List of Rock Festivals in May [2026]
Among the music festivals held in May, we’ve gathered events featuring rock bands.
From major annual rock festivals to rock fests where you can enjoy camping, and with the perfect weather there are plenty of circuit-style festivals as well.
Find the rock festival that suits you perfectly.
May
JAPAN JAMSat 5/2–Tue 5/5, Chiba Prefecture
https://x.com/rockinon_fes/status/2004024302010515601This 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!
| Schedule | Saturday, May 2, 2026 – Tuesday, May 5, 2026 |
| place | Soga Sports Park, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture |
| Website | http://japanjam.jp/ |
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VIVA LA ROCKSat 5/2 – Wed 5/6, Saitama Prefecture
https://www.instagram.com/p/DP55ImoCftQVIVA 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.
| Schedule | Sat, May 2–Wed, May 6, 2026 |
| place | Saitama Prefecture, Saitama City, Saitama Stadium 2002 / Nearby Venues |
| Website | http://vivalarock.jp |
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KOBE MELLOW CRUISETue 5/5 – Wed 5/6 Hyogo Prefecture
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSmaVboE7X1/A new festival is being born in Kobe, a historic port city that has long shared diverse cultures with the world. From Meriken Park—where you can feel the pleasant sea breeze—the concept is to enjoy cruising through culture: music, art, fashion, delicious food, and more. It’s exciting to imagine what kinds of performances and experiences await. The venue is open-air, so with everyone’s cooperation to avoid crowding, it should be possible to enjoy the event safely. Why not refresh your mind by engaging all five senses?
| Schedule | Tue, May 5, 2026 – Wed, May 6, 2026 |
| place | Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe City, GLION ARENA KOBE / TOTTEI PARK |
| Website | https://kobe-mellow-cruise.com/ |
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BLUE SKY HEAVENMay 9 (Sat) – 10 (Sun), Chiba Prefecture
BLUE SKY HEAVEN, commonly known as Blueska, is one of Japan’s largest motorcycle events hosted by Harley-Davidson. Harley riders from all over the country gather for not only live music, but also motorcycle exhibits, test rides utilizing the circuit, and food vendors. There’s also a camping area, making it a comprehensive event that combines music, camping, and motorcycles.
| Schedule | Sat–Sun, May 9–10, 2026 |
| place | Chiba Prefecture, Chiba City, ZOZO Marine Stadium |
| Website | http://www.harley-davidson.co.jp/bsh/ |
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Tank-top FestivalMie Prefecture, Sat 5/9–Sun 5/10
| Schedule | Sat–Sun, May 9–10, 2026 |
| place | Special venue at Cibeles Square, Parque España (Shima Spain Village), Shima City, Mie Prefecture |
| Website | https://yabaitshirtsyasan.com/tanktopfes2026/ |
TOKYO METROPOLITAN ROCK FESTIVALSat 5/16 – Sun 5/17, Tokyo
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDyhGuOve5YTOKYO 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.
| Schedule | Saturday, May 16, 2026 – Sunday, May 17, 2026 |
| place | Uminomori Park, Koto City, Tokyo |
| Website | http://metrock.jp/ |
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FREEDOM NAGOYASat 5/16–Sun 5/17, Aichi Prefecture
https://x.com/comingkobe/status/2001230903373447199Freedom 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.
| Schedule | Saturday, May 16, 2026 – Sunday, May 17, 2026 |
| place | Nagoya Odaka Green Area, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture |
| Website | http://freedom.radcreation.jp |
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