[Held in 2026] Recommended music festivals: A roundup of outdoor festivals and major rock festivals you’ll want to attend at least once

CIRCLE is an event held every May. The venue is right by the sea, so you can enjoy the scent of the ocean while spending a wonderfully pleasant time at this spring outdoor festival. There’s also a designated area where you can set up tents, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festival at your own pace.

The concept of Mori, Michi, Ichiba is “space.” It is said to express both atmosphere and maai (sense of timing and distance). The event values the unique atmosphere and maai of people, nature, food, works, and music alike. Why not join to rediscover the appeal of not only music but also various creations and many other things?

This event is hosted by PIZZA OF DEATH, led by Ken Yokoyama, guitarist of the legendary three-piece punk band Hi-STANDARD. There’s no doubt it’ll feature a scorching lineup again this year. A must-check event for live music fans.

Named after the phrase “Kaga Hyakumangoku,” Million Rock lives up to its name as the largest rock festival in the Hokuriku region. With a solid, festival-worthy lineup, it brings excitement every year. Its major appeal is the large roster of stellar artists.

SAKAE SP-RING, known as Saka-Sup, is a large-scale circuit festival held every year mainly at live music venues in Nagoya. It has become a staple early-summer event in Nagoya. For bands active in the indie rock scene, it serves as a gateway-style circuit festival.

Yatsui Ichirō of the comedy duo Eleki Comic is also known for his work as a rock DJ, actively engaging in the music industry by releasing compilation albums and more. This is an event he hosts. Rather than being a club music event, it’s a crossover-style event that incorporates a wide range of music.

Mihoudai, the large circuit festival held every year across multiple live venues around Osaka’s Amerikamura, will be back this year. The lineup is carefully selected by the Mihoudai staff from bands they’ve seen live over the past year, so you can catch a slew of artists who are really on the rise. Looks like we can expect plenty of wonderful bands again this year, don’t you think?