[2026] Guide to Music Festivals and Outdoor Events in Hokkaido and the Tohoku Region

Music Festival Master / Editor-in-ChiefHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC and in charge of music festivals. When I attended my first music festival as a freshman in college, I was captivated by its charm—“I can’t believe there’s a place this free and this fun.” I share information about wonderful music festivals every day to help grow the community of festival fans.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

The majestic nature of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region awaits you as the stage for a music festival.

A celebration of music unfolds beneath vast mountains, sweeping grasslands, and crystal-clear blue skies—an extraordinary experience you won’t find in the city.

Enjoy delicious local specialties packed with each region’s charm, and warm encounters with the people who live there.

Under a pleasant breeze and a sky full of stars, come feel the unique sense of togetherness created by the audience and the artists.

Miyagi Prefecture

Sandwichman × Eiko Kano × MUSIC Kano FestSat 2/14–Sun 2/15, Miyagi Prefecture

grapecom.jp

Schedule	Saturday, February 14, 2026 – Sunday, February 15, 2026
place	Sendai Sunplaza Hall, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Website	https://grapecom.jp/information/news/kanofes2026/

Report a problem

Tohoku Live House Daisakusen “LIFE” Tohoku/Kanazawa EditionSat 3/14 – Sun 3/15, Miyagi Prefecture

Schedule	Sat, Mar 14–Sun, Mar 15, 2026
place	Miyagi Prefecture, Ōfunato City, KESEN ROCK FREAKS / Ishinomaki BLUE RESISTANCE
Website	https://life.livehouse-daisakusen.com/
SNS

Report a problem

ARABAKI ROCK FEST.Apr 25 (Sat) – 26 (Sun), Miyagi Prefecture

ARABAKI is written as 荒吐 in kanji, and it is said to refer to a tribe that expanded its influence in the Tohoku region more than 1,200 years ago. The Arahahito (Arabaki) people are said to have loved the land where they lived from the bottom of their hearts and to have played an active role in protecting peace and the dignity of Tohoku. This kind of “ray of light that illuminates Tohoku’s history” is the concept of this festival. Every year, many rock bands gather at the ARABAKI Rock Festival, creating an exciting atmosphere. Look forward to the fusion of history, culture, and rock.

Schedule	Saturday–Sunday, April 25–26, 2026
place	Michinoku Park North Area, Eco Camp Michinoku, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture
Website	https://arabaki.com/
SNS

View details

Report a problem

Sendai A Cappella FestMay 23 (Sat) – 24 (Sun), Miyagi Prefecture

Schedule	Saturday–Sunday, May 23–24, 2026
place	Kōtōdai Park, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Website	https://sendai-acappella-fes.com/
SNS

Report a problem

NEUTRAL ARENASat, 7/4, Miyagi Prefecture

Schedule	Saturday, July 4, 2026
place	Xebio Arena Sendai, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Website	https://neutral-arena.com
SNS

Report a problem

Akita Prefecture

Akita Caravan Music FesSat 9/26–Sun 9/27 Akita Prefecture

acmf.jp

Akita-born singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi hosts the outdoor festival Akita CARAVAN MUSIC FES. His dream since his major-label debut—to energize Akita through music—has finally come true. As the word CARAVAN in the event title suggests, the festival changes its venue every year, aiming to tour all 13 cities within Akita Prefecture.