City of Sapporo > Event Calendar2013-2014

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Update:February 13, 2014

Event Calendar2013-2014

Please keep in mind that events and dates are subject to change and potential cancellation.

April

Event Date(s) Outline Place
The 27th Jozankei Keiryu Koinobori April 20(Sat) - May 19(Sun) A spring event in the Jozankei hot spring area, when about 350 carp streamers are hoisted above the nearby stream. Jozankei Sport Park, etc.
Hiraoka Park Ume Festival 2013

April 27(Sat) - May 26(Sun)

Hiraoka Park, known for its ume (plum blossoms) holds this festival when the flowers bloom. There will also be special stores selling various goods relevant to ume. Ume grove area of Hiaraoka Park

May

Event Date(s) Outline Place
The 27th Jozankei Keiryu Koinobori April 20(Sat) - May 19(Sun) A spring event in the Jozankei hot spring area, when about 350 carp streamers are hoisted above the nearby stream. Jozankei Sport Park, etc.
Hiraoka Park Ume Festival 2013

April 27(Sat) - May 26(Sun)

Hiraoka Park, known for its ume (plum blossoms) holds this festival when the flowers bloom. There will also be special stores selling various goods relevant to ume. Ume grove area of Hiaraoka Park
The 55th Sapporo Lilac Festival Odori Park venue:May 22(Wed)-26(Sun)
Kawashimo Park venue: June 1(Sat)-2(Sun)
A spring event held in Odori Park and Kawashimo Park celebrating the full bloom of lilacs. There will be various events such as lilac give-aways, planting of commerorative trees, wine gardens, outdoor Japanese tea ceremonies, cafe corners, and musical performances. Odori Park,
Kawashimo Park
The 36th Walk Hokkaido May 26(Sun) A 33-kilometer walk starting in Makomanai and ending at Lake Shikotsu. There is a 10-kilometer course available as well. From Makomanai to Lake Shikotsu
Mt. Moiwa Day May 31(Fri)-June 2(Sun) A celebration of the 531-meter tall Mt. Moiwa, hiking and some other events can be enjoyed. Mt. Moiwa

June

Event Date(s) Outline Place
The 55th Sapporo Lilac Festival Odori Park venue:May 22(Wed)-26(Sun)
Kawashimo Park venue: June 1(Sat)-2(Sun)
A spring event held in Odori Park and Kawashimo Park celebrating the full bloom of lilacs. There will be various events such as lilac give-aways, planting of commerorative trees, wine gardens, outdoor Japanese tea ceremonies, cafe corners, and musical performances. Odori Park,
Kawashimo Park
Mt. Moiwa Day May 31(Fri)-June 2(Sun) A celebration of the 531-meter tall Mt. Moiwa, hiking and some other events can be enjoyed. Mt. Moiwa
The 22nd YOSAKOI Soran Festival June 5(Wed) - 9(Sun) A dynamic dance festival where about 300 teams from throughout Japan and 30,000 participants dance to the intense rhythm. Spectators could jump in and participate in the Waodori Soran dance. Odori Park, etc.
The Annual Hokkaido Shrine Festival June 14(Fri) - 16(Sun) Commonly known as the "Sapporo Festival", portable shrines, floats, and pushcart vendors fill the streets during this traditional-style festival. Hokkaido Shrine and throughout the city
2013 Flowerfest Sapporo June 22(Sat) - 30(Sun) Flowers will beautifully color Sapporo in early summer such as with the agriculture high school gardening contest, the orchid exhibit at the pavilion, and the flower monument. Odori Park
Sapporo City Jazz 2013 June 26(Wed) - August 25(Sun) With Odori Park 2-chome as its main venue, this event has professional musicians from Japan and abroad play dynamic performances. In addition, there are also many casual events where both professional and amateur bands will perform jazz at various venues around the Sapporo area. Odori Park and the Sapporo Art Park, etc.

