【2026】October Events and Festivals in Fukuoka Prefecture

October, a month where you can feel the autumn breeze. With large-scale pottery markets, events to admire cosmos in full bloom, and more, the outing season is packed with fun activities! Here are the events held in Fukuoka Prefecture in October!

2 Long-Awaited Revivals! ① Kaho Gekijo Kabuki Theater (Iizuka City)

Kaho Gekijo Kabuki Theater, which had been closed since 2021, is reopening as a tour facility for the first time in 5 years! On the reopening days of October 24 and 25, various commemorative events will be held, including theater performances, tea ceremonies, and a sweets collection.

Dates: Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 2026

2 Long-Awaited Revivals! ② Ozuka Kofun (Keisen Town)

The Ozuka Decorated Tomb Museum, which had been closed since a fire in April 2025, is reopening. The special public viewing of the Ozuka Kofun (ancient tomb) will also be held for the first time in 2 years! The Ozuka Kofun is a top-tier decorated tomb representing Japan, characterized by colorful patterns painted across the entire surface of its stone chamber walls. During the special public viewings held twice a year, you can actually see this stone chamber in person.

Dates: Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026

Miare Festival (Munakata City)

Marking the first day of the Munakata Taisha Autumn Festival is the "Miare Festival," a sacred maritime procession. The sight of over 100 fishing boats grandly parading across the sea with big-catch flags flying is a breathtaking spectacle.

Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026

"Ganbarou Kumamoto" Mynavi Tour de Kyushu ２０２６ (Itoshima City, Fukuoka City)

The "Mynavi Tour de Kyushu" is an authentic bicycle road race held since 2023 against the backdrop of Kyushu's grand nature and rich local culture. Top cyclists from Japan and around the world gather to race through various parts of Kyushu, starting with Fukuoka. In the Saga-Fukuoka Stage, riders will start from Cape Hado in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, race along the scenic route of the Genkai Sea, pass through the coastline of Itoshima City in Fukuoka Prefecture and Kyushu University's Ito Campus, and enter Tenjin in central Fukuoka City for a dynamic and thrilling race.

Dates:
Friday, October 9, 2026, from 1:00 PM (Scheduled): Sasebo Criterium
Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10:00 AM (Scheduled): Saga-Fukuoka Stage
Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM (Scheduled): Oita-Kumamoto Stage
Monday, October 12, 2026 (National Holiday), from 9:00 AM (Scheduled): Miyazaki-Nichinan Stage

Koishiwara Autumn Minto Mura Festival (Toho Village)

The "Minto Mura Festival" is the largest pottery market in the Koishiwara district of Toho Village, held twice a year in spring and autumn. Around 40 kilns of Koishiwara ware and Takatori ware open their doors simultaneously, offering new ceramic works at an amazing 20% off regular prices—making it a must-visit event for pottery lovers! Why not go and find your favorite piece?

Dates: Saturday, October 10 – Monday (National Holiday), October 12, 2026

Aganoyaki Autumn Kiln Opening (Fukuchi Town)

Aganoyaki in Fukuchi Town is said to have begun about 400 years ago when Hosokawa Tadaoki, the lord of the Buzen Kokura Domain and a tea master at the time, invited potters from the Korean Peninsula to build a kiln in the Agano area. It is designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan. The "Autumn Kiln Opening" is a popular event where participating kilns showcase their newly created and inventive ceramic works, attracting many pottery fans from inside and outside the prefecture.

Dates: Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25, 2026

Okawa Woodworking Festival (Okawa City)

A popular annual event in Okawa City, Japan's top furniture-producing region. Around 10,000 pieces of furniture are offered at bargain festival prices! In addition to furniture exhibition and sales, the event is packed with a wide variety of activities to enjoy all day long, including woodworking workshops for parents and children, stage shows, a food stall village featuring Okawa's local gourmet food, and the "Umakamon Hiroba" (Delicious Food Square). This year in 2026, look forward to a special tie-up project with the movie "Godzilla -0.0"!

Dates: Saturday, October 10 – Monday (National Holiday), October 12, 2026

TGC Kitakyushu (Kitakyushu City)

"TGC Kitakyushu" has been held since 2015 as a regional revitalization project for the "Tokyo Girls Collection," one of the largest fashion festivals in history promoting Japanese girls' culture to the world. This year, 2026, marks its memorable 10th edition. Don't miss the runway show where popular brands showcase the latest trend fashion!

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026

Miyajidake Shrine – “Path of Light” Sunset Festival (Fukutsu City)

ひかりのみちDMO福津

Around the 20th of February and October each year, the approach to Miyajidake Shrine is illuminated by the setting sun, creating a mystical scene that appears to connect in a straight line with the Western Pure Land. During the festival, the “Sunset Festival Special Prayer Ceremony” is held, and a special commemorative goshuin stamp will also be available from October 1 (Tuesday).

Date: Saturday, October 10 – Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Cosmos Spots

There are many spots throughout Fukuoka Prefecture where you can enjoy cosmos flowers! Why not take a trip to experience the cosmos scenery unique to this season? When you go out, don't forget to check the blooming status!

