List of indie festivals nationwide [2026]

Borofesta is held at Kyoto KBS Hall—whose stained glass behind the stage is truly striking—and at the live music venue METRO. Organized entirely as a D.I.Y. festival by an executive committee made up of people working in music, such as live house staff and band members, along with many volunteer staff, Borofesta offers a wealth of perspectives unique to a D.I.Y. festival and enjoyment you won’t find at other events.

Kobe, which recovered and rebuilt after the damage caused by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. There was a great deal of support for the recovery. This charity festival began as a way to give back for that support and has been held every year since. Admission is free every year, and donations are collected throughout the venue. The event has safely been confirmed to take place again this year.

Hoshioto is held in Okayama Prefecture. Taking place in the nature-rich city of Ibara, Okayama, as the event title suggests, once night falls you can enjoy a collaboration of beautiful starry skies and music. At hoshioto in 2016, it’s said that a very beautiful starry sky was visible during Sawagi’s headlining set. We’re praying for good weather again this year!

WILD BUNCH FEST. began in 2013 as the successor to SET STOCK, a music festival held in Hiroshima for ten years starting in 1999. One especially striking feature of WILD BUNCH is the small stage called “On the Sea,” which floats on the water in a small cove-like area within the venue and is used only for the closing act. Since it’s the closing act, the surroundings are fully dark by then, making the live performance on the tiny stage floating on the sea a must-see. Also, last year a campsite was set up inside the venue, allowing attendees to stay overnight from day one to day two, which is another highlight.

Sanuki Rock was launched by Su-xing-cyu, Tokushima’s “most tear-jerking comic band.” It’s a circuit-style event held across multiple venues in Takamatsu City. Because it takes place at several locations, a wide variety of artists perform. It’s a community-focused music festival where you can enjoy encounters with new music.