Upcoming Music Festivals and Cultural Events in Shillong, Meghalaya 2024

SHILLONG: 25 October 2024 (PTI Source)

Shillong, Meghalaya, is bustling with exciting musical events and festivals in 2024. One of the biggest highlights is the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, scheduled for November 15-16, 2024.

This festival promises a vibrant mix of international and Indian artists, including Akon headlining the event, along with Boney M’s Maizie Williams, and DJ R3HAB.

The festival will feature spectacular performances at the RBDSA Sports Complex, making it one of the most anticipated music events in the region​.

If you’re into live music, Shillong also offers year-round events at popular venues such as Cloud 9 - Rooftop Lounge and The Evening Club, where local and visiting artists perform.

Additionally, the Bacardi NH7 Weekender Shillong is another exciting event to watch out for, celebrating a mix of music genres​.

Here are the details for each key event happening in Shillong, Meghalaya:

1. Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

Dates: November 15-16, 2024

Venue: Madan Kurkalang Stadium in Bhoirymbong, RI Bhoi District, Shillong

Highlights: The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the stunning bloom of cherry blossoms in Shillong, resembling the famous Japanese Hanami. The festival features:

  • Akon will headline the festival, marking his first performance in India as part of his 'Superfan Tour'​
  • Boney M (with Maizie Williams) will perform as part of their farewell tour​
  • DJ R3HAB, a global electronic music star, will also take the stage​
  • The festival's cultural highlights include a Japanese Village setup, with stalls featuring Japanese food, arts, and cultural performances​.
  • Other activities include local cultural displays, beauty pageants, and a cherry blossom viewing experience.
  • The festival attracts up to 30,000 visitors per day​

Tickets: Prices range from ₹1,609 for a single day to ₹15,253 for a VIP+ season pass​

Booking:

2. Bryan Adams - So Happy It Hurts Tour 2024

Date: December 10, 2024

Venue: Polo-Lawmali, Golf Links, Shillong

Artist: Bryan Adams

Event Highlights:

  • Part of Bryan Adams' global “So Happy It Hurts” tour, this concert will feature a mix of his iconic hits such as "Summer of '69" and new songs from his latest album.
  • The venue is expected to host a large crowd of rock music fans, with Bryan Adams making a rare live appearance in this northeastern region​

3. Nongkrem Dance Festival 2024

Dates: November 2024 (exact dates to be confirmed)

Location: Smit Village, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Event Highlights:

  • A traditional harvest festival of the Khasi tribe, the Nongkrem Dance Festival is marked by the Ka Pomblang ceremony, where goats are offered as a sacrifice to the deity Lei Shyllong.
  • The festival also includes traditional dances by Khasi men and women. The men wield swords while the women, dressed in traditional attire, perform intricate dance routines​in Shillong.
  • The festival is a thanksgiving event for a good harvest and is one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Shillong.​​

For more details, visit Nongrek Dance Festival page.

4. Autumn Festival 2024

Dates: October or November (exact dates to be confirmed)

Location: Shillong

Event Highlights:

  • A celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya, the Autumn Festival showcases a mix of cultural performances, music, fashion shows, and food.
  • Traditional dances and modern performances share the stage, with both local and national artists contributing to the festival’s lively atmosphere.
  • A wide variety of food stalls featuring local and international cuisine will also be part of the festivities​i n Shillong​

5. Behdienkhlam Festival 2024

Dates: July 2024

Location: Jowai, West Jaintia Hills

Event Highlights:

  • One of the most vibrant festivals of the Jaintia people, Behdienkhlam is celebrated to drive away evil spirits and usher in good health and a bountiful harvest.
  • The festival involves a ceremonial procession where large logs (or 'raths') are carried through the town. The highlights include ritualistic dances and offerings.
  • The event also features a symbolic ritual involving men jumping over logs, representing the defeat of evil​Shillong​

6. Wangala Festival 2024

Dates: November 2024

Location: West Garo Hills

Event Highlights:

  • The Wangala Festival is a harvest festival celebrated by the Garo tribe to honour the Sun God.
  • Traditional drum performances, dances, and songs are the central features of the festival, with participants wearing colourful costumes and beating drums to mark the end of the agricultural season ​in Shillong​
  • It is a culturally rich experience that draws in locals and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into the traditions of the Garo people.

7. Bacardi NH7 Weekender Shillong 2024

  • Date: Dates to be confirmed
  • Venue: Polo Grounds, Shillong

Event Highlights:

  • Known as the “happiest music festival,” Bacardi NH7 Weekender brings a mix of rock, indie, folk, and electronic music to Shillong. The lineup for 2024 is yet to be announced but typically features both national and international artists​

Local Live Music Venues:

Throughout the year, several local venues in Shillong host live music performances:

  • Cloud 9 - Rooftop Lounge
  • The Evening Club, Shillong
  • Polo Irish Pub, Hotel Polo Towers These venues often feature a mix of local bands and international acts, creating an intimate live music experience​

8. Spoken Fest Shillong 2024

Date: February 10-11, 2024

Venue: All Saints Hall, Shillong

Event Highlights:

  • Spoken Fest is a two-day festival that celebrates storytelling, poetry, music, and other forms of verbal and performance art.
  • The festival will bring together some of India’s finest storytellers, poets, and musicians for an immersive experience in creativity and expression.
  • Performances range from spoken word poetry to live music sessions, stand-up comedy, and theatre.
    • It's an inclusive and creative platform where both emerging and established artists share their work with an engaged audience​.

Other Events

1. Solar Slice Experience

Date: October 26, 2024

Venue: Water Sports Complex, Umiam, Barapani, Shillong

Highlights: A unique event combining solar energy awareness with water sports and entertainment.

2. Vitthal Kaanya ft. Ashish Vidyarthi

Date: November 23, 2024

Venue: The Eee Cee Hotel, Shillong

Highlights: A soulful performance by Ashish Vidyarthi, blending storytelling and music.

3. Adventurous Bamboo Trail & Meghalaya Exploration

Date: October 24-27, 2024

Venue: Multiple locations in Meghalaya

Highlights: Adventure trail through the scenic bamboo forests of Meghalaya.

4. Rooftop Jazz Night at Hotel Heiga VNS

Date: October 28, 2024

Venue: Hotel Heiga VNS, Shillong

Highlights: Enjoy a night of jazz under the stars with local musicians.

5. Nights of Neon Glow Run

Date: November 11, 2024

Venue: Polo Grounds, Shillong

Highlights: A fun 5K run in neon lights, suitable for all ages.

6. 21-Day Free Kundalini Inner Energy Awakening Meditation

Date: Starting October 25, 2024

Venue: Online Event (virtual participation from Shillong)

Highlights: A free meditation event aimed at awakening inner energy through Kundalini practices, focusing on mental and physical well-being. Suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners.

Make sure to check online event platforms or local listings closer to the dates for ticket availability and further details.