The Zomato Feeding India Festival is bringing down Post Malone and Lollapalooza India has its own pack of heavy hitters, but here’s what else is on
A female concert-goer at hip-hop artist Russ's Mumbai show in 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Avrik Live
Old and new music festivals are finding their way back into our calendars this quarter and the season has only just begun. Stacked lineups await attendees at several festivals across India, some of which are all about curating an experience, while others focus on offering a diverse music lineup. Check out upcoming music festivals in India from November 2022 to April 2023.
When: November 11th to November 14th
Where: Ram Bihari Palace, Alwar, Rajasthan
The fourth edition of Locals District goes full throttle when it comes to techno music from around the world. Five stages are set up to provide 72 hours of music, which starts on the night of November 11th and ends at 6 AM on November 14th. Top DJs and producers to watch this time include Iran’s Armen Miran, French artist Justine Perry, Djuma Soundsystem, Rico Casazza, Just Be, Catz ‘n Dogz, Reverse Osmosis and Mister.k.
When: November 18th to 20th
Where: Hilltop, Goa
Returning after a two-year gap owing to the pandemic, the 12th edition of Royal Enfield Rider Mania in Goa is about to introduce (or reacquaint) bikers with a whole host of Indian indie music across two stages and three days. They’ve got everyone from hip-hop star DIVINE, Bengaluru-based rock band Parvaaz, New Delhi/Goa act Peter Cat Recording Co., singer-songwriter Samar Mehdi, folk-metallers Bloodywood, singer-songwriter Sameer Rahat, fusion act Thaikkudam Bridge and multi-instrumentalist Karsh Kale Collective, among others.
When: December 3rd and 4th
Where: Embassy Riding School, Bengaluru
For their fifth edition, Echoes of Earth returns with a formidable lineup of artists which makes it stand out from the rest in terms of diversity. That includes The Yussef Dayes Experience, Dauwd and Henry Saiz & Band presents Moonlight Wolves, Vieux Farka Toure, Dorian Concept, plus electronic artist Anyasa, rapper Hanumankind, alt act Easy Wanderlings, DJ-producer Sandunes and more. Themed around the “the circle of life,” Echoes of Earth continues to raise awareness and follow through on sustainable practices.
When: December 10th to 12th
Where: TBA, Bengaluru
Just SteppinOut was taking over the culture space in a big way, they’ve gone ahead and announced their first international level music festival, taking place in Bengaluru in December. In addition to seasoned DJ-producers like Steve Aoki, Fedde Le Grand and Troyboi making it down, SteppinOut Music Festival also marks the India debut of Georgia rapper Offset (formerly of Migos), producer Solomun and DJ Gordo. Indian headliners include DIVINE, Raftaar, Lucky Ali, Anuv Jain and Harrdy Sandhu, with tons more acts on the bill.
When: December 15th to 18th
Where: Dambuk, Arunachal Pradesh
International headliners for the Orange Festival of Adventure and Music have been announced so far and that in itself is telling of its diversity. Pop/reggae band Big Mountain and American rap-rock act Flipsyde will return to the festival after their original India debut in 2020 was in less than favorable conditions due to unrest in Guwahati. U.K. rock band Fur will make their India debut, while India-based African act The 4 AF are also expected to perform. Goa-based dream-pop/disco act NectArise and Mizoram singer-songwriter Benjamin Sum are among the most recent announcements to the OFAM lineup.
When: February 10th to 12th, 2023
Where: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
The lineup for the Sacred Spirit Festival is yet to be unveiled, the date and venue have been announced for what is touted to be the 14th edition of the multi-genre, global music-focused event. Artists from around the world are expected to regale audiences with folk and spiritual music, with the same mystical lens shared by artists in India.
When: February 24th to 26th, 2023
Where: Mahalaxmi Lawns, Pune
At this point, there’s a lot less known about the Vh1 Supersonic lineup, but we do know that DJ-producer, act and T.V. personality Nikhil Chinapa will continue to be associated with it as a curator. Taking place in Pune in February, a lot of eyes will be on the Vh1 Supersonic festival when the lineup drops, because – for some reason – there’s been a lot of disappointment expressed at lineups of Bacardi NH7 Weekender and the inaugural Lollapalooza India so far. No pressure, Vh1 Supersonic.
When: April 1st, 2023
Where: TBA, Bengaluru
The 10th edition of metal festival Bangalore Open Air is set for April next year after a few (understandably frustrating) round of cancelations and postponements due to the pandemic. Clearly committed to seeing the 10th edition through, the organizers have so far announced Dutch death metal band Pestilence as headliners for April 1st, with more lineup announcements expected over the coming months.
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