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Festivals in Sapporo, Japan

As part of our resources for visitors to Sapporo, here is a list of major festivals in the city. Sapporo hosts events year-round, from winter celebrations to traditional summer and autumn festivals.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo Snow Festival is the city’s most famous event, featuring large snow and ice sculptures, light displays, and winter attractions across three main sites.

Date: In the first and second week of February each year (see website for exact dates)
Time: Odori & Susukino sites until around 22:00–23:00, Tsudome site 10:00–16:00
Location: Odori Park, Tsudome, Susukino
Website: http://www.snowfes.com/

Sapporo Lilac Festival

Sapporo Lilac Festival celebrates the arrival of spring with lilac blossoms, outdoor concerts, food stalls, and wine gardens in Odori Park.

Date: Second and third week of May each year (see website for exact dates)
Time: Day and evening
Location: Odori Park
Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/en/event/event-list/lilac_festival/

Yosakoi Soran Festival

Yosakoi Soran Festival is a large-scale dance event where teams from all over Japan perform energetic routines inspired by the traditional “Soran Bushi.”

Date: First week of June each year (see website for exact dates)
Time: Afternoon and evening performances
Location: Odori Park and other stages across Sapporo
Website: https://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/

Sapporo Festival (Hokkaido Shrine Festival)

Sapporo Festival, also known as the Hokkaido Shrine Festival, features traditional parades, portable shrines, and ceremonies dedicated to the shrine.

Date: Takes place in the second week of June each year (see website for exact dates)
Time: All day, with evening events
Location: Hokkaido Shrine, Nakajima Park
Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/en/event/event-list/sapporo_festival/

Sapporo Summer Festival

Sapporo Summer Festival brings together beer gardens, dance events, and stage performances throughout the city.

Date: From mid-July to mid-August each year (see website for exact dates)
Time: Varies by event, many in the evening
Location: Odori Park, Susukino, Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/en/event/event-list/sapporo_summer_festival/

Sapporo Autumn Festival

Sapporo Autumn Festival is a major food event where local specialties, Hokkaido seafood, farm produce, and sake are gathered in Odori Park.

Date: Running through most of September each year (see website for exact dates)
Time: 10:00–20:30 (varies by venue)
Location: Odori Park
Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/en/event/event-list/autumn_festival/