Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

[2026] Fire it up! A roundup of recommended Western songs to hype up your school culture festivals

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: spinning-top tricks.

Are you struggling to choose songs that will send the energy on your school festival stage or at your event soaring to the max?If you want to hype up the crowd with BGM or a dance performance, Western hits that transcend language barriers and make everyone move intuitively are perfect.We’ve gathered a wide range—from trending tracks blowing up on TikTok to classic anthems everyone’s heard at least once.Here are some hype-worthy Western songs that will make you want to jump in unison with your classmates and the audience!You’re sure to find the perfect music to vividly color a page of your youth.

[2026] Get the Crowd Hyped! A Curated List of Western Songs to Amp Up Your School Culture Festival (111–120)

BonesImagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons – Bones (Official Music Video)

BonesImagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons are an alternative rock band that churns out hit songs with perfectly crafted compositions that are both original and irresistibly catchy.

Their track “Bones,” released in 2022, went viral on TikTok, so if you’re a student, you’ve probably heard it at least once.

With its cool vibe and a particularly striking drop, it’s better suited for use in a school festival performance or event rather than as simple background music.

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Mi GenteJ Balvin, Willy William

J Balvin, Willy William – Mi Gente (Official Video)

Mi GenteJ Balvin, Willy William

Mi Gente is a collaboration between French record producer Willy William and leading Latin pop artist J Balvin.

Released in 2018, the track features an addictive melody that blends reggaeton with hip-hop.

While its structure is simple, the strong groove makes it more than compelling—ideal for energizing events like school festivals or cultural fairs.

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Never Be LonelyJax Jones, Zoe Wees

Jax Jones, Zoe Wees – Never Be Lonely (Official Video)

Never Be LonelyJax Jones, Zoe Wees

A track that brings together Grammy-nominated producer Jax Jones and German pop singer Zoe Wees.

While it’s dance music, its melodious sound is a standout feature.

Centered on the theme of friendship, it carries a warm message that you’ll never be alone no matter the situation.

Released in February 2024, it also drew attention for its collaboration with the Pokémon 25th anniversary album.

The music video features a futuristic world and Pikachu, which garnered a lot of buzz.

It’s also a great pick for a school festival dance—an upbeat song everyone can dance to and enjoy together.

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X ft. KAROL GJonas Brothers

Jonas Brothes ft. KAROL G – X (Official Music Video)

X ft. KAROL GJonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers are a pop rock band consisting of three brothers: the eldest, Kevin; the second, Joe; and the youngest, Nick.

Although they’re labeled as a pop rock band, their musical style is very diverse, and the vibe varies from song to song.

Their track “X ft.

KAROL G” is a collaboration with Colombian artist Karol G and has an overall Latin flair.

While it’s not a fast-tempo song, it’s the kind that really gets you moving, so why not consider using it for a school cultural festival or campus event?

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Intentions (feat. Quavo)Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber – Intentions (Official Video (Short Version)) ft. Quavo

Intentions (feat. Quavo)Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber’s song “Intentions.” In the music video, which drew a lot of attention, Justin makes a surprise visit to a facility that supports people who have experienced abuse and other hardships, and the video was filmed there.

The song reflects his kind heart, and its tone is very gentle and calming.

How can we use this song at a school or cultural festival? Since it’s a slow, relaxing track, it would work well in rest areas or as background music for certain booths or exhibits.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Know Your WorthKhalid, Disclosure

Khalid, Disclosure – Know Your Worth (Official Audio)

Know Your WorthKhalid, Disclosure

DJ Khaled and Disclosure’s track “Know Your Worth.” With its stylish sound and beautiful vocals, it’s the kind of song that instantly sets the mood the moment you play it.

If a performance or fashion show feels like it’s missing that extra touch, this track might be just what you need.

It’s also a fail-safe choice for a dance routine.

During school festival season, you can’t go wrong relying on this song!

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Murakami Shinpei

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All Night LongKungs, David Guetta, Izzy Bizu

Kungs, David Guetta, Izzy Bizu – All Night Long (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

All Night LongKungs, David Guetta, Izzy Bizu

This work captivates with its exhilarating melody and catchy sound.

The song features passionate lyrics that seek deep connection and physical intimacy.

Released in January 2024, it’s a brand-new track crafted by a star-studded team: French DJ Kungs, renowned producer David Guetta, and British singer-songwriter Izzy Bizu.

Seamlessly blending elements of electronic and dance music, it’s guaranteed to bring a sense of unity to any venue when played as background music at school festivals or cultural events.

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