 July

Event Date(s) Outline Place
Sapporo City Jazz 2013 June 26(Wed) - August 25(Sun) With Odori Park 2-chome as its main venue, this event has professional musicians from Japan and abroad play dynamic performances. In addition, there are also many casual events where both professional and amateur bands will perform jazz at various venues around the Sapporo area. Odori Park and the Sapporo Art Park, etc.
PMF (Pacific Music Festival) 2013 July 6(Sat) - 31(Wed) An international music festival that aims to promote and develop music culture through musical education and the cultivation of aspiring young musicians. Visitors can also enjoy classical music performances outside during the Picnic Concert. Sapporo Art Park, Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara, etc.
Hokkaido Makomanai Fireworks Display July 14(Sun) A spectacular fireworks show where 20,000 fireworks, lights and fire are synched with music. There will also be many booths that are from popular restaurants in Hokkaido. Entrance fee is free for children younger than elementary-school age. Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium
The 39th Sapporo Toyohira River Rafting Festival July 14(Sun) Sapporo townspeople navigate their way down the Toyohira River in handmade rafts and unique costumes. This is a fun-filled event where visitors can also enjoy the rafters' performances. Lower Toyohira River by Horohira Bridge
The 4th Susukino Omotenashi En-ichi

July18

(Thu) - 20(Sat)

Local Susukino bars and restaurants will set up booths with their food and drinks, and many staged events will take place outside as well. Susukino area (Around Minami 6-jo)
Culture Night 2013 July 19(Fri) Culture Night offers a great opportunity for a valuable cultural experience at various cultural institutions that will be open later than their usual operating times. Various facilities within Sapporo
The 60th Sapporo Summer Festival July 19(Fri) - August 20(Tue) Enjoy the summer at one of Japan's largest open-air beer gardens with over 13,000 seats along with various events such as Hokkaido bon dancing and the Sapporo Bazaar. Odori Park
Beer garden dates: July 19(Fri)-August 15(Thu).
Sapporo Theater Season 2013 - Summer

July 20

(Sat) - August27(Tue)

Theatrical performances that have performed in Sapporo in the past and received great ratings will be called back to have additional shows during this one-month long festival. These performances are also reccomended for those that have not seen live theater before. Theaters within Sapporo
The 60th Tanuki Festival July 21(Sun) - August 20(Tue) In addition to the Sapporo Summer Festival, the Tanuki Festival in Tanukikoji celebrates the long-running stores of the area and has a great atmosphere. Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
Toyohira River Fireworks Festival July 26(Fri) Fireworks sponsored by the Hokkaido Shimbun/UHB (respectively) Toyohira River near Minami 19-jo Bridge
Moere Summer Festival 2013 July 27(Sat) A firework show that began in 2012. Seats are limited, therefore guests have to reserve an entrance ticket in advance.  Moerenuma Park

August

Event Date(s) Outline Place
Sapporo City Jazz 2013 June 26(Wed) - August 25(Sun) With Odori Park 2-chome as its main venue, this event has professional musicians from Japan and abroad play dynamic performances. In addition, there are also many casual events where both professional and amateur bands will perform jazz at various venues around the Sapporo area. Odori Park and the Sapporo Art Park, etc.
The 60th Sapporo Summer Festival July 19(Fri) - August 20(Tue) Enjoy the summer at one of Japan's largest open-air beer gardens with over 13,000 seats along with various events such as Hokkaido bon dancing and the Sapporo Bazaar. Odori Park
Beer garden dates: July 19(Fri)-August 15(Thu).
The 60th Tanuki Festival July 21(Sun) - August 20(Tue) In addition to the Sapporo Summer Festival, the Tanuki Festival in Tanukikoji celebrates the long-running stores of the area and has a great atmosphere. Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
The 49th Susukino Festival August 1(Thu) - 3(Sat) Susukino becomes one big event site, with outdoor food stalls, street venders, and portable shrine processions. The procession of courtesans is a must-see. Susukino area
The 31th Miyanomori Summer Ski Jumping Festival

