India’s live music scene is witnessing an unprecedented surge. After years of sporadic international tours, 2026 is shaping up to be the country’s most significant year for concerts, with rock legends, EDM superstars, and multi-genre festivals lined up. The calendar for concerts in India 2026 is set to rival that of any global music hub.
Linkin Park’s emotional return and the Scorpions’ farewell tour after an 18-year absence highlight a significant moment for concerts in India. This isn’t just about attending a show anymore; it’s about planning weekends around setlists, traveling between cities for multi-stop tours, and enjoying world-class productions in venues that have finally caught up with global standards.
Whether you’re a rock purist willing to drive across states for Def Leppard, an EDM enthusiast mapping out festival season, or simply someone who wants to experience the best live concerts in India this year, this guide breaks down the year’s unmissable events.
And if you’re planning concert travel across multiple cities, sign up for OneAir to monitor flight and hotel prices, which can save you hundreds.
1. Linkin Park – Bengaluru Standalone Concert
Photo from BookMyShow
Date: January 23, 2026
Location: Brigade Innovation Gardens, Muddenahalli
Tickets: BookMyShow
Linkin Park’s debut performance in India at a standalone venue is the type of event that can define a year. Unlike a festival appearance squeezed between other acts, this is a full stadium experience dedicated entirely to one of rock’s most emotionally impactful bands. Following the tragic loss of Chester Bennington and the band’s subsequent hiatus, their return to touring carries an emotional weight that extends beyond music.
The Bengaluru takes place a day before Lollapalooza Mumbai, giving fans a choice between the intimacy of a single-artist stadium show and the chaotic atmosphere of a festival.For those who grew up with songs like “Numb,” “In the End,” and “What I’ve Done” as the soundtrack to their teenage years, the standalone concert provides a deeper sense of catharsis rather than just entertainment.
Where to Stay:
For convenience, consider staying in nearby Devanahalli (closer to the airport and venue), at hotels such as The Leela Bhartiya City or Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse. If you prefer staying in central Bengaluru and experiencing the city’s nightlife, neighborhoods like Indiranagar, Koramangala, or MG Road offer excellent hotel options, though factor in 1 to 1 and a half hours travel time to the venue.
2. Lollapalooza India 2026
Photo from Lollapalooza India
Dates: January 24-25, 2026
Location: Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai
Headliners: Linkin Park, Playboi Carti
Tickets: BookMyShow | Lollapalooza India Official Site
Lollapalooza India has established itself as a premier music concert in India, and the 2026 edition doubles down on its reputation. With four stages spread over two days, coinciding with the Republic Day long weekend, it creates an ideal opportunity for a music-focused getaway.
The undercard features an impressive lineup beyond the headliners. YUNGBLUD brings his punk-pop energy, while Knock2 delivers bass-heavy electronic chaos. Japanese artist Fujii Kaze adds a unique pop-soul dimension, and Kehlani ensures that R&B gets the spotlight it deserves. Additionally, India’s own DIVINE, OAFF x Savera, and Bloodywood demonstrate that homegrown talent can compete on international stages.
The festival has perfected the art of pacing. You can enjoy emotionally charged rock performances on the main stage, explore a tent featuring experimental electronic music, sip on craft cocktails between sets, and still have energy left for the headliner’s finale.
Where to Stay:
For walkable access, consider hotels in Breach Candy, Mahalaxmi, or Lower Parel. The Taj Lands End (Bandra), Four Seasons Mumbai, or mid-range options in Worli and Lower Parel put you within 10 to 15 minutes of the venue. Budget travelers can look at Colaba or Fort neighborhoods, which are 20 to 30 minutes away but offer better dining and nightlife options.
