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

As a new festival organized by Ibaraki Broadcasting, the LuckyFM Green Festival has been held since 2022. Following the relocation of the ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL, the event has adopted the motto “Don’t let the flame of Ibaraki’s festival culture go out,” and has been reimagined with a new concept as a celebration of music, food, and art at its venue, Hitachi Seaside Park. Featuring local ingredients and a wide range of art and music genres, it’s also recommended as a family-friendly event. It’s sure to become one of your favorite summer memories!

Started in 1999 as Japan’s first full-fledged all-night outdoor rock festival, RSR is a large-scale open-air rock event that makes the most of Hokkaido’s vast landscape. A major feature is that you can pitch a tent and camp—chat with friends around your campsite, stay up all night catching live shows, or choose freely among the nearly simultaneous performances across multiple stages. How about crafting your own two days of freedom, in your own way?

A flagship Japanese festival that has been held since 2000. Not only top domestic acts but also many renowned international artists perform, making it an event that draws global attention. A defining feature of Summer Sonic is that it’s an urban, touring-style festival. In addition to being easily accessible, the Tokyo and Osaka lineups swap over the two days. So whichever venue you attend, if you go for both days, you can see all the headliners.

A flagship Japanese music festival that has been held since 2000. It features many renowned artists from both Japan and overseas and is an event that draws attention from around the world. A distinctive feature of Summer Sonic is that it’s an urban, touring-style festival. In addition to easy access, the lineups for the Tokyo and Osaka venues swap over the two days. So whichever venue you attend, if you go both days, you can see all the headliners.

SWEET LOVE SHOWER is an outdoor festival organized by SPACE SHOWER TV. These days it’s held at Lake Yamanaka at the foot of Mount Fuji. With its location offering views of Mount Fuji and a lineup packed with popular artists, it’s an extremely popular event.

@JAM EXPO, which began in 2014, is an event that has continued to be held even as the idol scene undergoes various changes. With the goal of widely introducing Japanese culture and further energizing the idol scene, it is carried out with passionate dedication. Aiming to be the best idol festival in Japan, it’s a must-see event for idol fans.