Kyoto Music Festivals [2026] Outdoor Festivals and Events Roundup

Kyoto’s anime music festival, Kyo Premium Live. With “Kyoto-ness” as its theme, this live event features anisong singers and voice-actor artists. For anime fans, it doesn’t get more luxurious than this. If you love anime, you can’t miss it.

When it comes to summer festivals in Kyoto, 10-FEET’s Kyoto Daisakusen is the obvious pick, but the winter tradition has to be Kyoto-born rock band ROTTENGRAFFTY’s Kyouto Chotokkyu. In 2014, the event moved to Pulse Plaza, and since 2016 it has expanded to a two-day format—Kyouto Chotokkyu is a festival you simply can’t take your eyes off as it keeps growing!

Saiin Fes is a free (tip-based) music festival held around Saiin in Kyoto. Since 2017, it has been held in spring, summer, and autumn. Not only live music venues but also cafes and shrines throughout the Saiin area become stages, filling the town with music for two days.

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.

This is an event hosted by Quruli that has been held annually in their hometown of Kyoto since 2007. Over the years, audiences have enjoyed a compelling lineup featuring artists from Japan and abroad, crossing genre boundaries. When in-person events weren’t possible due to COVID-19, they kept the event going by taking on the challenge of online live performances. Highlights include distinctive production and a carefully curated lineup that reflect their unwavering dedication to music. Be sure to experience it live if you can.

This event combines an outdoor rock festival with fireworks under the concept of “bringing a live house outdoors.” On the live stage, there are plans that allow filming of certain artists’ performances, which is a treat for fans. The event is imbued with the hope that it will become a new hangout born from musical connections, and a little joy in people’s daily lives. Remarkably, the organizers are a volunteer community, not an event-planning company or a group of band members. Founded by members outside the industry, GAGAFEST has expanded in scale and will energize the venue with an outdoor rock festival and full-scale fireworks. Bring your family and friends and join in!