New People, a dynamic entertainment destination that brings the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to San Francisco, will be presenting the fourth annual edition of the J-Pop Summit Festival in Japantown this weekend. Adopting the theme "Cyberpop Overload!" the two-day will offer live music, fashion, film, anime, video games, technology and more for pop culture enthusiasts.

The festival will once again feature a variety of free live music performances on the main stage of Japantown's spacious Peace Plaza located across the street from New People on Post Street. After a sake-barrel breaking for the opening ceremony on Saturday morning at 11 a.m., San Francisco electronic duo SpacEKraft take the stage to deliver their mesmerizing brand of ambient, psychedelic synth drone to kick things off (the group will also be hosting a hands-on installation for attendees to enjoy at the festival Sunday). Other acts on Saturday include SF 8-bit rock band The Glowing Stars, video-game focused comedy music act Random Encounters and Japanese all-girl power trio The Akabane Vulgars, who are playing their first ever U.S. concert at the fest. On Sunday, the musical festivities kick off with local teen group Bay Area Girls, followed with appearances by SF J-rock band All Ages, LA-based electronic artist Capital and set by Japanese-American teen sensation Kylee.

In addition to the music, the main stage will host two fashion shows and a dance contest. Post Street will be partially closed off for numerous food and specialty vendors. Other attractions include screenings and video game sessions built around the popular anime show Evangelion, meet-and-greet opportunities with some of the performing musical guests, art exhibits and pop-up shops featuring wares from several different designers. For more info on the 2012 International J-Pop Summit, go to the event website.

2012 International J-Pop Summit
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25-26, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free
Japantown in San Francisco