Morioka has a number of popular festivals.
Chagu Chagu Umakko
2nd saturday of june. a parade of 100 colorfully decorated horses.
Sansa Odori
August 1-3. the much anticipated summer taiko (japanese drum festival. approximately 100,000 participating taiko players, flute players, and dancers parade down the main street, odori. after the performance is finished, viewers can join in and dance in the street with the performers as a part of "wa daiko". a unique vibe, and absolutely free!
Funekko Nagashi
August 16th.
Hachiman Shrine Festival
September 14-16.