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

This event had been held as JAPAN JAM BEACH until 2016, but due to facility constraints at Makuhari Seaside Park, the venue, we relocated starting in 2017. The new venue spans roughly 50 hectares, and the grounds where the stages are set up are adjacent to each other, allowing for a compact layout. What’s more, it has become a truly groundbreaking urban festival, just an 8-minute walk from the nearest station!

VIVA LA ROCK is Saitama’s biggest music festival. It has established itself as a mega-festival, attracting more than 60,000 attendees. Held every year during Golden Week, the event features passionate rock bands that captivate countless fans. In addition, VIVA LA GARDEN, which takes place beforehand in an adjacent space as a free-zone event, is packed with activities that both children and adults can enjoy, making it a great, easy-to-join option for families as well.

This festival has a slightly unusual style: an outdoor event on a special stage beside the market near the port. It’s held with the hope of sharing the beauty of Toyama Bay, its delicious fish and food culture, and bringing music to even more people. The concept is “a festival created by everyone, overflowing with smiles.”

It’s one of the largest hip-hop events in Japan. Since 2023, it has been revamped from NAMIMONOGATARI and held as ASIAN HIPHOP CONNECTION. The star-studded lineup every year is a major draw, captivating countless heads. Another highlight is the abundance of programs designed for children to participate in.

As its name suggests, the Takatsuki Jazz Street is a citywide jazz festival; last year, performances took place at over 50 venues around Hankyu Takatsuki-shi Station and JR Takatsuki Station. Events like this, with stages scattered throughout the city, fill every corner with music and create a delightful sense of stepping out of the everyday. Another big draw is that admission is free, making it easy to join in.