Everything You Need To Know About Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival 

The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival returns on 20 and 21 November 2026, with the theme “Year of Generations,” at the Madan Kurkalang Sports Complex in Meghalaya. The festival began in 2016 as a state-backed celebration of Meghalaya’s autumn cherry blossoms, and has since grown into a ticketed international music festival, with previous editions platforming prominent acts including Jason Derulo, The Script, Tyga, Diplo, Akon, Boney M, Jasleen Royal, Kanika Kapoor, Meba Ofilia, and Dappest and adL. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the Cherry Blossom Festival 2026.

The Lineup

Making their Indian debut among the headliners are rapper Nelly, rock band Boys Like Girls, singer-songwriter Elliot James Reay, and closing electronic duos Altégo and Galantis. The festival also marks R&B-pop singer Khalid’s first performance in the country, ahead of his three-city India tour in December. Swae Lee returns to India after his Rolling Loud India debut in 2025. Darshan Raval is the only Indian act headlining. 

The bill also includes metal bands Scribe and Bhayanak Maut, alternative rock band Gingerfeet, and pop group W.i.S.H. True to its tradition of championing local acts alongside headliners, the festival also features Meghalaya-based talent, including singer Jessie Lyngdoh, who returns after her 2024 act, and bands Magnificent Obsession, Mercy Is Dead, Da Minot, Napalmic and Skylevel. Also performing are Northeastern boyband ESC, Tura-born singer-songwriter Chegim Durama, experimental band Kill Deez Kidz, indie-pop and beatbox fusion group Time Noir, rap duo Leo Boys and pop rock band Tune Up Channel.

Rounding out the lineup are indie acts Leonard, Hame, Langki, Adrian C, Cardo, Jupiter, Martin D’Souza, Emes, Nazareo, Kamari, Isaac, Gids X Gary, Shaan, Feliz and Sub-Tide. 

Beyond The Music

The festival will host activations including a Fit Check Contest with a ₹20 lakh prize pool, music, brand, and fashion contests, including a Cherry Blossom fashion line reveal and a Red Bull energy zone.

The Tickets

General tickets are available now on RockSki.