The Sakata Festival is the largest in Sakata City featuring a massive street bazaar with over 350 vendors, street parades, and dozens of performances in Hiyoriyama Park. It has been held annually since 1609 without a single cancellation. It is held for the Kami and Shimo Hie Shrines to commemorate the recovery of Sakata City, after the Shokai Earthquake that leveled over 80% of the city in 1894.  

This festival includes a large performance stage with live performances held throughout the entirety of the festival, as well as long lines of food and game vendors lined up around Hiyoriyama Park and the rest of the downtown area of Sakata.