The Definitive Guide to Upcoming Music Festivals in 2026

The last three months of the year aren’t just the frosty winds of autumn or the bulging holiday calendars; they unofficially mark the onset of the much-anticipated music festival season. This period, stretching from September to December, is a treasure trove for music lovers, offering everything from intimate indoor gatherings focused on discovering new acts to grand outdoor celebrations featuring some of the hottest names in global music.

As we gear up for the rest of 2026, there’s a plethora of remarkable festivals lined up across India, ensuring there’s something for everyone, no matter your taste in music. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting events that are set to take place:

Ziro Festival

Date: September 24 to 27, 2026
Location: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro Festival returns to the lush landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, promising an eclectic mix of artists. Heavy hitters like rapper Vedan, producer Karan Kanchan, and Punjabi pop legend Sukhbir will headline, while talents like singer-songwriter Shakthisree Gopalan and experimental composer-producer Sneha Khanwalkar fill the lineup. With acts spanning various genres, this four-day festival is a celebration of diversity and culture amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Get Ziro Festival details here.

Linear Festival

Date: September 26 and 27, 2026
Location: Multiple venues, Bengaluru

Transforming Bengaluru’s Purple Metro Line into a vibrant canvas of music, theater, and dance, Linear Festival is an immersive experience that spans 24 hours. Featuring artists from all over India, expect innovative performances with a lineup that includes DJ-producer Sherry Soni, punk-rock band Omar and the Wrong Meds, and Malayalam composer-poet Santhi Priya. An overnight Yakshagana performance promises to be a highlight, inviting attendees to bring their own pillows for a unique all-night cultural experience.
Get Linear Festival details here.

Higher Ground Music Festival

Date: September 25 to 27, 2026
Location: Prism by Octavium, Bengaluru

Higher Ground Music Festival makes its mark with an intimate approach, highlighting Bengaluru’s independent music scene. This year, the festival will feature performances from well-known acts like Meg & the Miracles and post-rock band Blue Atom Sky, along with emerging voices on a dedicated Breakthrough Stage. The final day will culminate with a special headlining performance by Suraj Mani, ensuring a showcase rich in talent and diversity.
Get Higher Ground Music Festival details here.

The Grub Fest

Date: October 3 and 4, 2026
Location: NSIC, New Delhi

Celebrating its decade-long legacy, The Grub Fest combines food, culture, and electrifying music, with this year’s theme focusing on Punjabi sounds. Expect energetic performances from Gurinder Gill and Rabbi Shergill, among other renowned artists as foodies dance to the rhythm of culinary delights and musical splendor.
Get The Grub Fest tickets here.

Casa Bacardi

Date: October 3 and 4, 2026
Location: The Punarnava Resort, Dehradun

Setting the scene amidst the serene mountains, Casa Bacardi’s Dehradun edition brings a stellar lineup of electronic artists like Lost Frequencies and Maribou State. Festival-goers can also indulge in hands-on workshops, immersive experiences, and drum circles, ensuring a memorable festival filled with vibrant sounds and tropical vibes.
Get Casa Bacardi details here.

Bangalore Open Air

Date: October 10, 2026
Location: BITS Club, Hennur, Bengaluru

Metal enthusiasts should not miss Bangalore Open Air, where the spirit of heavy music reigns supreme. Even with last-minute lineup changes, Dismember and other formidable acts like Thy Art Is Murder and Paradise Lost will make this festival worth attending. With multiple stages hosting a mix of genres, it promises an electrifying experience for fans of rock and metal.
Get Bangalore Open Air tickets here.

Burpp Fest

Date: October 10 and 11, 2026
Location: Sarusajai Sports Complex, Guwahati

Burpp Fest, Northeast India’s premier music and food festival, is set to impress with headlining acts like rap sensation DIVINE and beloved pop artist Lucky Ali. The festival will showcase an expansive lineup, creating an atmosphere that blends culinary delights with captivating music performances from various genres.
Get Burpp Fest tickets here.

Jodhpur RIFF

Date: October 22 to 26, 2026
Location: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Jodhpur RIFF’s appeal lies in its celebration of global folk sounds alongside rich cultural heritage. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort, attendees can look forward to cross-cultural musical exchanges featuring artists from around the world, culminating in the much-loved RIFF Rumble, a spontaneous jam session that brings together the entire lineup.
Get Jodhpur RIFF details here.

Nykaaland

Date: October 23 to 25, 2026
Location: NSIC Exhibition Ground, Okhla, New Delhi

India’s beauty festival, Nykaaland, returns with a vibrant lineup filled with nostalgia and contemporary sounds. Spanning three days, expect performances from beloved artists and DJs, creating an enchanting atmosphere that celebrates beauty and music.
Get Nykaaland 4.0 details here.