3. Magnetic Fields Nomads
Photo from Magnetic Fields Nomads
Dates: February 13-15, 2026
Location: Khetri, Rajasthan
Artists: Peter Cat Recording Co., Kaleekarma, Gauley Bhai
Pre-register: nomads.magneticfields.in
Magnetic Fields Nomads exemplifies a music festival that prioritizes atmosphere above all else. Originally held at Alsisar Mahal and now relocated to Khetri, it retains its essence: featuring progressive electronic music amid the stunning desert landscape of Rajasthan. With luxury camping options, the festival transforms into a genuinely immersive experience.
This festival is not just about the lineup; it’s the unique experience of enjoying Peter Cat Recording Co.’s psychedelic jazz, Kaleekarma’s bass experiments, and Gauley Bhai’s genre-blurring DJ sets while watching the sunset over the sand dunes that truly makes it worth the trip. The crowd consists of discerning music lovers rather than casual festival-goers, which contributes to the overall atmosphere.
Where to Stay:
The festival includes on-site glamping accommodation as part of the experience—luxury tents with proper beds, attached bathrooms, and desert views. This is the recommended option as it eliminates travel logistics and keeps you immersed in the festival atmosphere. If you prefer hotel accommodation, Jaipur is approximately 90 minutes away with options ranging from heritage properties in the old city to modern hotels near the airport.
4. Def Leppard – India Tour (3 Cities)
Photo from LiveNation Asia
Shillong: March 25, 2026 | JN Stadium (Polo Grounds)
Mumbai: March 27, 2026 | Jio World Garden
Bengaluru: March 29, 2026 | NICE Grounds
Tickets: BookMyShow | Def Leppard Official Site
Def Leppard’s first-ever tour in India, announced after a cancelled run in 2008, is an event rock fans have eagerly awaited for nearly two decades. With over 110 million albums sold and iconic tracks like “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Hysteria” etched in rock history, these concerts are not just performances—they are moments of musical pilgrimage.
The three-city route is intentional. The tour begins in Shillong, which is home to Northeast India’s rich rock heritage and is often called the unofficial rock capital of the country. Next, the band will perform at Jio World Garden in Mumbai, a venue known for hosting large-scale international acts. Finally, the tour concludes at NICE Grounds in Bengaluru, completing the triangle of India’s most concert-ready cities.
For hardcore fans, the chance to see multiple shows across different cities is a rare opportunity. Def Leppard’s live performances showcase a masterclass in arena rock production, featuring precise musicianship, engaging visual storytelling, and a setlist that balances lesser-known tracks with beloved stadium anthems.
Where to Stay:
Shillong: Stay in the Police Bazar area for easy access to the venue, local markets, and restaurants. Hotels like Hotel Polo Towers, Royal Heritage Tripura Castle, or mid-range options along GS Road offer good value.
Mumbai: Consider staying in Bandra West for nightlife and dining options (15 to 20 minutes to the venue), or BKC itself for walkable access. The St. Regis Mumbai, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, or budget options in Kurla work well.
Bengaluru: See Bandland recommendations above—NICE Grounds requires similar planning with hotels in central Bengaluru or closer options near Yeshwanthpur.
Multi-City Strategy: If you’re planning to hit two or three shows, tracking flight prices between these cities can significantly cut costs. The Shillong-Mumbai route requires a connection through Kolkata or Guwahati, while Mumbai-Bengaluru is a short direct hop.
5. Calvin Harris – India Debut (3 Cities)
Photo from BookMyShow
Bengaluru: April 17 | Embassy International Riding School
Mumbai: April 18 | Infinity Bay, Sewri
Delhi NCR: April 19 | Leisure Valley Ground
Tickets: BookMyShow
Calvin Harris’s debut in India is a highly anticipated event that the EDM community has been waiting for years. With 17 million albums sold worldwide, his discography features hits like “Summer,” “Feel So Close,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “This Is What You Came For” (featuring Rihanna). Harris embodies the essence of peak festival EDM—with euphoric, hook-driven productions designed to energize large crowds.
Originally scheduled for December 2025, the event has been postponed to April 2026, now including an additional city, Delhi NCR. This change transforms the event into a proper tour.