Nokonoshima Island Park (Fukuoka City)

"Nokonoshima Island Park" spreads across the northern tip of Nokonoshima, an island with a circumference of about 12 km in Hakata Bay. It is a natural park where around 30 species of seasonal flowers bloom in full glory throughout the year.

Best viewing period: Early October to mid-November (typically)

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Cosmos at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (Fukuoka City)

About 1.5 million cosmos flowers brighten up the Hikari to Kaze no Hiroba (Square of Light and Wind), with pink, white, and yellow blossoms swaying in the breeze and making you feel the arrival of autumn.

Best viewing period: Early October to late October

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Cosmos Highway (Kurume City)

During the blooming season in October, as many as 370,000 cosmos flowers bloom in full glory along about 2.5 km of the Jinya River embankment.

Best viewing period: Mid-October to mid-November (typically)
Kanzeonji Temple (Dazaifu City)

At the cosmos field of Kanzeonji Temple, you can enjoy about 1.75 million lovely pink and white cosmos flowers.

Best viewing period: Late October to early November (typically)

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Cosmos garden on the banks of the Onga River (Mizumaki Town)

Stretching over approximately 6 km along the Onga River, the "Cosmos Road" where more than 5 million cosmos flowers bloom in full offers breathtaking beauty. Every year from mid- to late October, vividly beautiful pink and white flowers bloom.

Best viewing period: Mid-October to early November (typically)

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Cosmos at Hirabaru Historical Park (Itoshima City)

A historical park established at the site of the Hirabaru Ruins, where Japan's largest bronze mirror, the "Naikokamon-kyo," was excavated. Local volunteers created cosmos fields in the surrounding farmland, where around 100,000 cosmos flowers bloom in full glory.

Best viewing period: Early October to late October (typically)

List of Spots

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Don't Miss the Short Peak Season! Red Spider Lilies at Inunaki River Park

The red spider lilies at Inunaki River Park are expected to reach their peak earlier than usual this year, starting in late September 2026. On Sunday, October 4, the "Miyawaka City Lycoris Festival" will be held. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful red spider lilies!

Bamboo Light & Illumination Events

Kasuga Nakoku Andon Festival (Kasuga City)

Started in 1977, the "Kasuga Nakoku Andon Festival" celebrates its 50th edition this year, in 2026. Around 5,000 colorful paper lanterns (andon) crafted by elementary and junior high school students as well as festival participants envelop the venue in a magical light.

Dates: Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026
Koge Oike Light Festival "Lantern Festival x Illuminations" (Koge Town)

A popular event in Koge Town where you can enjoy stage performances and food truck meals in Oike Park, enveloped in bamboo lanterns and illuminations.

Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
*Illuminations: Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Tuesday, January 12, 2027
Fukuoka Lights Festival 2026: Hikari no Korokan Festival (Fukuoka City)

"Korokan" was an ancient guesthouse that served as a base for exchange with the Asian continent. This night event is held to coincide with the reconstructed public opening of its "North Hall East Gate." In addition to expressing ancient romance through enchanting modern digital art, "Heian Gibier Food Stalls" will also be set up.

Dates: Saturday, October 17 – Sunday, October 25, 2026
Miyajidake Shrine Toumyou Kigansai (Lantern Prayer Festival) (Fukutsu City)

A festival to pray for the fulfillment of all wishes by lighting sacred fire in approximately 3,000 bamboo lanterns inscribed with prayers. In the faint light of the bamboo lanterns, the sacred grounds are enveloped in a quiet and solemn atmosphere.

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Kokura Castle bamboo light (Kitakyushu City)

30,000 bamboo lanterns lighting up the area around the Kokura Castle Keep Plaza. You can enjoy a majestic and magical scene.

Dates: Friday, October 23 – Tuesday (National Holiday), November 3, 2026

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Ishibashi Cultural Center Kurume Illumination – “Museum of Light” (Kurume City)

The new illumination spot that debuted in 2025 has become even more powered up! Seven areas within the park will present a "Garden of Light Art."

Dates: Friday, October 23, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027

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Hakata Old Town Light-up Walk "Sennen Koya" (Fukuoka City)

A popular event that started in 2006 with the wish to help people feel closer to the historical scenery by illuminating the buildings and gardens of temples and shrines. You can experience the charm of Hakata Old Town, which is different from during the day.

Dates: Saturday, October 31 – Tuesday (National Holiday), November 3, 2026

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Autumn & Winter (September–November) Fireworks Festivals and Events

Fireworks that color the night sky of Fukuoka are not just for summer! In autumn and winter as well, fireworks festivals where powerful, large blooms light up the night sky take place one after another. As temperatures drop and the air becomes clear, the stars begin to shine even more beautifully. Watching fireworks in such a season will surely offer an emotional experience different from summer.

