11 music festivals in India to bookmark for 2025–26

Over the last few years, music festivals in India have gone from niche gatherings to cultural juggernauts, drawing both international headliners and homegrown talent alike. The result is a live-music economy that mirrors the country’s shifting rhythm: global in sound, local in spirit. While social media virality may have amplified discovery, the real catalyst is the explosion in the number and the diversity of Indian music festivals, from Electronic Dance Music at Sunburn to the eco-conscious Echoes of Earth and heritage-forward Jaigarh.  

Today, India is no longer a stopover for music festivals but a destination. Artists such as Coldplay, John Mayer, Calum Scott, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Enrique, Travis Scott, Cigarettes After Sex, Akon, and David Guetta have all joined a growing list of global acts performing for Indian audiences. And this rise isn’t just about increased music; it reflects stronger spending power among audiences and a maturing creative economy that finally makes these festivals financially viable. 

“It’s starting to get more sustainable and profitable (for organisers) to bring down international names,” says Avik Roy, producer of Jaigarh Heritage Festival, Jazz India Circuit, and Jaipur Music Stage. “For brands it’s a domino effect—as a few brands sponsor festivals and get significant ROI, others try to follow.” 

This trickle is gradually becoming a tide. Major global franchises like Lollapalooza India have expanded their footprint, while regional festivals—from Kasauli to Shillong—amplify local soundscapes. 

“The demand for live music in India is booming,” adds Karan Mehta, organiser of the rock and metal Outrage Festival. “Even big names like NH7 and Supersonic have faced hurdles around permissions, logistics, and rising production costs. Success today isn’t just about hype, it’s about smart curation, community, and adaptability.” 

11 music festivals in India to bookmark for 2025–26

1.Sunburn Festival

USP: Electronic Dance Music
Once synonymous with Goa’s party scene, Sunburn remains one of the biggest Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festivals in India, evolving into a full-scale entertainment property. Its move to Mumbai marks a new era for India’s electronic crowd—bigger line-ups, sharper production, and a more urban energy. Expect sets from David Guetta, Axwell, Above & Beyond, and Sara Landry, alongside crowd favourites like Mathame and DubVision. 

When: December 19-21, 2025
Location: Infinity Bay, Sewri, Mumbai
Tickets: BookMyShow
Cost: ₹ 3,000 onwards; festival pass ₹ 9,000 onwards

2. Echoes of Earth

USP: Sustainable art 
One of the few sustainable music festivals in India, Echoes of Earth fuses sound, art, and environmental awareness. Founded by Roshan Netalkar, the Bengaluru-based festival champions global acts performing on stages built from recycled materials. This edition features Monolink, Stavroz, Bedouin, and Indian performers like The F16s, Madame Gandhi, and Jatayu. It’s an ideal example of music festivals in India meeting mindful celebrations. 

When: December 13-14, 2025
Location: Embassy International Riding School, Bengaluru
Tickets: district.in
Cost: ₹7,499

3. Magnetic Fields Nomads (earlier Magnetic Fields)

USP: Glamping meets Electronic music
Among the most experiential Indian music festivals, Magnetic Fields Nomads reimagines the intersection of music, heritage, and luxury travel. Now relocated from Alsisar Mahal to Khetri, Rajasthan, it promises immersive Electronic performances and desert glamping. The line-up includes Peter Cat Recording Co., Kaleekarma, and Gauley Bhai, continuing the festival’s legacy of progressive, independent sound.

When: February 13-15, 2026
Location: Khetri, Rajasthan
Tickets: Pre-register at Nomads.magneticfields.in
Cost: TBA (Magnetic Fields’ festival pass without accommodation started at ₹12,500 in 2024)

4. The Hornbill Festival

USP: Experience Nagaland 
A cultural cornerstone rather than a conventional concert, The Hornbill Festival captures Nagaland’s identity through music, dance, and craftsmanship. Folk songs, tribal rock, and the famed Hornbill International Rock Contest all spotlight how regional sound shapes modern India. It is one of the most distinctive music festivals in India, where tradition meets rhythm. 

Attendees must ensure they get their Inner Line Permit (ILP) in advance (apply at https://ilp.nagaland.gov.in).

When: December 1-10, 2025
Location: Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima, Nagaland
Tickets: hornbillfestival.com
Cost: ₹ 50-100 per day. Separate passes are required for events like the Rock Festival

5. Jaigarh Heritage Festival

USP: Folk music and art
Blending royal architecture with contemporary performance, the JaigarhHeritage Festival celebrates Rajasthan’s artistic and musical heritage. Curated by Teamwork Arts with the royal family of Jaipur, it features Papon, Kabir Café, The Manganiyar Seduction, and The Anirudh Verma Collective. With crafts bazaars, folk showcases, and culinary trails, it’s one of the few folk music festivals in India that feels both local and luxe. 