August 3

(Sat)

Top athletes from throughout Japan gather in Sapporo for this Nordic ski jump competition, where this event, although typical for winter sports, can be enjoyed even during the summer. Miyanomori Ski Jump Stadium
The 14th Okurayama Summer Ski Jumping Festival August 4(Sun) Top athletes from throughout Japan gather in Sapporo for this Nordic ski jump competition, where this event, although typical for winter sports, can be enjoyed even during the summer. Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
Toro-Nagashi (the Floating of Lanterns) August 15 (Thu) An annual event held on August 15th. Kamokamo River by the Gokoku Shrine
2013 Hokkaido Marathon August 25(Sun) Over 10,000 runners including invited runners from different parts of Japan and abroad will run through the Sapporo city course. This is one of the largest summer marathons in Japan where many amateur runners also participate every year. Start and finish line at Odori Park
Dai-Don-Den! Sapporo Performance Carnival 2013 August 30(Fri) - September 1(Sun) An area of Sapporo Ekimae-dori will be a vehicle-free zone with street performances, art, and musical performances of many genres. Sapporo Ekimae-dori, etc.
Soseigawa Park Thank You Festival Late August - Early September Organizations and restaurants from the Soseigawa area will participate as unique venders at the event .  Soseigawa Park Tanuki 2-jo Hiroba area

September

Event Date(s) Outline Place
Dai-Don-Den! Sapporo Performance Carnival 2013 August 30(Fri) - September 1(Sun) An area of Sapporo Ekimae-dori will be a vehicle-free zone with street performances, art, and musical performances of many genres. Sapporo Ekimae-dori, etc.
Soseigawa Park Thank You Festival Late August - Early September Organizations and restaurants from the Soseigawa area will participate as unique venders at the event .  Soseigawa Park Tanuki 2-jo Hiroba area
Sapporo Tapas 2013 September 1(Sun) - 8(Sun) During this event,enjoy visiting various restaurants and bars throughout Sapporo,using the "Bono Tapas゛tickets at participating locations to sample their distinctive tapas(small dishes and appetizers) and drinks. Odori,Susukino,Maruyama,near the base of Mt.Moiwa,Yamahana area,etc.
Ashiricheppunomi (ceremony of receiving the first salmon) September 8(Sun) A traditional Ainu event revived in 1982, after a lapse of 100 years. Toyohira Riverside at Minami 7-jo Bridge (Minami 7 Nishi 1)
The 8th Sapporo International Short Film Festival September 11(Wed) - 16(Mon) One of the largest international short film festivals in the nation where films are shown from all over the world. Each program (about 5-8 short films) could be viewed in 90 minute segments, and there will also be short-film markets and seminars held as well. Sapporo Plaza 2.5, etc.
Sapporo Autumn Fest 2013 September 13(Fri) - 29(Sun) Focusing on cuisine that represent Hokkaido and Sapporo, ingredients in season and popular local food will gather from all over Hokkaido. This is a large event where over a million attendees visit each year. Odori Park

October

Event Date(s) Outline Place
The 38th Sapporo Marathon October 6(Sun) A citizens' marathon with a variety of courses, ranging from a half marathon, 10-kilometer course, 5-kilometer wheelchair course, 3-kilometer pair course and 2-kilomiter courses that could be enjoyed by all age groups. Start from Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium

November

Event Date(s) Outline Place
2013 Sapporo Chrysanthemum Festival

November 1(Fri) - 4(Mon)

From large to cascade chrysanthemums, state-of-the-art flower arrangements of chrysanthemum lovers all over Hokkaido will be dynamically displayed in the Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway. Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway
2013 Sapporo Art Stage

November 9(Sat) - December 8(San)

During this month-long art and culture campaign in Sapporo, live theater and musical performances can be enjoyed in a rich cultural atmosphere. Throughout the city
The 33rd Sapporo White Illumination

