Below is a short summery of the main festivals held in the Furano region throughout the summer. For a summer events calendar visit our webpage Furano Calendar or for more information on the numerous festivals visit the Furano Tourism Website.

Sometimes it is hard to put into words an event that must be seen, to be experienced. The Hokkai Heso Matsuri Fesitval falls into that category. This vibrant two-day midsummer celebrates Furano’s unique culture as the “bellybutton”, located in the very center of Hokkaido, along with the pioneering spirit of Furano, and the bond between generations. Unique events include the amusing Belly Button Dance, where dancers paint faces on their midriff, and the Baby Races, where newborn babies from the previous year engage in a crawling competition to strengthen the mother and child bond. Visitors to the town are welcome to join the local team for the day and be an integral part of the festival. All it takes is a little courage, a willingness to bare your navel and a few moments to learn the steps. A very distinctive experience that falls into "one of those must do events in life!"

A must not only for wine lovers but for anybody that enjoys a good time and good people. Traditionally this festival is held in Autumn when the Furano countryside comes alive with a myriad of striking colours, due to the changing of the trees. The local produce is harvested at this time and is placed on barbeques at the festival offering visitors mouthwatering fresh cuisine. Specialties include fresh corn on the cob, pumpkin dumplings, and cheese pancakes. The local community hold numerous amusing events, which visitors can partake in, including wine barrel races, barefoot grape stomping, and pumpkin weight-guessing contests. The Wine Festival also specifically caters for children allowing them to participate in craft shows, watching the child friendly demonstrations or perhaps best of all just playing throughout the festival site.

The Kami Furano Lavender and Fireworks festival draws thousands of local visitors and international guests to gather around the flower farms to watch the fireworks display set amongst a back drop of lavender fields in full bloom. Local buses usually operate to and from town to the festival sites. Once there a large number of food stalls sell fresh produce and drinks. As with all Furano festivals the organizers cater specifically for children with numerous entertaining activities. Live music from local bands usually accompanies the fireworks event, often ending in a huge crescendo.

In late September and early October the Kami Furano and Minami Furano regions host their Autumn Festivals. During this time the leaves have entered the phase of showing their most vibrant colours as the trees begin to shed their cover for the impending winter. Amazing colours are the order of the day as The hills, lakes, rivers and towns are filled with thousands of shades of reds, yellows, greens, browns, oranges and anything other colour that mother nature wishes to produce. A true spectacle.