By Fadil, Independent local guide in Sapporo
Published
Things to Do in Sapporo in August: Fireworks & Summer Festivals
Welcome to your essential guide for what's happening in Sapporo this August! As summer continues in full swing, the city comes alive with a variety of can't-miss events. Whether you're looking to enjoy spectacular fireworks, participate in traditional dances, or cheer on marathon runners, there's something for everyone in Sapporo this month.
Planning ahead or catching up on summer festivals? Peek at July events in Sapporo or browse all our Hokkaido travel guides.
Past Events
Missed these? Many run annually. Bookmark this guide for next year.
The 16th Bankei Summer Festival and Fireworks Festival (Past Event)
August 2 (Sat.)
Enjoy 10,000 fireworks, musical performances at the Bankei Music Festival, and local food stalls. Fireworks start at 7:45 p.m. Advance tickets are ¥5,000 for adults.
Location: Sapporo Bankei Ski Area
Address: Chuo-ku, Bankei 410, Sapporo
The Susukino Festival (Past Event)
August 7 (Thu.)–9 (Sat.)
A lively festival in Sapporo's entertainment district. Don't miss the Oiran-dochu (Processions of Courtesans) at 8 p.m. on August 7th.
Location: Susukino, Minami 4-jo to Minami 7-jo
Address: Minami 4-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Bundankyo Festival (Past Event)
August 8 (Fri.)–10 (Sun.)
Experience Japanese culture with exhibitions of ikebana, art, and calligraphy. Workshops are available, and a tea ceremony can be enjoyed for ¥600. Exhibition admission is free.
Location: SCARTS at Sapporo Community Plaza
Address: Kita 1 Nishi 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Otaru Takashima Hanabi (Past Event)
August 9 (Sat.)
Resuming after a five-year hiatus, this display features 4,000 fireworks, including 'yomiage' fireworks. Tickets are ¥3,000, with a free area available.
Location: Otaru City Wholesale Fish Market
Address: Takashima 1-chome 2-5, Otaru-shi
The 10th Tobetsu Fireworks Festival (Past Event)
August 13 (Wed.)
The biggest summer event in Tobetsu, featuring 4,000 fireworks set off at Aso Park. Admission is free.
Location: Aso Park, Tobetsu
Address: Motomachi, Tobetsu-cho, Ishikari-gun
Hokkai Bon Dance (Past Event)
August 13 (Wed.)–16 (Sat.)
Participate in a traditional Japanese dance loved by locals. A central part of the Sapporo Summer Festival, held nightly in Odori Park. Free admission.
Location: Odori Park 2-chome
Address: Odori Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Sweets Garden Sapporo 2025 (Past Event)
August 14 (Thu.)–17 (Sun.)
A confectionery event featuring sweets, gourmet food, and drinks from local Sapporo confectioners. Held at Akapla and the Former Hokkaido Office Building garden.
Location: Akapla & Former Hokkaido Government Office Garden
Address: Kita 3 Nishi 4 & Kita 3 Nishi 6, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Doshin Yama Hanabi (Sky Art Night Sapporo) (Past Event)
August 30 (Sat.)
A spectacular show at Bankei Ski Area combining about 7,000 fireworks with drones on the mountainside. Gates open at 4 p.m. Tickets are required.
Location: Sapporo Bankei Ski Area
Address: Chuo-ku, Bankei 410, Sapporo
Otaru Wine Carnival (Past Event)
August 30 (Sat.)–31 (Sun.)
This reborn event on Miyako-dori Shopping Street features local wines and delicious food from shops and food trucks.
Location: Miyako-dori Shopping Street, Otaru
Address: Inaho 2-chome, Otaru-shi
Hokkaido Marathon 2025 (Past Event)
August 31 (Sun.)
About 20,000 runners will participate in this major city marathon starting and finishing in Odori Park. Be aware of traffic restrictions throughout the day.
Location: Odori Park and various streets in Sapporo
Address: Odori Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Great Dinosaur Park in Satoland (Past Event)
Ongoing until November 3
An ongoing exhibition at Satoland featuring 17 types of moving dinosaurs. A fun walk for all ages. Admission is ¥900 (age 3+).
Location: Sapporo Satoland
Address: Okadama 582-2, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
Ready for autumn flavors? Our September events guide is up next. Keep exploring!
