Kawasaki Racecourse in Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City, operated by Yomiuri Land Co., Ltd., holds its "Summer Night Festival 2026" on August 3 (Monday) and 4 (Tuesday). Held every summer, the festival serves as a place for community exchange and aims to pass on the old-fashioned charm of Japanese "matsuri" culture — bon-odori dancing, festival stalls, and more — to younger generations.
On August 3, the racecourse also kicks off the first installment of this year's "Green Carpet Theater in Kawasaki Racecourse," an outdoor movie night held on the giant Kawasaki Dream Vision screen. This time, the film "映画 すみっコぐらし 空の王国とふたりのコ" (a Sumikko Gurashi film) will be screened free of charge.
Summer Night Festival 2026 Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 3 (Mon) and 4 (Tue), 2026, 5:15 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Notes | "Green Carpet Theater" runs alongside the festival on August 3 Canceled in the event of severe weather The racecourse's own parking lot is not available — please use the paid parking at Market Square Kawasaki East |
| Venue | Kawasaki Racecourse – Infield Lawn Plaza, Sun Sun Plaza |
| Admission | Free |
Bon Dance
From classic bon-odori tunes to J-pop and anime songs, a wide range of music lets everyone dance and have fun. Dancers gently guide the moves, so first-timers are welcome to join in casually.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | August 3 (Mon), 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM August 4 (Tue), 6:40 PM – 7:10 PM |
| Venue | Sun Sun Plaza |
| Fee | Free |
Dagashiya Rock Stage Show
Dagashiya Rock, an act that pays homage to nostalgic childhood days, returns to the Summer Night Festival again this year. The performers bring dagashi (penny candy) on stage for a lively show together with the audience.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | August 3 (Mon), 6:40 PM – 7:10 PM August 4 (Tue), 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Venue | Sun Sun Plaza Stage |
| Fee | Free |
Kawasaki Racecourse Karaoke Contest
A karaoke contest takes the Kawasaki Racecourse stage, open to participants from kids to adults.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | August 4 (Tue), 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM |
| Venue | Sun Sun Plaza Stage |
| Fee | ¥1,000 (tax included) |
| Entry | Same-day lottery entry accepted in front of the Summer Night Festival headquarters tent. Entry ticket distribution: 5:30 PM – 6:40 PM; Lottery draw: 6:45 PM – 7:00 PM |
Other Attractions
Classic summer festival favorites, including festival stalls and hand-held fireworks for kids (¥500, web ticket required), will also be available.
Green Carpet Theater in Kawasaki Racecourse Overview
Using Kawasaki Racecourse's giant screen, the Kawasaki Dream Vision, the racecourse hosts free outdoor movie screenings. Visitors of all ages can enjoy popular films on the lawn plaza at no cost.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Film | "映画 すみっコぐらし 空の王国とふたりのコ" (a Sumikko Gurashi film; 2025, approx. 1 hr 8 min) |
| Date & Time | August 3 (Mon), gates open 5:15 PM / screening begins around 7:15 PM (subject to change) |
| Notes | Canceled in the event of severe weather The racecourse's own parking lot is not available — please use the paid parking at Market Square Kawasaki East |
| Venue | Kawasaki Racecourse – Infield Lawn Plaza |
| Admission | Free |
Upcoming screenings:
- September 19 (Sat): "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" (2025)
- October 31 (Sat): "Kung Fu Panda 4" (2024)
For full details and notes on both the Summer Night Festival and Green Carpet Theater, visit the official Kawasaki Racecourse event website.
