Music Festivals in May [2026]: Outdoor Festivals and Events Summary
We’ve put together a roundup of music events in May, including outdoor rock festivals, jazz festivals, and circuit-style festivals.
This year is packed with exciting festivals and events once again, such as VIVA LA ROCK, FFKT—the successor to Taico Club—and WIRED MUSIC FESTIVAL!
- List of Rock Festivals in May [2026]
- [GW] Music Festivals Held During Golden Week [2026] — List of Rock and Outdoor Festivals
- Spring Music Festival Schedule Overview [2026]
- April Music Festivals [2026]: A roundup of spring festivals, outdoor rock fests, and other music events
- Music festivals in eastern Japan held during Golden Week [2026]
- June Music Festivals [2026] Outdoor Festivals & Events Summary
- [2026] Complete Guide to Summer Festivals in the Kanto Region: Music Festivals and Outdoor Festival Information
- Tokyo Music Festivals [2026]: Outdoor Festivals and Events Summary
- [Held in 2026] Recommended music festivals: A roundup of outdoor festivals and major rock festivals you’ll want to attend at least once
- List of Rock Festivals Nationwide [2026]
- Summer Music Festival Schedule Summary [2026]
- VIVA LA ROCK | Music Festival / Event
- Nationwide Camp-In Festivals [2026] Outdoor Festival List
May
Kabukicho UP GATE↑↑Mon 5/4 – Tue 5/5, Tokyo Metropolis
This is an idol event jointly organized by the live event @JAM, which continues to promote pop culture, and TV Asahi’s Roppongi Idol Festival. Set in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho, idols will gather for an urban circuit-style festival. Don’t miss the performances by a carefully selected lineup of top artists, who will showcase the culture of Reiwa-era idols from here. Let’s support them at the live venues as we work together—idols and fans alike—to build a new idol culture.
| Schedule | Mon, May 4, 2026 – Tue, May 5, 2026 |
| place | Tokyo Metropolis, Shinjuku Ward: Zepp Shinjuku (TOKYO) / Music Restaurant APEXIA / Shinjuku LOFT / Shinjuku MARZ / DHNoA / Shinjuku WALLY / Zirco Tokyo / Kabukicho Tower Stage |
| Website | https://kabukicho-upgate.com/ |
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Ashiya Jazz FestivalTue, 5/5 Hyogo Prefecture
Many people recognize Ashiya as an upscale residential area, but it also boasts numerous tourist attractions. It is a quiet town surrounded by nature—the mountains, river, and sea. You won’t want to miss the jazz festival held in such a wonderful setting.
| Schedule | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 |
| place | 1 Funadocho, Ashiya City, Hyogo / Around JR Ashiya Station |
| Website | http://www.ashiya-jazz.info/ |
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KOBE MELLOW CRUISETue 5/5 – Wed 5/6 Hyogo Prefecture
A new festival is being born in Kobe, a historic port city that has long shared diverse cultures with the world. From Meriken Park—where you can feel the pleasant sea breeze—the concept is to enjoy cruising through culture: music, art, fashion, delicious food, and more. It’s exciting to imagine what kinds of performances and experiences await. The venue is open-air, so with everyone’s cooperation to avoid crowding, it should be possible to enjoy the event safely. Why not refresh your mind by engaging all five senses?
| Schedule | Tue, May 5, 2026 – Wed, May 6, 2026 |
| place | Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe City, GLION ARENA KOBE / TOTTEI PARK |
| Website | https://kobe-mellow-cruise.com/ |
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EBISU Bloomin’ JAZZ GARDENMay 8 (Fri) – 10 (Sun), Tokyo
| Schedule | Fri, May 8–Sun, May 10, 2026 |
| place | Meguro City, Tokyo, Ebisu Garden Place |
| Website | https://jazzgarden.jp |
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CRAFTROCK FESTIVALSat 5/9–Sun 5/10, Tokyo
craftrock.jp
The “CRAFT” in CRAFT ROCK refers to craft beer. In other words, it’s a festival of beer and music. What’s more, there’s even a seated, full-service restaurant—rare for a rock festival—aiming to create a “fun and delicious fest.” With soothing music, a wide variety of beers, and tasty food, you’ll leave with both your stomach and your heart completely satisfied.
| Schedule | Sat–Sun, May 9–10, 2026 |
| place | Tachikawa Stage Garden, Tachikawa City, Tokyo |
| Website | https://craftrock.jp/fes2025/ |
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BLUE SKY HEAVENMay 9 (Sat) – 10 (Sun), Chiba Prefecture
BLUE SKY HEAVEN, commonly known as Blueska, is one of Japan’s largest motorcycle events hosted by Harley-Davidson. Harley riders from all over the country gather for not only live music, but also motorcycle exhibits, test rides utilizing the circuit, and food vendors. There’s also a camping area, making it a comprehensive event that combines music, camping, and motorcycles.
| Schedule | Sat–Sun, May 9–10, 2026 |
| place | Chiba Prefecture, Chiba City, ZOZO Marine Stadium |
| Website | http://www.harley-davidson.co.jp/bsh/ |
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Tank-top FestivalMie Prefecture, Sat 5/9–Sun 5/10
| Schedule | Sat–Sun, May 9–10, 2026 |
| place | Special venue at Cibeles Square, Parque España (Shima Spain Village), Shima City, Mie Prefecture |
| Website | https://yabaitshirtsyasan.com/tanktopfes2026/ |


