April Music Festivals [2026]: A roundup of spring festivals, outdoor rock fests, and other music events

A spring festival for citizens will be held in Shiraoka City, Saitama Prefecture! Local amateur bands active in the area will perform on the outdoor stage next to the Shiraoka City Hall. The performers’ styles are diverse—blues, bossa nova, hard rock, and even high school bands from within the city—energizing the crowd with powerful shows. To make it a beloved event for the community, admission is free, so it’s a highly recommended festival that anyone can enjoy with ease!

The Shimamoto Music Festival is held in Shimamoto, Mishima District, Osaka Prefecture, and is a long-standing music festival organized by the Shimamoto Town Chamber of Commerce Youth Division. Many artists perform, including band performances, wind ensemble performances, and acoustic singer-songwriters. At the same time, local shops and vendors in Shimamoto host food and merchandise stalls as well as a flea market. Be sure to stop by!

The Maizuru Playback Fest is held in the port town of Maizuru on the Sea of Japan in Kyoto. The event aims to revitalize the city, inspire hope, and give people a reason to fall in love with Maizuru by framing it as “a place to begin again” through music. We’ve all had those moments when, feeling down or low on energy, we’re moved by a comforting melody, a voice, or lyrics that deliver a message and give us a push forward. In this perfect seaside setting where you can feel the refreshing ocean breeze, the music you enjoy might help you discover a new version of yourself.

Iwakuni Jazz Street is a circuit-style jazz festival held at multiple venues around JR Iwakuni Station in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Now in its third year, the event aims to grow into one that is even more beloved by the people of Iwakuni and more widely recognized, reflecting on lessons learned from the previous edition. It aspires to be a warm, family-friendly event where everyone can participate.