【Held on September 26 (Saturday) and 27 (Sunday)】Setouchi Lamb Festival 2026 - Let's Enjoy Two Days of Ultimate Deliciousness!

The event "Setouchi Lamb Festival", which was very popular last year (2025), will be held for the first time in Kurashiki.

“Lamb” refers to sheep meat. An event centered around lamb meat is quite rare, isn’t it? It seems that popular restaurants from the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, as well as extremely famous restaurants from Tokyo and Osaka, will also set up stalls exclusively for the event.

We spoke with Tanaka Sayakaたなか さやか, the organizer of the Setouchi Lamb Project, about the event.

What is the "Setouchi Lamb Festival 2026"?

The "Setouchi Lamb Festival 2026" will be held at Kurashiki Ivy Square on September 26 (Saturday) and September 27 (Sunday), 2026.

The first and second editions were held in Okayama City, but this time the venue will move to Kurashiki.

For more details, please refer to the images below or the official Instagram and official website.

Interview with Tanaka Sayaka of the Setouchi Lamb Project

We spoke with Tanaka Sayaka of the Setouchi Lamb Project about this event.

First of all, could you tell us the reason for holding this event?

Tanaka (no honorifics)

The origin of this event is the desire to "establish a culture where lamb meat can be enjoyed more closely in Okayama and Setouchi."

While working as the Setouchi Lamb Project, we often find that lamb meat is still perceived as "having a strong taste" or "only associated with Genghis Khan," and its appeal is not fully recognized.

Lamb has a wide range depending on the cut and cooking method, making it a very versatile ingredient. We want to promote its charm together with restaurants and those involved in production and distribution, and cultivate it as a new food culture unique to Okayama and Setouchi.

It is from this desire that we are holding the Setouchi Lamb Festival.

What is the concept and highlight of this event?

Tanaka

The major theme this time is to "combine the charm of Kurashiki with lamb and create a new image of lamb."

By enjoying lamb dishes in the charming space surrounded by the red bricks and ivy of Kurashiki Ivy Square, we want to promote lamb not just as "lamb = Genghis Khan," but as a more stylish and sophisticated dining experience.

Meeting a variety of creatively prepared lamb dishes from different stalls in one venue is also a highlight unique to the festival. We want attendees to feel that "eating lamb itself is a bit special."

What kind of people do you want to come to the event?

Tanaka

We would love to have families, friends, couples, and anyone who loves lamb meat, as well as those who "rarely have the opportunity to eat lamb" to come and join us.

Additionally, we hope that not only those coming specifically for the lamb festival but also those enjoying a stroll or sightseeing in Kurashiki will stop by. We would be delighted if they could add "let's try some lamb today" to their day of enjoying the historic city of Kurashiki.

Please give a message to the readers.

Tanaka

I want to deliver surprises and new discoveries to as many people as possible, such as "Wow, lamb can be this delicious!" and "It can be made into such dishes!" This is the motivation behind continuing this festival.

Together with many shops, friends, and supporters, I want to create a two-day event where "the city of Kurashiki comes alive with lamb." We will eat, drink, and laugh, making it a two-day experience that makes everyone feel, "I’m glad I came!"

On September 26 and 27, please come with an empty stomach to Kurashiki Ivy Square! Let's enjoy two days filled with "lamb" together!

Conclusion

The author visited the lamb festival held in Okayama City the year before last and last year. The air was filled with delicious aromas and sounds from all around, making it hard to decide what to eat.

Since lamb is not something I usually eat, why not take this opportunity to try it at such an event?

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