Niigata So Odori

About this event

Held in Niigata City, the "Niigata So Odori Festival" is an event that revives a festival from 300 years ago in Niigata where people danced day and night for four days and four nights. Every year, about 200 groups and 13,000 people from all over Japan participate, showcasing dances across diverse genres including Yosakoi, Hip-Hop, Jazz, folk dance, cheerleading, gymnastics, and creative dance. It is a vibrant festival where all kinds of people celebrate life and share emotion. Reaching the milestone of its 25th anniversary, the 2026 festival will be held for 5 days from Saturday, September 19 to Wednesday (public holiday), September 23. On the first day, a 25th-anniversary special parade will take place across the Bandai City crossroads expanding east and west; on the second and third days, Bandai judging will spread across the entire city as diverse team performances unfold. On the 22nd, a feature is the "drop-in participation" where spectators can join in the fun, culminating in a grand finale dance (so-odori). On the final day, time will be set aside for everyone to celebrate the 25th anniversary with toast and exchange events.

Venue

Bandai City Bus Center Building

1-6-1 Bandai, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata 950-0088