[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

TBC Summer FestivalSat 7/26 – Sun 7/27, Miyagi Prefecture

http://www.tbcfes.jp

Schedule	Saturday–Sunday, July 26–27, 2025
place	Kōtōdai Park / Nishiki-machi Park, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Website	https://www.tbcfes.jp/
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Hokkaido JAZZ Special Stage at Ranran Park on the Shiribetsu River, Rankoshi TownSat, Jul 26 – Hokkaido

hokkaidojazzcom.wordpress.com

Schedule	Saturday, July 26, 2025
place	Ranran Park, Shiribetsu, Rankoshi Town, Isoya District, Hokkaido
Website	https://hokkaidojazzcom.wordpress.com

Nangō Summer Jazz FestivalSat, 7/26 Aomori Prefecture

Nango Summer Jazz Festival. Not only can you enjoy performances by many artists, but Nango, where the event is held, is also a famous tourist destination, and it offers local specialties such as Nango soba and blueberries. It seems you can camp at the venue from the night of the event until the next morning, so it would be nice to enjoy the jazz festival for a full day, stay overnight, and spend the second day sightseeing in Nango.

Schedule	Saturday, July 26, 2025
place	Aomori Prefecture, Hachinohe City, Nangō, Cuckoo Forest Ecoland, Outdoor Stage
Website	https://nangojazz.blogspot.com/
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OGA NAMAHAGE ROCK FESTIVALSat 7/26–Sun 7/27, Akita Prefecture

http://www.onrf.jp

The Oga Namahage Rock Festival held in Akita Prefecture was launched to revitalize the region by drawing many visitors to Oga, increasing Oga’s name recognition, and fostering local pride. Artists from a wide range of genres—such as mixture, hardcore, and reggae—come together to create two exhilarating days.

Schedule	Saturday–Sunday, July 26–27, 2025
place	Special stage in Funakawa Port, Oga City, Akita Prefecture
Website	http://www.onrf.jp
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KUSHIRO KIRI FESTIVALHokkaido, Fri 7/25–Sun 7/27

http://www.kushirokirifestival.com

This historic festival in Kushiro, Hokkaido began in 1985. It started by turning the troublesome sea fog—something the locals often contend with—into a unique event theme. Highlights include not only live performances by artists, but also food stalls and kitchen cars from local shops offering delicious fare, as well as a sound-and-light fog laser show in collaboration with DJs. Since 2021, there have also been booths where you can experience glamping and day-trip camping. It’s well worth the trip: enjoy music and food while taking in the natural surroundings!