List of Rock Festivals in Eastern Japan [2026]

College of Rock is a music event held twice a year—in summer and winter—in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. As the name suggests, it’s a festival planned and run mainly by college students and other young people. In summer, it takes place on an outdoor stage set up at the Ishigami-no-Oka Museum, and in winter, it’s hosted across multiple live houses in central Morioka, featuring many young bands. There also appears to be an open application process, so if you’re in a band in the Tohoku region, why not give it a try and enter?

I think many people have become more cautious about going to live shows since the COVID-19 outbreak. This camp-in festival, organized by WiRELESS, a live event promoter, was planned with the hope of creating moments that let people enjoy themselves as much as they did before—if not more. There are rental plans and bus tours from Tokyo to the venue, so even those without equipment or a car can join easily, making it accessible for first-timers. Why not take this opportunity to relax and enjoy music with your family and friends?