Music festival in Western Japan held during Golden Week [2026]

The Tsurumai Park Bluegrass Music Festival, commonly known as “Tsurumai Fes,” is an outdoor music event centered on bluegrass, the acoustic genre that originated in Kentucky, USA. It takes place in the plaza in front of the Music Pavilion at Tsurumai Park in Showa Ward, Nagoya, and is held concurrently with the Spring Flower Festival. Enjoy a day of live performances by a variety of bands showcasing the charms of bluegrass—from its lively, dance-inducing rhythms to its beautiful harmonies. Admission is free, and the event will be held in May 2026.

HARE stämman is the new name for the Swedish-style participatory music event “Nordic Forest Concert,” held every May since 2016 in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture. With the catchphrase “Bring your instrument and gather,” it will mark its 9th edition in 2026. The venue is the Ureshino Furusato Kaikan Multipurpose Hall, and the event is scheduled for May 4, starting at 12:30 p.m. Advance tickets are 2,500 yen, same-day tickets are 3,000 yen, and admission is free for elementary school students and younger.