List of indie festivals nationwide [2026]

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?

RUSH BALL is a summer tradition of Osaka’s rock scene that has been held since 1999. The venue, Izumiotsu Phoenix, faces the sea, where you can feel the ocean breeze, and its sprawling lawns make for an incredibly comfortable festival experience. The lineup never disappoints—expect everything from staple festival veterans to promising young newcomers!

The outdoor rock festival HAZIKETEMAZARE, hosted by Osaka rock band HEY-SMITH, will be held again this year. It originally started as an event at live music venues, but later moved outdoors. It has finally become a staple of summer outdoor festivals. HAZIMAZA is an event full of playful spirit that only HEY-SMITH can deliver.

A free-admission acoustic music festival held at various locations around Kyoto. Enjoy acoustic songs at easily accessible spots like in front of Miyakomesse, Okazaki Park, ZEST Oike, and Kyoto Station. How about visiting with your family during Golden Week?

It’s a summer festival hosted by 10-FEET, a three-piece rock band from Kyoto. It began in 2007, but the inaugural event had to be canceled due to a typhoon. However, there’s a saying that festivals canceled by a typhoon in their first year go on to become beloved and popular events… True to that saying, this festival has seen various legends unfold every year—perhaps thanks to the mysterious power of the organizers, the three members of 10-FEET, and all the attendees. The overall atmosphere is known for being warm and friendly among both performers and visitors. It’s an essential event that marks the start of summer in Kyoto.