October Music Festivals [2026]: A roundup of fall festivals, outdoor rock fests, and other music events

This is a jazz festival held in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, a World Heritage town. Aiming to create a community where music can be enjoyed in Hiraizumi throughout the year, we organize a variety of music events that everyone can enjoy. In 2025, about 200 musicians from across Japan gathered, and the festival was held on the stage at the Kanjizaio-in Temple Ruins. On June 14, 2026, a waterside concert will be held on the newly completed wooden stage at the World Heritage Muryoko-in Temple Ruins, which was finished in March.

SAWAGI FESTIVAL is an outdoor music festival with on-site camping that will celebrate its 11th year in 2026. Thanks to the support of many people, it passed the milestone of its 10th year last year and is stepping into a new phase. Set in a special location embraced by mountains with a sunrise rising from the horizon, three days of deepening and expansion unfold amid the nature of Gunma. The organizers state that they look forward to sharing time with attendees, and the 2026 edition will be held from October 23 to 25.