When: December 5-7, 2025
Location: Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Tickets: jaigarhheritagefestival.com
Cost: Daytime sessions ₹499 onwards; Evening sessions ₹799 onwards; Festival Pass ₹1,499 onwards

6. Lollapalooza India

USP: Big international acts
With Linkin Park, Playboi Carti, Calum Scott, and Fujii Kaze on the 2026 roster, Lollapalooza India continues to redefine the scale of live entertainment. It remains one of the most anticipated music festivals in India, balancing international icons with Indian acts like DIVINE, OAFF x Savera, and Karsh Kale. Think four stages, curated cocktails, and the kind of production value that rivals global standards. 

When: January 24–25, 2026
Location: Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai.
Tickets: Bookmyshow.com
Cost: Day passes ₹ 6,999 onwards; Festival passes ₹ 10,999 onwards

7. Bandland

USP: Rock and Metal 
A new-age celebration of rock and alternative music in India, Bandland has fast become a magnet for purists. The 2026 edition features Muse, Train, and Australia’s Karnivool, alongside Indian favourites like Scribe, Tejas, and The Lightyears Explode. With its “Bandland on Tour” concept bringing Tom Morello to multiple cities, it cements itself as one of India’s loudest cultural statements.

When: February 14-15, 2026
Location: NICE Grounds, Bengaluru
Tickets: Bookmyshow.com
Cost: ₹ 4,499 onwards

8. Rolling Loud India

USP: Hip-Hop
Hip-hop finally gets the stage it deserves with Rolling Loud India—the country’s first festival dedicated entirely to the genre. Headliners Wiz Khalifa, Central Cee, and DaBaby share the lineup with Indian rappers Karan Aujla, DIVINE, and Hanumankind. Alongside music, there’s a skate park, basketball courts, and a luxury Loud Club—signalling how music festivals in India are embracing full-scale subcultures.
When: November 22-23, 2025
Location: Loud Park, Kharghar, Mumbai
Tickets: District.in
Cost: Day passes ₹4,500; Festival passes ₹8,000

9. Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival

USP: Meghalayan and global nostalgic music 
Set against Meghalaya’s pink blooms, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival blends nostalgia and North-Eastern artistry. Global acts like The Script, Jason Derulo, and Diplo join local performers such as Priyanka Bharali and Arupjyoti Baruah. Equal parts music and tourism, it’s one of the best music festivals in India for travellers seeking both cultural depth and global flair.

When: November 14-15, 2025
Location: Shillong, Meghalaya
Tickets: shillongcherryblossom.com and https://rockskitickets.com/
Cost: Day passes ₹ 2,542 onwards; Festival passes ₹ 7,034 onwards

10. Outrage Festival

USP: Metal 
A cult favourite among the country’s metalheads, Outrage Festival is India’s loudest underground celebration. With international names like Cryptopsy and Underside, and Indian heavyweights The F16s and Thermal & A Quarter, it’s proof that niche music festivals in India can build devoted communities. Expect mosh pits, pure adrenaline, and a fiercely loyal crowd. 

When: November 29, 2025
Location: DLF Avenue, Delhi
Tickets: skillboxes.com
Cost: ₹ 1,000 onwards

11. Mahindra Blues Festival

USP: Blues
Quietly running since 2011, the Mahindra Blues Festival remains one of the most refined music festivals in India. Hosted at Mumbai’s Mehboob Studios, it has featured legends like Buddy Guy, Ruthie Foster, and The Teskey Brothers over the years. Its intimate multi-stage setup draws a dedicated community of Blues lovers who prefer mood over magnitude. 

When: February 14–15, 2026
Location: Mehboob Studios, Mumbai
Tickets: mahindrablues.com
Cost: ₹ 1,500 (previous edition, day pass)

International versus Indian acts: Finding the balance

Across the growing landscape of music festivals in India, the ratio of international to Indian performers reveals a quiet divide. Some festivals rely almost entirely on global headliners, while others champion homegrown sound. Smaller properties such as the Jazz India Circuit often achieve a more balanced mix—partly because international embassies and cultural councils help fund collaborations. In contrast, large-scale events like Lollapalooza India and Sunburn skew heavily towards global acts, where budgets mirror brand-backed ambition.

 “Generally smaller festivals, like Jazz India Circuit will have a better balance and even monetarily they can get support from international embassies,” says Roy. “Some bigger festivals are highly skewed towards international acts specially monetarily, though others; like Jashn-E-Rektha for example, don’t have many international names because it usually doesn’t align with the concept.” 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MUSIC FESTIVALS IN INDIA 

Q. What are the best music festivals in India?

A. Top music festivals in India include Lollapalooza India, Magnetic Fields, Sunburn, Echoes of Earth, and Hornbill Festival.

Q. What are the upcoming music festivals in India in 2025–26?

A. Major upcoming music festivals in India include Magnetic Fields Nomads (February 2026), Lollapalooza India (January 2026), and Echoes of Earth (December 2025).

Q. Which Indian festivals feature international artists?

A. Lollapalooza India, Sunburn, and Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival feature top global acts alongside Indian performers.

Q. Are there eco-friendly or sustainable music festivals in India?

A. Yes. Echoes of Earth in Bengaluru is India’s leading eco-conscious music festival promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.

Q. Where can I buy tickets for Indian music festivals?

A. Tickets are available on platforms like BookMyShow, Skillboxes, District.in, and official festival websites.