Hokkaido & Tohoku Summer Festivals [2025–2026]: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Music Events

JIM BEAM SUMMER FES, a free-admission event where you can enjoy Hokkaido’s famous cuisine and music while sipping a Jim Beam Highball made with the bourbon whiskey brand born in Kentucky, USA, will be held in Hokkaido! Spending summer like an adult—working up a sweat outdoors while enjoying drinks and music—sounds perfect, doesn’t it? With delicious, appetite-stimulating food and a Jim Beam Highball in hand, the live performances by participating artists are sure to make for the ultimate summer festival experience.

It’s an outdoor festival held in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Centered around up-and-coming artists active locally and across the prefecture, you can enjoy a wide range of musical genres. It’s quite a rare chance to see so many artists up close with free admission. Cheering on talented local performers and freely getting hyped with fellow music lovers—drink in hand—is a unique pleasure of outdoor concerts. After the show, it’s worth exploring local gourmet spots, and even traveling from afar to attend makes for a great trip.

A classic summer event in Aomori, the Yasugata Minato Festival, is coming up! The music program features different themes each day, and the Blues Fest brings together key members who are essential to Aomori’s local blues scene. In the past, the festival has even collaborated with the a-nation live tour, growing in scale as a popular event. You can also enjoy yacht cruising at Aomori Port, fireworks displays, and kids’ fair activities. The food booths will host popular local eateries, so be sure to check out the local gourmet offerings. Don’t miss the special one-time-only programs you can experience only this year!

It’s one of Japan’s largest camping festivals, organized by the magazine GO OUT. The event has expanded to venues across the country, including Fumotoppara in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, and Tenjin-hama Auto Campsite in Inawashiro, Fukushima. It features stylish camp sites, live performances by a variety of artists, booths from outdoor brands, and a full lineup of outdoor activities and fun.

An outdoor event centered on underground music, held amid majestic nature. The main festival runs for three days, and including the pre-party, it becomes a four-day, large-scale event. It’s a recommended event where you can enjoy a club-like atmosphere in the open air.