The production value on a Calvin Harris show is festival-scale even in standalone venues—expect massive LED walls, synchronized lighting, and a sound system engineered for those signature bass drops. Each city offers a unique post-show experience: Bengaluru is ideal for a lively Sunday brunch; Mumbai lets you relax near the beach; and Delhi NCR provides easy access to scenic hill stations like Mussoorie for a getaway.
Where to Stay:
Bengaluru: Stay near Kempegowda International Airport at hotels like The Leela Bhartiya City, Taj Yeshwantpur, or Bangalore International Airport Hotel for easy access. Alternatively, Hebbal and Nagavara neighborhoods offer mid-range options closer to the venue.
Mumbai: Consider hotels in Wadala, Parel, or Dadar for proximity (10 to 20 minutes). If you prefer more upscale options, BKC and Bandra hotels are 20 to 30 minutes away but offer better post-concert dining and nightlife.
Delhi NCR: Stay in Cyber City, Golf Course Road, or MG Road Gurugram for walkable or short cab distances. The Leela Ambience Gurugram, Trident Gurugram, or numerous mid-range hotels along Golf Course Road work perfectly.
6. Scorpions – "Coming Home 2026" Tour (4 Cities)
Photo from BookMyShow
Shillong: April 21, 2026 | JN Stadium
Delhi NCR: April 24, 2026 | HUDA Grounds, Gurugram
Bengaluru: April 26, 2026 | NICE Grounds
Mumbai: April 30, 2026 | Jio World Garden, BKC
Tickets: BookMyShow | Scorpions Official Site
Scorpions’ “Coming Home 2026” tour carries a sense of finality that makes it essential for anyone who grew up listening to their music. It has been eighteen years since their last tour in India, and this comes after the release of what could be their final studio album. These four shows feel more like a farewell from rock legends who have sold over 120 million records over the course of six decades, rather than just a standard tour stop.
The emotional impact of songs such as “Wind of Change,” “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” and “Still Loving You” performed live is heightened by the awareness that it might be the last opportunity to experience them. The Scorpions have always had a special place in Indian rock culture; their music resonates on a personal level, enduring through college hostels, cover bands, and late-night playlists across generations.
The four-city routing mirrors Def Leppard’s approach, opening in Shillong as a nod to India’s rock heartland, then moving through Delhi NCR and Bengaluru, and closing in Mumbai. The tour is part of BookMyShow Live’s Bandland On Tour series, continuing their push to establish India as a legitimate stop on global rock circuits.
Where to Stay:
Shillong: See Def Leppard recommendations—Police Bazar area hotels provide central access.
Delhi NCR: Golf Course Road, Cyber City, and Sohna Road neighborhoods offer everything from luxury (The Oberoi Gurugram, ITC Grand Bharat) to budget-friendly options. Gurugram’s extensive hotel infrastructure means plenty of choices within 10-20 minutes of the venue.
Bengaluru: NICE Grounds—see Bandland and Def Leppard recommendations.
Mumbai: Jio World Garden, BKC—see Def Leppard recommendations.
7. Sunburn Festival 2026
Photo from Sunburn Festival
Dates: December 18-20, 2026
Location: Mumbai (new, larger venue – exact location TBA)
Tickets: BookMyShow
Sunburn’s relocation to Mumbai for 2026 marks a significant shift for India’s longest-running EDM festival. After over a decade in Goa, the move to the country’s most connected city signals ambition—a larger venue, elevated production, and the logistical ease of hosting in a metro that can actually handle 150,000 people descending for a multi-day dance music celebration.
Previous editions have featured headliners like Skrillex, Peggy Gou, and Alesso, establishing Sunburn as the festival where mainstream EDM meets India’s massive dance music audience. The 2026 lineup hasn’t been fully announced, but expectations are high for another stacked roster of global DJ talent.
