Music Festivals in May [2026]: Outdoor Festivals and Events Summary

TOKYO METROPOLITAN ROCK FESTIVAL, commonly known as METROCK, has been held since 2013. Although it’s a relatively new event, it attracts great popularity, drawing over 30,000 attendees every year since its inception. It takes place in Tokyo and Osaka over a total of four days.

This is a music festival where you can enjoy various activities in the mountains at the Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture. During the event, there will be free films, jazz performances, and yoga as part of the hands-on programs. It seems there are also guided tours you can enjoy in nature with advance reservations. The main attraction, of course, is the live music. Savor exceptional performances on a special stage set at the 1,289-meter summit area with breathtaking views. There will also be a livestream on the day, giving those who can’t make it to the venue a chance to enjoy the scenery and the music.

Freedom once overcame a crisis of cancellation through crowdfunding. It’s a “thank-you” festival for music fans, with a strong commitment to keeping admission free. On the day, live performances will take place one after another across multiple stages. Odaka Ryokuchi, the venue, is a pleasant spot with plenty of trees and lawns, and it’s also close to the station—access is excellent.

ACO CHiLL CAMP has become an event that puts even more emphasis on acoustic music, chillout vibes, and camping. It’s a festival where you can fully enjoy music and outdoor activities. There are also plenty of other activities and workshops, and since it takes place in nature, it’s highly recommended for families with children. And of course, the soothing sounds of acoustic music are not to be missed.

THE STAR FESTIVAL takes place at a campground in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, so it’s a music festival where you can of course camp. At night, you can experience an otherworldly atmosphere created by the lighting combined with the great outdoors—a view you don’t normally encounter—making it a highly recommended festival where you can soak in a sense of escape from the everyday.

A new experiential outdoor festival produced by the team behind ONE MUSIC CAMP, one of Kansai’s flagship open-air festivals, is coming soon. Built around the concept of offering a special outdoor festival experience unlike your usual weekend, you can enjoy not only live music, but also delicious food, outdoor activities, and workshops at a venue rich in natural beauty. The site is about an hour away by public transport from Kobe or Osaka, making it easy for families to attend. How about spending a fulfilling holiday together, stretching out and relaxing in an open, spacious setting?