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] Fire Up the Crowd! A Selection of Western Songs to Hype Up School Culture Festivals (31–40)

Get Me (feat. Kehlani)Justin Bieber

Get Me

Get Me (feat. Kehlani)Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber’s insanely cool track “Get Me.” It’s hands down stylish and cool beyond compare.

With its complex rhythm, it might not be the kind of four-on-the-floor dance beat that everyone can easily groove to and enjoy.

But Justin and Kehlani’s vocals are outstanding, and they immediately make you think, “This is cool!” the moment you hear it.

How about using it as BGM for your school festival or cultural fair? And definitely try a dance routine too!

Raise the rankinglower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

Jumpin’ Jack FlashThe Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones – Jumpin’ Jack Flash (Live) – OFFICIAL

Jumpin' Jack FlashThe Rolling Stones

It’s a shame that so many people recognize the Rolling Stones’ tongue-and-lips logo but don’t know their songs.

In that case, let’s perform at the school festival and forcefully show them how great the band is.

For the setlist, I think this rock number would be a good choice.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles

Hotel California (2013 Remaster)

Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles

While getting the crowd excited is important, the top priority is to perform songs that we ourselves are satisfied with.

If you simply want people to hear a great song, the Eagles’ “Hotel California” is an excellent choice.

Most people probably only know the chorus, so let’s sing it with all our hearts.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Shake It OffTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Shake It Off

Shake It OffTaylor Swift

Global songstress Taylor Swift is a must to liven up any school festival.

This song is easy for a band to perform, and it would also be perfect as BGM for stage dance.

Doing a cheer dance like in the music video is recommended, too.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Party Rock AnthemLMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock

LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock

Party Rock AnthemLMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock

If you’re looking for high-energy, hype EDM, you can’t go wrong with this track.

It was so popular that it’s no exaggeration to say it played at least once every hour in clubs for a while.

If you like flashy EDM, you’ll definitely get hooked on it.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

[2026] Hype It Up! A Curated List of Western Songs to Energize Cultural and School Festivals (41–50)

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time (Official HD Video)

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper

Nowadays, partly due to the influence of anime and such, there are a lot more women forming bands.

And if you’re going to perform a cover live at a school festival, you need to pick songs that won’t overlap with others while still getting the crowd excited.

In that case, Cyndi Lauper would be a great choice.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

FlowersMiley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus – Flowers (Official Video)

FlowersMiley Cyrus

“Flowers” is a rapidly rising hit by American singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus.

She debuted in 2008 with her first album, “Breakout,” and she’s popular in Japan as well, so it’s a great pick that even people who don’t usually listen to Western music can easily get excited about together.

The song has a mysterious vibe that seems like it would pair well with that kind of dance, too! It’s hugely popular on music streaming services and beyond, so it’s also a top recommendation for anyone looking for stylish Western music.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem