At music festivals and outdoor festivals held in the great outdoors of Hokkaido, you can enjoy not only music, but also gourmet food, the outdoors, and even saunas. Here are 15 of Hokkaido's best summer festivals, from well-known festivals to those being held for the first time this year, each with its own unique twist. Why not make the best memories in Hokkaido this summer?

1 "RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL 2024 in EZO" (Ishikari City / Otaru City), a popular rock festival that is counted among the four major festivals

This outdoor rock festival is one of the four biggest festivals in Japan and is representative of Hokkaido. It started in 1999 as Japan's first full-scale all-night outdoor rock festival, and this year marks its 24th anniversary. With a variety of stages of different sizes built across the vast land of Ishikari, and surrounded by the scenery and atmosphere of Hokkaido, you can enjoy the best musical experience.

2 Fusion of nature and entertainment "JOIN ALIVE 2024" (Iwamizawa City)

It was established in 2010 as an event that combines music, amusement, nature, and art. Many artists will perform on a total of five indoor and outdoor stages. The food court serves gourmet food made with local ingredients from Iwamizawa and Minami Sorachi. There is also an adjacent amusement park with over 40 attractions, so you can enjoy the festival in a variety of ways.

3 PMF2024, a classical music festival bringing together young musicians from around the world (Sapporo)

PMF (Pacific Music Festival) is a classical music festival held in various locations, mainly in Sapporo city. It is held in various settings, from indoors in concert halls to outdoor performances on outdoor stages, and there are also free performances, so you can enjoy classical music casually.

4 Lasers illuminate the foggy venue at "KUSHIRO KIRI FESTIVAL 2024" (Kushiro City)

This outdoor event allows you to enjoy the fantastical sea fog, a symbol of Kushiro's nature. Colorful lasers light up the venue, which is shrouded in night fog, creating a fantastic space. There will also be live DJ performances and performances by famous artists, the Kairo Market, where you can enjoy gourmet food unique to Kushiro, and a barbecue corner where anyone can come empty-handed.

5 "GANKE FES 2024" (Shintoku Town) is a festival with a spectacular view surrounded by cliffs and lakes, where you can also experience a sauna.

The festival will be held at a venue surrounded by cliffs called Ganke, which gives the event its name, and Lake Kuttari, known as a power spot. With the theme of "Sway, Dance, Frolic, Feel," the event is packed with the charms of Shintoku Town, including music, outdoor activities, a sauna experience unique to Tokachi, which was selected as Saunaer of the Year 2022, and gourmet food made with Tokachi ingredients.

6 "CRAFTLAND" (Sapporo City) where you can enjoy craft workshops

This is a new outdoor event in Sapporo with the theme of "CRAFT: A Boat Made by Everyone." The appeal of this event is that you can enjoy music, food, and craft workshops. In addition to the individual performances of the artists, you can also enjoy special live performances that you don't usually get to see, such as collaborations and guests.

7 "GOOD WIND MUSIC" - the first outdoor live music event at F Village (Kitahiroshima City)

Hokkaido Ballpark F Village, which opened last year, will be hosting its first outdoor live music event, where you can enjoy music and the outdoors. Live music will be held on the stage at WIND PLAZA, located by the pond on the premises, and tent sites will be set up for camping in the Escon Field. Other outdoor events and SUP experiences will also be held, making it a fun event for the whole family.

8 The first festival that will shake the Furano Basin will be held at "bonchi fes. FURANO 2024 meets FEELD GOOD FES." (Furano City)

This festival, held for the first time at Furano Ski Resort, is based on the concept of "Resonating with the Five Senses - MIX ENTERTAINMENT -" and combines music, food, camping and activities. Artists from various genres will gather from Japan and abroad to heat up the Furano Basin. In addition, it is an event that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, with gourmet food made with Furano ingredients, accommodation such as camping, and outdoor activities.

9 Festival and Picnic = Festivalnic Space "SORAON2024" (Shintotsukawa Town)

A homely festival held under the 360-degree blue sky of Sorachi. With the theme of "Festival x Picnic = Fesnic," where you can enjoy music while relaxing on the grass in the great outdoors, there will be live performances by artists as well as delicious gourmet food from Hokkaido. This year's motto is "Kodomo Odoru," and there are plans for a variety of content that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.

10 "TOMAKOMAI MIRAI FEST 2024" (Tomakomai City) promotes the charm of the town through music and art

A multi-purpose entertainment festival that makes the most of Tomakomai City's attractive location. The event is centered around music, but also includes art, food, and future technology, making it a fun event for people of all ages and genders. The venue is divided into a paid area where you can enjoy live artist performances and a free area with a mini stage and food, and various content will be held in each area.

11 Artists from around the world gather in the port city of Hakodate for the 17th Hakodate International Folk Arts Festival (Hakodate City)

An event where you can enjoy various performances such as music, dance, and street performances. The stage performances by artists gathered from all over the world, which will be held on five stages and six areas, are a masterpiece. Food, drink, and miscellaneous goods will also be gathered from all over the world at the venue. Don't miss the moment the sun goes down and the performances with the night view spreading out before you.

12 Fireworks and lasers dancing in the starry sky at "Kirakira☆Festa Ashibetsu 2024" (Ashibetsu City)

The night sky of Ashibetsu will be lit up with music, 5,000 fireworks and laser beams. During the day, there will also be live performances by musicians and stage performances by civic groups. In addition to the stage events, there will also be a row of stalls selling local specialties and authentic gourmet food.

13 "LOVE TOYA 2024" - Experience diverse creativity by the lake (Toyako Town)

A festival inviting various creators to take place in the rich nature of Lake Toya. In addition to live music, various events are held every year, such as food and drink stalls from inside and outside Toyako Town, merchandise sales, and an art corner. Bonfires are also prepared at the campsite, so you can enjoy a relaxing camping experience.

14 Enjoy a music event while soaking up the sea breeze: "Summer Begins ~ 2024 Otaru ☆ Asakusabashi Oldies Night vol.21" (Otaru City)

Otaru's annual summer outdoor music event. The venue is the parking lot of the Otaru Port Pier 3 Cruise Ship Terminal, where you can enjoy music while feeling the sea breeze up close. Bands that perform come from nearby areas such as Sapporo and Otaru, and they will perform a variety of music genres, from originals to cover songs.

15 "Activity Light '24'" in the Tomakomai city area (Tomakomai city)

This event was created with the desire to "warm up the city of Tomakomai, and to do so, to light a fire." Dozens of artists, major and indie alike, will perform, heating up the center of Tomakomai under the motto, "Become a beacon of pride for the city."

*All information published is current as of June 2024. *Each event may be subject to change or cancellation, so please check the official website before participating.

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