Kobe is buzzing this weekend! We have dog festivals, spring illuminations starting, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and the annual Nanohana flower festival. Check out our top picks for family fun on March 21st and 22nd, 2026.
See our top picks
Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks
Meriken Park
A free, short fireworks show set to music on Saturday night.
12th Kobe-Ichi Local Taste & Culture Fair
Daimaru Kobe Store
An indoor market showcasing local Kobe foods and sweets.
KOBE BUBBLUMI
GLION ARENA KOBE and surrounds
Magical free illumination event perfect for evening strolls.
· March 21
12: A fun weekend festival celebrating dogs! Bring your pup to shop the dog marche, check out free grooming services, or attend a pet disaster preparedness seminar inspired by the Great Hanshin Earthquake.It runs across the entire target weekend and is a unique dog-focused family outing.
FREE : See the hillside covered in yellow rapeseed flowers (nanohana) at this popular spring event! There's a stamp rally, free herbal tea, and dedicated play areas just for kids.It captures the peak of early spring flowers and has guaranteed kids' activities.
FREE : Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a colorful parade right at Meriken Park! Watch Irish dancers, listen to live music, and enjoy the festive atmosphere by the water.It's a one-day cultural street celebration happening right on the waterfront.
FREE : Kobe’s first immersive waterside bubble illumination experience lights up the waterfront nightly. Perfect for an atmospheric evening stroll after dinner.It's a massive, free evening event starting on Friday, perfect for winding down the day.
FREE : Catch a short, spectacular five-minute fireworks show over the sea near Meriken Park, set to music. A lovely way to end a Saturday in the harbor area.It's a specific, brief fireworks display happening only on Saturday night.
: Explore the acoustics of the hall and get a special experience right on the stage comparing different piano sounds. This is an interactive sound and music workshop.Interactive workshop at the Bunka Hall allows kids access behind the scenes.
FREE : Let the kids unleash their creativity drawing on the ground with colorful chalk at the outlets. They even have a vehicle body and cardboard train workshop available.It’s a free, hands-on creative activity happening both days at the outlets.
FREE : Explore flavors and goods unique to Kobe and Hyogo Prefecture, with this edition focusing on apples! Great for grabbing unique local breads and sweets.It runs all weekend and offers a fantastic, free way to sample local Kobe specialties indoors.
: Take the ropeway up to the Herb Gardens after dark to see the magical forest illuminated. It transforms into a truly dreamy atmosphere for an evening outing.It's an evening activity option that takes advantage of the changing spring weather.
UMEKOJI FESTIVALFREE : If you are willing to take a short trip to Kyoto, this festival focuses on ecology and health with stage shows, educational booths, and eco-friendly food stalls.Although outside Kobe, it's a large, family-focused festival happening both days of the weekend.
SQUISHY MICROBE STICKER MAKINGFREE : Head to Osaka for a fun, quick workshop where you draw cute microorganisms and turn them into squishy, jiggly seals. Great for a short burst of messy fun.It's a specific, free craft activity happening Saturday morning/afternoon.
FREE : Visit a beautiful 120-year-old traditional house in Kyoto to see antique Hina dolls (Girls' Day display). They offer optional matcha and sweets, too.It's a beautiful cultural display happening only on Saturday in a scenic location.
· March 22
5FREE : This is a general street event taking place at Meriken Park on Sunday. It might involve local stalls or performances—always worth checking out if you are near the harbor!A general public event happening on Sunday at a key waterfront location.
: If your family loves vehicles, this major motorcycle exhibition runs through Sunday in Osaka. It’s a chance to see the latest models up close.It spans the full weekend and is a major regional event.
: Catch the final day of the regional Sumo tournament, held nearby in Osaka. This is a dynamic cultural experience often enjoyed by families.It's the final session of a major sports event happening on Sunday.
FREE : A local market experience held at the popular Harborland waterfront area on Sunday. Great for browsing local goods and enjoying the port atmosphere.It's listed as running on Sunday at a key family destination.
FREE : A free, fun chalk art event at the Sanda Premium Outlets where kids can draw on the ground. If you’re planning an outlet trip, this is a great free activity to add.Focusing on Sunday activity at the outlets for variety.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3FREE : The historic settlement area is decorated in yellow celebrating a spring tradition. Enjoy strolling past shops featuring mimosa themes and look out for small jazz live sessions or flea markets.It's a great backdrop for a pleasant weekend walk through the city center.
FREE : Catch free, lively jazz music playing in the open corridor along the north side of Daimaru. It provides a great cultural soundtrack for your shopping trip.It's a free, atmospheric bonus happening this weekend as part of the Yellow Giving celebration.
: USJ kicks off its 25th anniversary this month! Expect special parades featuring 25 Pikachus and exclusive seasonal offerings—perfect for a full day trip outside Kobe.It's a major regional attraction kicking off a massive anniversary celebration this weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Kobe this weekend?
The best free options this weekend are the Rapeseed Flower Festival & Marché at Kobe General Athletic Park (Saturday, featuring kids' play corners), the St. Patrick's Day in KOBE parade (Saturday afternoon at Meriken Park), and the nightly KOBE BUBBLUMI illumination.
Is there anything fun happening for dog owners?
Yes! The Kobe Dog Weekend powered by Inumatsuri is on all weekend (10 AM - 4 PM) at Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, featuring a dog market, free grooming, and seminars.
What can we do on Saturday evening?
For a magical evening, check out the Forest of Illuminations at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens (ropeway ticket required) or watch the Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks over Meriken Park.