[Special Feature] Autumn & Winter (September–November) Fireworks Festivals & Fireworks

Festivals & Traditional Events

Tsuruoka Hachiman Shrine Annual Festival "Miyabi-sai & Yabusame" (Kawara Town)

Both "Miyabi-sai" and "Yabusame" are rituals aimed at praying for a bountiful harvest and local peace. Yabusame (horseback archery) has been continuously passed down for 850 years.

Dates: Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026
Umi Hachiman Shrine Release Party (Umi Town)

The autumn grand festival "Hojoya" of Umi Hachiman Shrine, home to the deities of safe childbirth and child-rearing. It is a traditional festival that cherishes all living beings in this world, forbids the killing of living creatures, expresses gratitude for being given life, and prays for a bountiful harvest.

Dates: Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16, 2026

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Wakamatsu Port Festival (Kitakyushu City)

A festival organized through the combined efforts of the local community, where local companies and organizations cooperate, children enjoy job-experience activities, and local high school students participate as staff members.

Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026

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Kanada Inari Shrine Jinkosai Festival (Fukuchi Town)

After Yamakasa floats carrying prayers for good health and a bountiful harvest complete their neighborhood processions in each district, people dressed in matching happi coats gather in front of Inari Shrine. Under the watch of the heroic Yamakasa floats, within the grounds of the shrine that boasts nearly 1,200 years of history, sacred performances of Shishigaku (lion dance), Chigo-mai (children's dance), and Miko-mai (shrine maiden dance) are dedicated between the large ginkgo tree and the main shrine building.

Dates: Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 2026
TAGAWA Coal Mine Festival – Tanko Bushi Festival – (Tagawa City)

A major autumn event presented with pride by Tagawa, the birthplace of coal mining. Numerous stalls line the venue, and at the festival's climax, you can experience authentic Tanko Bushi against the backdrop of "Mount Kawara," the "Twin Chimneys," and the "Pithead Derrick," which are sung about in the lyrics of the Tanko Bushi song.

Dates: Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1, 2026

Enjoy the Autumn of Appetite! Gourmet Events

Kawasaki Pan Haku 2026 (Kawasaki Town)

Around 50 bakeries, mainly from Fukuoka Prefecture, will gather to sell limited-edition collaboration breads made with ingredients from Kawasaki Town. Look forward to delicious encounters with wonderful bakeries, as well as a stamp rally where you can win original Bread Expo merchandise and local specialties!

Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Munakata Local Fish Chazuke Festival: Only Now! Only Here! Squid Chazuke (Munakata City)

The "Munakata Local Fish Chazuke Festival" allows you to enjoy Munakata's seasonal fish prepared as the local specialty "chazuke" (rice with hot broth or tea). The star of autumn is "squid." At 13 restaurants, mainly within Munakata City, you can savor a variety of chazuke dishes, each featuring the chef's meticulous attention to dashi broth, sauces, and cooking methods.

Dates: Monday, October 5 – Sunday, November 15, 2026
Kyushu Oktoberfest in Mojiko (Kitakyushu City)

Four breweries from Kyushu will offer "Festbier" crafted in traditional styles with a unique touch. In addition, two types of beer from each brewery and authentic Oktoberfest beer from Germany's "Hofbräu" will also be available. Enjoy comparing the different flavors!

Dates: Friday, October 9 – Monday (National Holiday), October 12, 2026
Chikugo SAKE Festival (Kurume City)

20 sake breweries from Chikugo and over 100 varieties of alcoholic beverages gather under one roof. You can fully savor each brewery's pride and joy crafted with meticulous care, including sake such as Daiginjo and Junmai, as well as shochu, umeshu (plum liqueur), and Kyoho grape and kiwi wines.

Dates: Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2026
Umiterasu Buzen Fish Festival (Buzen City)

Spend a day enjoying the bounties of the Buzen Sea, featuring direct sales of fresh seafood landed on that very day, limited-edition handmade specialties prepared by local fishermen, and a fish-catching event (for elementary school students and under)!

Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026

Halloween Events

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park Halloween Photo Spots (Fukuoka City)

Halloween photo spots appear in various locations throughout the park! Exciting and photogenic decorations, such as giant pumpkins, ghosts, and wizards, can be enjoyed by people of all generations, from children to adults.

Dates: Monday, October 3 – Sunday, November 15, 2026
Marine World Uminonakamichi Halloween Night (Fukuoka City)

Open until night for one day only with a Halloween theme! Staff members in costume will also make an appearance during the Halloween version of the night show!

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
[Ishibashi Cultural Center] Halloween Event (Kurume City)

Ishibashi Cultural Center will hold fun Halloween events for 9 days from Friday, October 23 to Saturday, October 31. During the day on Saturday, October 24, Sunday, October 25, and Saturday, October 31, a keyword rally for children where they can receive sweets and a Sweets Marche will be held. A concert will also take place on Saturday, October 31.

Dates: Friday, October 23 – Saturday, October 31, 2026
Kaiensai Autumn Festival (Fukuoka City)

This year's Genkai Island Autumn Festival features a wide variety of programs for everyone from both inside and outside the island to enjoy.

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026