Odori Park: November 22(Tue) - December25(Wed)

Sapporo Ekimae-dori: November 22(Tue) - February 11(Tue)

Minami 1jo-dori: November 22(Tue) - February 14(Fri)

The trees around Odori Park ,Sapporo Ekimae-dori and Minami 1jo-dori are decorated with lights, creating brilliant works of art that liven up the entire area. Odori Park, Sapporo Ekimae-dori and Minami 1jo-dori
German Christmas Market in Sapporo

November 29(Fri) - December 24(Tue)

A German Christmas market is set up annually in Odori Park in celebration of Sapporo's sister city of Munich, with booths selling authentic German beer, wine, sausages, and various other regional delicacies. Odori Park 2-chome

December

Event Date(s) Outline Place
The 33rd Sapporo White Illumination

Odori Park: November 22(Tue) - December25(Wed)

Sapporo Ekimae-dori: November 22(Tue) - February 11(Tue)

Minami 1jo-dori: November 22(Tue) - February 14(Fri)

The trees around Odori Park ,Sapporo Ekimae-dori and Minami 1jo-dori are decorated with lights, creating brilliant works of art that liven up the entire area. Odori Park, Sapporo Ekimae-dori and Minami 1jo-dori
German Christmas Market in Sapporo

November 29(Fri) - December 24(Tue)

A German Christmas market is set up annually in Odori Park in celebration of Sapporo's sister city of Munich, with booths selling authentic German beer, wine, sausages, and various other regional delicacies. Odori Park 2-chome

January

Event Date(s) Outline Place
The 33rd Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo Ekimae-dori: November 22(Tue) - February 11(Tue)

Minami 1jo-dori: November 22(Tue) - February 14(Fri)

The trees around Odori Park ,Sapporo Ekimae-dori and Minami 1jo-dori are decorated with lights, creating brilliant works of art that liven up the entire area. Sapporo Ekimae-dori and Minami 1jo-dori
Sapporo Theater Season 2014 - Winter

January 18(Sat) - February 18(Tue)

Theatrical performances that have performed in Sapporo in the past and received great ratings will be called back to have additional shows during this one-month long festival. These performances are also reccomended for those that have not seen live theater before. Theaters within Sapporo

February

Event Date(s) Outline Place
The 33rd Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo Ekimae-dori: November 22(Tue) - February 11(Tue)

Minami 1jo-dori: November 22(Tue) - February 14(Fri)

The trees around Odori Park ,Sapporo Ekimae-dori and Minami 1jo-dori are decorated with lights, creating brilliant works of art that liven up the entire area. Sapporo Ekimae-dori and Minami 1jo-dori
The 34th Sapporo International Ski Marathon February 2(Sun) A marathon with many events such as ski marathons and cross country skiing for all age groups. Around the Sapporo Dome
The 65th Sapporo Snow Festival February 5(Wed) - 11(Tue) In the greatest winter event known to the world,  199 snow and ice statues are built in the Odori Park and Susukino areas. It is hard to believe that these elaborate statues, standing up to 15 meters tall, are made of snow. Odori Park, Community Dome "Tsu-dome" and Susukino
Jozankei Onsen Snow Light Path 2014 February 5(Wed)-11(Tue) Lights from the 2,014 snow lanterns displayed around the shrine create a fantastical and Japanesque winter atmosphere. At the venue, there will be "flames of wishes" where visitors light a flame praying for their wishes to come true this year, and character goods of "Kappon", the mascot of Jozankei, will also be sold at the event. Jozankei Shrine
The 45th Snow & Rainbow Festival February 6(Thu) During the festival, the Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ski Resort will offer fun attractions such as free rides on the lift (16:00-21:00), Amazake (hot sweet rice drink) services, fireworks show and fire parade (19:00-).
Visitors can also get a great view of the fireworks from Chufuku Station of the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway as well as the Observation Deck at the top of the mountain.
Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ski Resort