MLBx: Mumbai 2026

Date: October 24, 2026
Location: Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai

Sport and music converge at MLBx: Mumbai, with performances by hip-hop icons Badshah and KR$NA accompanying Major League Baseball stars. This crossover event is likely to bring an exciting ambiance, merging two passions: sports and music.
Get MLBx: Mumbai 2026 tickets here.

DGTL India

Date: November 13 and 14, 2026
Location: Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru & Ballard Pier, Mumbai

DGTL India’s sixth edition promises a stunning lineup of international and local electronic artists, showcasing the dynamism of India’s nightlife scene. With performances across two major cities, expect cutting-edge beats and captivating sounds.
Get DGTL India tickets here.

Shillong Cherry Blossom

Date: November 20 to 21, 2026
Location: New Shillong Highland Grounds, Mawkhanu

This year’s Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival escalates to new heights with American pop sensations Khalid and Swae Lee. Growing from its previous location, this year’s festival focuses on improving crowd management while giving attendees phenomenal musical acts amidst a stunning backdrop.
Get Shillong Cherry Blossom festival details here.

Royal Enfield Motoverse

Date: November 27 to 29, 2026
Location: Hilltop, Vagator, Goa

The Motoverse Festival in Goa invites bikers and music fans alike for a three-day celebration headlined by artists like Farhan Akhtar and Sanjith Hegde. It’s a massive creative gathering where music meets community, ensuring attendees have a blast in the picturesque surroundings of Goa.
Get Royal Enfield Motoverse details here.

South Side Story

Date: November 28, 2026
Location: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

Red FM’s culinary and performance extravaganza, South Side Story, makes its way to Bengaluru, showcasing a blend of music and delicious food. Featuring popular local artists, it celebrates the cultural diversity of southern India, promising a melodic festivity for all attendees.
Get South Side Story details here.

Hornbill Music Festival

Date: December 1 to 10, 2026
Location: Naga Heritage Village, Kisama

A cultural feast awaits at the Hornbill Music Festival, with diverse global talents converging in Nagaland. Celebrated as a convergence of cultures, attendees can look forward to engaging with a multitude of genres and experiencing the rich heritage of the region.
Get Hornbill Festival details here.

Mahindra Kabira Festival

Date: December 4 to 6, 2026
Location: Multiple locations, Varanasi

Focusing on the philosophy of saint-poet Kabir, the Mahindra Kabira Festival blends the spiritual with the musical. Set along the Ganga, this festival brings together an array of artists from classical, folk, and indie genres, creating an ethereal atmosphere dedicated to the teachings of Kabir.
Get Mahindra Kabira Festival details here.

Echoes of Earth

Date: December 5 and 6, 2026
Location: TBA, Bengaluru

Celebrating a decade of music and environmental consciousness, Echoes of Earth aims to usher in a monumental lineup of artists focusing on ecological themes and stunning performances set against a backdrop of innovative, sustainable practices.
Get Echoes of Earth tickets here.

Rolling Loud India

Date: December 11 and 12, 2026
Location: TBA, Mumbai

The highly anticipated Rolling Loud India returns, building on the success of its inaugural event. As the world’s biggest hip-hop festival, it promises to feature a lineup of top-tier international artists, making it a must-attend for fans of the genre.
Get Rolling Loud India tickets here.

Serendipity Arts Festival

Date: December 13-20, 2026
Location: Panjim, Goa

Blending art and music, this festival caters to diverse tastes, with a lineup curated by India’s music luminaries. Offering a medley of performances, Serendipity Arts Festival emphasizes creativity in all its forms, making it a hub for traditional and contemporary artists alike.
Get Serendipity Arts Festival details here.

Jaigarh Heritage Festival

Date: December 18 to 20, 2026
Location: Jaigarh, Jaipur

Showcasing artists across folk, fusion, and global sounds, Jaigarh Heritage Festival promises an engaging experience steeped in culture and history. Set in the majestic Jaigarh Fort, attendees can anticipate a dynamic presentation of diverse musical styles, including performances by Rajasthani folk artists.
Get Jaigarh Heritage Festival details here.

Sunburn Festival

Date: December 18 to 20, 2026
Location: Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai

As India’s premier electronic dance music festival, Sunburn will take on a new urban backdrop this year, moving from Goa to Mumbai. With a star-studded international lineup featuring the likes of The Chainsmokers and DJ Snake, this festival is poised to offer an unforgettable experience for EDM fans.
Get Sunburn Festival 2026 tickets here.

Locals District

Date: December 18 to 20, 2026
Location: Castle Mandawa, Rajasthan

The techno-centric Locals District makes its grand comeback, providing an immersive experience for electronic music enthusiasts. Set in Rajasthan’s enchanting Castle Mandawa, the festival promises a unique blend of music, community, and royal vibes over three days.
Get Locals District tickets here.

This incredible array of festivals spanning various genres and locations guarantees there’s something in store for every music lover throughout the rest of 2026. Whether you’re seeking to party in the mountains or lose yourself in rich cultural experiences by the riverside, the upcoming months are set to be an unforgettable journey through sound, taste, and community.