Shillong, October 28, 2026: International music stars Nelly, Khalid, Swae Lee and Galantis will headline the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026, bringing together global performers, Indian pop artists and musicians from Meghalaya for a two-day music celebration on November 20 and 21.
The latest line-up also features American pop-rock band Boys Like Girls, Indian singer Darshan Raval, British singer Elliot James Reay and electronic music act AlTEGO. The festival will be held at Madan Kurkalang in Bhoirymbong, Meghalaya.
The announcement has added several major international names to the festival’s 2026 programme, with performances planned across different musical genres, including hip-hop, pop, rock and electronic dance music.
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026: Dates and Venue
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 will take place on November 20 and 21. The complete line-up was unveiled on October 27 at the Meghalayan Age Pavilion at Ward’s Lake in Shillong, in the presence of Rosetta Mary Kurbah, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya.
The festival will bring together internationally recognised performers, Indian artists and homegrown musical talent, giving audiences an opportunity to experience different styles of live music at one venue.
Madan Kurkalang in Bhoirymbong has been announced as the venue for this year’s event.
Day 1: Nelly, Boys Like Girls and Darshan Raval
The opening day on November 20 will feature American rapper Nelly, American pop-rock band Boys Like Girls and Indian singer Darshan Raval.
Nelly, one of the prominent names in American hip-hop, is known for popular tracks such as Hot in Herre, Dilemma and Ride wit Me. His performance is expected to appeal to fans of early-2000s hip-hop and R&B.
Boys Like Girls will bring their pop-rock sound to the festival. The American band is known for songs such as The Great Escape, Love Drunk and Two Is Better Than One.
Indian singer Darshan Raval will add a Hindi pop dimension to the opening day’s programme. Known for his romantic songs and Bollywood playback work, he has built a following among younger Indian music listeners.
Electronic music act AlTEGO is scheduled to perform the closing party set on the first day.
The combination of hip-hop, pop-rock, Hindi pop and electronic music will give the opening day a varied musical programme.
Day 2: Khalid, Swae Lee and Galantis
The second day, November 21, will feature American singer Khalid, rapper Swae Lee, British singer Elliot James Reay and Swedish electronic music duo Galantis.
Khalid, known for his contemporary pop and R&B sound, rose to international prominence with songs such as Location, Young Dumb & Broke and Talk. His performance will be one of the major attractions of the second day.
Swae Lee, known for his melodic rap style and collaborations across hip-hop and pop, is recognised internationally for Sunflower, his collaboration with Post Malone, and the track Unforgettable.
British singer Elliot James Reay will bring a different musical style to the programme, drawing on retro rock-and-roll influences.
Swedish electronic music duo Galantis will lead the festival’s closing set. The duo is known for tracks such as Runaway (U & I) and No Money, which have gained popularity among electronic dance music audiences.
With contemporary pop, melodic hip-hop, retro-inspired rock and electronic music represented on the second day, the festival aims to bring together listeners with different musical preferences.
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival Lineup Includes Regional Artists
Alongside the international and Indian headliners, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival lineup features a substantial selection of regional and independent artists.
The announced performers include Scribe, Bhayanak Maut, Gingerfeet, W.I.S.H., Jessie Lyngdoh, Da Minot, Magnificent, Obsession, Mercy Is Dead, Napalmic, Sky Level, Leonard, ESC, Chegim Durama, Kill Deez Kidz, Time Noir, Leo Boys and Tune Up Channel.
Other artists on the programme include Hame, Langki, Adrian C, Cardo, Jupiter, Martin D’Souza, Emes, Nazareo, Kamari, Isaac, Gids x Gary, Shaan, Feliz and Sub Tide.
The inclusion of regional performers gives local musicians a place alongside established international acts. It also provides an opportunity for audiences visiting Meghalaya to discover artists from the state’s music scene and the wider Northeast.
For Meghalaya’s independent musicians, such platforms can help expand their audience beyond local venues and introduce their work to visitors from other parts of India and abroad.
More Than Music: Activities at the Festival
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 will offer more than live performances. The announced attractions include a mechanical bull ride, arm-wrestling activities, beatboxing, a drop producer contest, cosplay, fashion events, ziplining, eating contests and a Ferris wheel.
These activities are intended to give visitors additional entertainment options beyond the main concert stages.
The combination of music, recreational activities and regional performances is expected to make the festival an attraction for different age groups.
Visitors planning to attend should check the official festival channels for the latest information on entry arrangements, performance timings, ticket categories and activity schedules before travelling.
Meghalaya’s Growing International Music Festival
Over the years, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival has featured a range of international performers alongside Indian and regional artists.
The 2023 edition featured Ne-Yo and Ronan Keating, while Akon and Clean Bandit performed in 2024. The 2025 edition included The Script, Jason Derulo, Tyga, Diplo and Aqua, among other performers.
The 2026 programme continues this approach by combining international headliners with Indian performers and musicians from Meghalaya.
For the state, the festival also offers an opportunity to showcase its cultural identity and attract visitors interested in live music and entertainment.
Shillong and the surrounding areas are already known for their music culture and scenic landscapes. A large-scale festival featuring international artists can create additional opportunities for tourism-related businesses, including accommodation providers, restaurants, transport operators and local vendors.
However, the actual economic impact will depend on visitor numbers, spending patterns and the extent to which local businesses benefit during the festival period.
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 Tickets
Tickets for the festival are available through its ticketing partner, Rockski Tickets.
Prospective attendees should consult the official festival website or the authorised ticketing platform for current prices, availability, entry conditions and booking information.
Visitors travelling from Assam and other Northeastern states may also want to plan their accommodation and transport in advance, particularly as the event approaches.
What to Expect From the 2026 Edition
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 brings together internationally recognised musicians, Indian pop talent and a wide range of regional performers over two days.
Nelly and Boys Like Girls will feature on November 20, alongside Darshan Raval, while Khalid, Swae Lee, Elliot James Reay and Galantis are among the major attractions on November 21.
With its diverse line-up and additional entertainment activities, the festival is set to be one of Meghalaya’s major music events in November.
For music fans in Assam and the wider Northeast, the event offers an opportunity to watch international performers while discovering artists from the region.
Festival details at a glance
- Event: Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
- Dates: November 20–21, 2026
- Venue: Madan Kurkalang, Bhoirymbong, Meghalaya
- Opening-day headliner: Nelly
- Second-day headliner: Khalid
- Other major performers: Swae Lee, Galantis, Boys Like Girls, Darshan Raval, Elliot James Reay and AlTEGO
- Tickets: Through Rockski Tickets
