Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026

Each autumn the Himalayan cherry trees of Shillong flower pink, usually from late October into November. The Meghalaya government marks the season with the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival. The 2026 edition is on 20 and 21 November at the Highland Ground, Mawkhanu, in New Shillong.

Updated 3 November 2026

At a glance

Dates: Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November 2026, from 2 pm
Venue: Highland Ground, Mawkhanu, New Shillong, about 30 minutes from central Shillong
Headliners: Khalid, Swae Lee and Boys Like Girls
Tickets: Sold on rockskitickets.com. Reported prices: Rs 2,499 for one day, Rs 4,799 for both days, VIP from Rs 7,499
Bloom season: Late October to November. The peak varies with the weather.
Nearest major airport: Guwahati, 3 to 4 hours from Shillong by road

Main stage at the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, 2023. Photo: Japanpanther, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

The festival

The Government of Meghalaya started the festival in 2016. It is now a two-day event with international and Indian artists, local food, art and cultural programmes. The 2026 edition is managed by Rockski, and tickets are sold on rockskitickets.com.

The ticket prices above are as reported by Esquire India and include taxes. Confirm the final amount on the ticketing site before you pay.

The cherry trees

The trees are the wild Himalayan cherry (Prunus cerasoides), which grows in the Khasi hills and flowers in autumn. Buds usually show by the end of October and the trees stay in flower through November. The exact peak moves from year to year with the weather.

Getting there

Most visitors fly or take the train to Guwahati and drive to Shillong, which takes 3 to 4 hours. The festival ground at Mawkhanu is in New Shillong, about 30 minutes from the city centre.

Roads into New Shillong are busy when the gates open and when the last act finishes. A car booked for the evening saves you waiting for a ride back to your hotel.

If you have a few more days, add Cherrapunji (Sohra) and Dawki to the trip.

Planning tips

Book your hotel early. The festival falls on a Friday and Saturday, and Shillong is busy that weekend.
November evenings in Shillong are cold. Carry a warm jacket for the concert.
Indian visitors need no Inner Line Permit for Meghalaya.

Sources

Road and permit rules change. We confirm the current position for your dates when you book.

Common questions

When is the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026?

On Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November 2026, from 2 pm each day, at the Highland Ground, Mawkhanu, New Shillong, Meghalaya.

When do cherry blossoms bloom in Shillong?

From late October through November. The Himalayan cherry flowers in autumn, and the exact peak varies from year to year with the weather.

Who is performing at the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026?

The announced headliners are Khalid, Swae Lee and Boys Like Girls, with Indian and local artists also on the bill.

How much are tickets for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival?

Tickets are sold on rockskitickets.com. Reported prices are Rs 2,499 for one day, Rs 4,799 for both days and from Rs 7,499 for VIP, including taxes.

How do I get to the Cherry Blossom Festival from Guwahati?

Drive from Guwahati to Shillong, which takes 3 to 4 hours, then about 30 minutes to the festival ground in New Shillong. A taxi from Guwahati Airport can take you straight to your hotel in Shillong.

Do I need a permit to visit Shillong?

No. Indian visitors need no Inner Line Permit for Meghalaya.