RAG MusicFestival
Lovely music festival

List of indie festivals nationwide [2026]

There are countless music festivals across Japan, but this time we’ve gathered indie-focused festivals from all over the country! These fests are packed with up-and-coming, buzzworthy artists who are poised to break through.

Be sure to check them out.

Past events

SAGAMIHARA ROCK FESTIVAL Fest StageSun, Feb 1 — Kanagawa Prefecture

This music festival was created with the cooperation of the city to provide a venue for young people engaged in musical activities in Sagamihara. The participating bands not only perform but also handle planning and operations themselves. It takes place over two days: a festival stage for the pure enjoyment of music and a contest stage where techniques are put to the test. On the festival stage, some bands will perform cover songs while others will present fully-fledged original tracks, so there’s a chance that a band could make a nationwide debut from here. It’s hard to take your eyes off the bands you’ll want to root for.

ScheduleSunday, February 1, 2026
placeKanagawa Prefecture, Sagamihara City, Youth Learning Center 1st Floor Hall
Websitehttps://www.city.sagamihara.kanagawa.jp/kosodate/1026602/seisyonen/1006601/1025715.html
SNS

Dera Rock FestivalSat, Jan 31 – Sun, Feb 1, Aichi Prefecture

The large-scale circuit festival “GRAND LINE,” organized by RAD CREATION and held in Nagoya since 2011, has changed its name and expanded to two days. The venues are live houses in the Sakae and Shinsakae areas. While the lineup is centered on younger artists, veteran acts are also featured, giving it a broad and well-rounded feel.

ScheduleSat, Jan 31–Sun, Feb 1, 2026
placeAichi Prefecture, Nagoya City DIAMOND HALL / SPADE BOX / HeartLand / Live & Lounge Vio / ROCK’N’ROLL / RAD SEVEN / RADmini / Live & Lounge Vio / RAD / Party’z / TIGHT ROPE / CIRCUS / NAGOYA CLUB QUATTRO / ReNY Limited / HOLIDAY NEXT NAGOYA / Nagoya School of Music & Dance / RAD HALL / TOYS
Websitehttps://derarockfes.radcreation.jp/
SNS

Shingu City Citizens’ Music Festival (Rock Division)Sun, Jan 25 – Wakayama Prefecture

ScheduleSunday, January 25, 2026
placeTanzaku Hall, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture
SNS

deer rockSat 1/10 – Sun 1/11, Fukushima Prefecture

This is a circuit event organized by Shikachan, an event promoter active in Fukushima Prefecture. Shikachan is reportedly a staff member of TONEFOLK, a music information site based in the Tohoku region. Although it’s a small-scale circuit event held across two venues, the lineup mainly features up-and-coming bands on the verge of breaking through, making it an event you won’t want to miss.

ScheduleSaturday–Sunday, January 10–11, 2026
placeKoriyama #9, Koriyama PEAK ACTION, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
SNS

THICK FESTIVALSun, Jan 4 — Kanagawa Prefecture

A festival hosted by the three-piece melodic punk band SECRET 7 LINE will be held. In 2016, there was a great sorrow for them and for us fans, but seeing them overcome it and continue to perform is truly moving. Live-show kids, be sure to check it out.

ScheduleSunday, January 4, 2026
placeClub Citta, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Websitehttp://www.thickfestival.com/
SNS