Top 3 Weekend Events in Sapporo: What to Do on May 16-17, 2026|Domingo

Top 3 Weekend Events in Sapporo: What to Do on May 16-17, 2026

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Sapporo City

Wondering where to go this weekend? We've got you covered! From a gourmet event where you can sample Genghis Khan from all over Japan, to a picnic cinema for enjoying outdoor movies and a book market, and even a participatory festival with beauty experiences and character shows. Here are three must-see events for Saturday, May 16th, and Sunday, May 17th.

EVENT 1 Sample over 38 types of Genghis Khan from across Japan at the "Hokkaido Genghis Khan Festival 2026"

Hokkaido Genghis Khan Festival

This event, where you can taste and compare Genghis Khan (a Japanese grilled mutton dish) from all over the country, will be held at the Sapporo Factory West Plaza. The festival features over 38 varieties of Genghis Khan from popular restaurants in Hokkaido and across Japan, allowing you to enjoy the different flavors and meat qualities of each region.

Hokkaido Genghis Khan Festival

"Lambassadors," PR ambassadors and specialists in Aussie lamb

Hokkaido Genghis Khan Festival

The venue is the West Plaza, adjacent to the Sapporo Factory Renga-kan (Brick Hall)

The "Lambassadors," PR ambassadors and specialists in Aussie lamb, will also have a booth at the venue, selling special lamb dishes such as bone-in smoked ham, fresh sausages, and lamb bolognese. Additionally, there will be rock-paper-scissors tournaments with prizes and live music events.

■Dates & Times: May 15, 2026 (Fri) 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last Order 7:30 PM) / May 16 (Sat) - 17 (Sun) 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last Order 7:30 PM)
■Admission Fee: Junior high school students and older: ¥1,200 per person / Elementary school students and younger: Free
*Includes Genghis Khan grill, plate, chopsticks, cut vegetables, and seating fee
■Location: Sapporo Factory West Plaza (Kita 2-jo Higashi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
Click here for details and map for the "Hokkaido Genghis Khan Festival 2026"

EVENT 2 Akapla becomes an outdoor cinema with books and food at "Akapla Picnic Cinema 2026 & One-Box Secondhand Book Market"

Akapla Picnic Cinema

This outdoor movie event takes place at Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla). A large 200-inch screen will be set up, showing "Brigsby Bear" on Friday, May 15th, and "Paddington" on Saturday, May 16th. It's a popular event where you can enjoy a movie in a picnic-like atmosphere, with an artificial turf area and the option to bring your own picnic blankets and outdoor chairs.

Akapla Picnic Cinema

Held at Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla) with a view of the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building

A "One-Box Secondhand Book Market" will be held concurrently, where you can enjoy a small book market with unique used books. Furthermore, food trucks will be available on Saturday the 16th, allowing you to watch the movie with food and drinks in hand. You are also free to bring your own food and drinks, making this downtown cinema event perfect for an after-work outing or a weekend trip.

■Dates & Times: May 15 (Fri) - 16 (Sat), 2026. Plaza opens at 4:00 PM / Screening starts at 7:10 PM
*One-Box Secondhand Book Market: May 15 (Fri) 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM / May 16 (Sat) 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
■Fee: Free
■Location: Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Kita 2-jo Nishi 4-chome to Kita 3-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
Click here for details and map for "Akapla Picnic Cinema 2026 & One-Box Secondhand Book Market"

EVENT 3 Fun for the whole family! Beauty experiences, character shows, and food trucks gather at the "Tsuruha Family Festa 2026"

Tsuruha Family Festa

This large-scale event is packed with content for everyone from children to adults. With about 100 booths offering beauty and health experiences and consultations, as well as PR projects by registered dietitians and sample giveaways, you can learn about health and daily life while having fun. There are also plenty of activities for children, including craft workshops, a festival game corner, and the popular "Kids Pharmacy" where they can experience the work of a pharmacist. Furthermore, character events like "Kamen Rider Zetts" and "Detective Pretty Cure!" will be held, making it an event the whole family can enjoy.

■Dates & Times: May 16 (Sat) - 17 (Sun), 2026. 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM *Closes at 4:00 PM on Sunday
■Fee: Free admission
■Location: Access Sapporo (4-chome 3-55 Ryutsu Center, Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo)
Click here for details and map for "Tsuruha Family Festa 2026"

*All information is current as of the article's publication in May 2026.
*All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.

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