Where to Stay:
Exact venue location TBA, but expect it to be in Mumbai’s western suburbs or a large open ground similar to previous festival locations. Once the venue is announced, look for hotels within 5 to 10 km or along metro lines for easy access. Mumbai’s extensive hotel network across Andheri, Juhu, BKC, and Bandra typically handles festival crowds well.
8. Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival)
Photo from Jodhpur RIFF
Dates: October 22-26, 2026
Location: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Tickets: jodhpurriff.org
If you’re looking for upcoming concerts in India that go beyond the typical rock-and-EDM circuit, Jodhpur RIFF offers something entirely different: a celebration of Rajasthan’s musical heritage set against one of India’s most spectacular architectural backdrops. Now in its 14th year, the festival has garnered a dedicated international following by focusing on genuine cultural exchange rather than simply booking big-name artists.
The magic truly unfolds when Rajasthan’s folk musicians, playing rare instruments like the kamaicha, morchang, and satara, share the stage with jazz legends, blues guitarists, and world music artists. These collaborations aren’t meticulously planned; instead, they are spontaneous jam sessions in which a Manganiyar vocalist might exchange verses with a French cellist, or a Kalbeliya dancer might perform in sync with electronic soundscapes.
Mehrangarh Fort enhances the festival experience beyond that of typical event grounds. Performances take place in various venues within the 15th-century fort complex—intimate courtyards for afternoon sessions, expansive ramparts for sunset concerts, and a main stage offering breathtaking views of the surrounding desert. The fort’s acoustics, crafted centuries before modern sound engineering, provide remarkable clarity to even unamplified instruments.
Where to Stay:
For luxury with heritage character, Raas Jodhpur, RAAS Devigarh, or Umaid Bhawan Palace provide exceptional experiences. Mid-range options in the old city near Clock Tower—like Haveli Inn Pal or Pal Haveli—put you within walking distance of the fort and Jodhpur’s blue-painted old town. Budget travelers will find hostels and guesthouses throughout the old city, many with rooftop restaurants offering views of the fort.
9. Mahindra Blues Festival
Photo from BookMyShow
Date: February 2026 (exact dates TBA)
Location: Mehboob Studios, Mumbai
Artists: Eric Gales, Shemekia Copeland, Blackstratblues
Tickets: BookMyShow
Blues music isn’t mainstream in India, which is why the Mahindra Blues Festival has developed such a dedicated following. Now in its 14th year, the festival brings renowned blues legends from around the world to Mumbai for a weekend that feels intimate, despite the high caliber of talent on display.
Eric Gales is a guitarist admired by fellow musicians—a true inspiration for those looking to learn. Shemekia Copeland delivers vocals that embody the richness of blues tradition. India’s own Blackstratblues showcases homegrown talent that keeps the genre thriving locally. The festival’s venue, Mehboob Studios, enhances the atmosphere; it is a historically significant space designed for sound rather than spectacle.
Where to Stay:
Stay anywhere in Bandra West for walkable access to the venue, plus excellent restaurants, cafes, and nightlife. Hotels along Linking Road, Carter Road, or near Bandra Kurla Complex work perfectly. The area’s boutique hotels and Airbnb options also cater well to music festival attendees.
Takeaway
The music concerts in India for 2026 represent more than just entertainment; it’s a year where traveling for music becomes a logical choice. Whether you’re planning a multi-city rock tour to see Scorpions and Def Leppard, timing a trip to Rajasthan around the Magnetic Fields Nomads festival, or setting aside the Republic Day weekend for Lollapalooza, the options are rewarding for those who plan strategically.
India’s concert infrastructure has developed to a level that rivals traditional touring markets. The venues are capable of accommodating large audiences, the production values meet global standards, and the audiences—eager for decades of missed international acts—bring a vibrant energy that makes every show feel meaningful.
Planning concert travel across India? Monitor flight prices with OneAir and rebook when fares drop—because when Linkin Park adds a surprise third city or Scorpions announces an acoustic session in Delhi, being ready to book immediately is what separates regret from incredible memories.
*Banner photo by kiattisaklamchan from Canva
