Music, Dance, Repeat: The Top 8 Music Fests You Shouldn’t Miss In 2018!

Happening on the Easter weekend, this festival in the hills is going to be a cracker. If you’re the kind of person who prefers mountains over beaches, you’d better pack your bags for this one. Bright skies, mountain breeze and hilly backdrops make for the perfect festival vibe here. There’s going to be music ranging from mellow acoustic to energetic beats. There’ll be artists like When Chai Met Toast, Thermal & A Quarter, Parvaaz, Suraj Jagan and Unplugged.

Aaaanddd all the proceeds will go towards treating children struggling with cardiovascular disorders. Yep, you’ve got to go here now.

Where: Baikunth Resorts

When: March 30-31

Tickets: Starting at INR 3,000.

For more info, check out their website here.

Hosted all over the country in cities like Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Shillong, Hyderabad, Meghalaya, and Kolkata, NH7 Weekender has its own way of lighting up everyone’s weekends. You’ll find everything from mellow tunes to thumping beats, theatre to stand-up comedy, rides, and all kinds of art. The best of domestic and international artists grace the turntables, so don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes.

Where: Multiple locations

When: Around Oct, Nov, & Dec

For more details, upcoming dates & more, stay tuned to their website here.

A non-stop 3-day music festival that happens inside the magnificent Alsisar Mahal in Rajasthan, this festival has massive {multiple} stages, including one in the middle of the desert, secret parties, treasure hunts, and a whole lot of booze; this music fest is definitely one you shouldn’t miss.

Where: Alsisar Mahal, Rajasthan

When: December {usually Dec 15 – 17}

For more details, upcoming dates & more, stay tuned to their website here.

If you’re game for misty mountains, soulful music, and local beer, Ziro Music Festival should be on your list. Situated 5,500 feet above sea level, Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh hosts this festival for Indie music producers to showcase their talents and believe us, your ears are in for a melodic treat. Electronic, rock, and folk-jazz music is ready to captivate you. Time to pack your bags!

Where: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

When: End of September {usually Sep 28 – Oct 1}

Find out more and book tickets here.

The biggest names in the international music scene come down and drop their killer beats in Pune {previously Goa}, which hosts this chaotic music fest. Sunburn Festival has been a favourite of many since its inception, with people flowing to the non-stop party in herds. This festival boasts the largest music stage in Asia.

Where: Pune

When: December

For more details, upcoming dates & more, stay tuned to their website here.

The natives of Nagaland host this festival as a part of their tradition and boy, are you in for a musical treat. The whole festival is a rock contest, with musicians and bands taking part from all over the world. They are judged by renowned and experienced melodic masters. Apart from the music, there’s also lots of arts, crafts, games and sports. You can expect the colours and the vibe to keep you there for the full 10 days.

Where: Nagaland

When: Dec 1–10

For more details, check their website here.

In a short span of four years, EVC has established itself as one of the premier festivals in Asia. It’s held on an airstrip, for crying out loud! The festival has a mixed line-up of techno, Bollywood, pop, fusion, and indie music. Apart from all the music, they host sporting activities, silent headphone parties, jam sessions, and bonfires within the span of the event. They also have a sub-fest called Culinarium, which is an all-out gastronomical festival. Your love for music, food, and drinks just found the perfect haven.

Where: Aamby Valley

When: Dec 16–17

To follow the festival, ticket sales, and more, click here.

Rajasthan International Folk Festival is the newest music festival to grace the country’s insatiable cultural and musical appetite. It happens in the Mehrangarh Fort, where traditional and folk musicians and singers captivate your attention. You get to meet the Bhil community and get to know their music and the tribal way of life. There are a lot more activities ranging from movie screenings, musical maestros taking to the traditional dholak and kamaycha to string puppetry and Rajasthani Circus acts.

Where: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

When: October {tentatively}

For more details and to keep up with this year’s dates, follow their website here.