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Website	https://datematsuri.jp/
SNS

LOVETOYAHokkaido, Sat 8/23–Sun 8/24

love-toya.com

“LOVETOYA,” held in Toyako, Hokkaido since 2011, is a festival set in a nature-rich location that includes campsites. And the best part: it’s a generous festival with free admission! That said, to help keep the event going, there’s a donation box provided—so don’t forget to bring some cash for tips!

Schedule	Sat, Aug 23–Sun, Aug 24, 2025
place	Lake Hill Farm, Toyako Town, Hokkaido
Website	http://love-toya.com
SNS

View details

Hasshoku Summer Free LiveAug 23 (Sat) – 24 (Sun), Aomori Prefecture

http://www.849sfl.com

Hachishoku Summer Free Live is a free festival held in Aomori Prefecture. The concerts take place on a special stage set up in the parking lot of Hachishoku Center, a large food market in Hachinohe City. Every year the lineup is so impressive it’s hard to believe it’s free, and it feels like a joyful music festival you can simply enjoy—so wonderful. After enjoying the live shows, make sure to pick up plenty of delicious food at Hachishoku Center to take home.

Schedule	Sat, Aug 23–Sun, Aug 24, 2025
place	Special Stage at the Hachinohe Hasshoku Center Parking Lot, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture
Website	http://www.849sfl.com/
SNS

View details