January Music Festivals [2026]: Winter Fests, Outdoor Live Shows, and a Roundup of New Year Music Events
In this article, I’ll be introducing music festivals taking place in January! You might not associate the dead of winter with music festivals, but surprisingly, music events are held across the country.
There may not be many, but there are annual staples as well as new, buzzworthy events you won’t want to miss.
As you read, find the perfect event to kick off your year with your first music festival of the season.
January
Music Lane Festival OkinawaFri 1/30 – Sun 2/1, Okinawa Prefecture
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPTu3sjjwPf/A showcase festival that brings together up-and-coming artists active in Japan and abroad. Festival and music industry professionals are invited to discover new talent. In Japan, one of the earliest and most notable organizers is the Music Lane Festival Okinawa. Because it receives many participation offers from overseas, this format is more common outside Japan, and it’s an exciting event where general audiences can encounter artists who may soon break through.
| Schedule | Fri, Jan 30, 2026 – Sun, Feb 1, 2026 |
| place | Music Town Otoichiba 3F Hall, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture / Music Town Otoichiba 1F Music Plaza / Remy’s |
| Website | https://musiclaneokinawa.com/archives/53598 |
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LisAni! LIVESat, Jan 31 – Sun, Feb 1, Tokyo
https://x.com/Lis_Ani/status/1974115729193775353This festival, held in tandem since its launch in 2010, is constantly pursuing new styles and getting more powerful every year. From major names in the anisong scene to fresh faces, it’s sure to offer something to enjoy across a wide range of genres!
| Schedule | Sat, Jan 31–Sun, Feb 1, 2026 |
| place | Nippon Budokan, Chiyoda City, Tokyo |
| Website | https://www.lisani.jp/live/ |
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CHROMA WAVE — HIPHOP ARENASat, Jan 31 — Chiba Prefecture
https://x.com/chroma_wave_jp/status/2009096141443633613| Schedule | Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| place | Lala Arena Tokyo Bay, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture |
| Website | https://chromawave.jp/ |
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Dera Rock FestivalSat, Jan 31 – Sun, Feb 1, Aichi Prefecture
The large-scale circuit festival “GRAND LINE,” organized by RAD CREATION and held in Nagoya since 2011, has changed its name and expanded to two days. The venues are live houses in the Sakae and Shinsakae areas. While the lineup is centered on younger artists, veteran acts are also featured, giving it a broad and well-rounded feel.
| Schedule | Sat, Jan 31–Sun, Feb 1, 2026 |
| place | Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City DIAMOND HALL / SPADE BOX / HeartLand / Live & Lounge Vio / ROCK’N’ROLL / RAD SEVEN / RADmini / Live & Lounge Vio / RAD / Party’z / TIGHT ROPE / CIRCUS / NAGOYA CLUB QUATTRO / ReNY Limited / HOLIDAY NEXT NAGOYA / Nagoya School of Music & Dance / RAD HALL / TOYS |
| Website | https://derarockfes.radcreation.jp/ |
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Past events
Happy New Year! Idol First Dream LiveFri 1/2 – Sat 1/3, Tokyo
| Schedule | Fri–Sat, Jan 2–3, 2026 |
| place | Tokyo, Koto City, Zepp DiverCity / DiverCity Tokyo Plaza Festival Square |
| Website | https://atjam.jp/ |
New Beginning FesSun, Jan 4 – Tokyo Metropolis
https://www.instagram.com/p/DRi7O1EDwol| Schedule | Sunday, January 4, 2026 |
| place | Tokyo Garden Theater, Koto City, Tokyo Metropolis |
| Website | https://www.new-beginning-fes.jp/ |
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rockin’on sonicSun, 1/4 (Chiba Prefecture)
https://x.com/rockinon_sonic/status/1960900347230077108| Schedule | Sunday, January 4, 2026 |
| place | Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture |
| Website | https://rockinonsonic.com/ |
| SNS |


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