Ziro Festival 2026: Dates, Venue, Lineup And Everything You Need To Know

Every September, Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh becomes one of India’s most interesting places to listen to live music. Set against green rice fields, pine forests and mountains, the Ziro Festival brings together independent musicians, artists, travellers and locals for four days of music and outdoor experiences.

The festival returns from September 24 to 27, 2026, with performances, workshops, camping, food and plenty of time spent outdoors. But Ziro is more than just a festival destination. If you are making the journey to the valley, it is worth adding a few extra days to explore its villages, landscapes and Apatani culture.

Here is everything you need to know about Ziro Festival 2026.

When And Where Is Ziro Festival 2026?

The Ziro Festival of Music will take place from September 24 to 27, 2026, at the Ziro Festival Ground in Biiri, Ziro.

The festival is scheduled from 11:30 am to 8 pm, with tickets starting at INR 3,700. Visitors can either camp at the festival grounds or stay at hotels, homestays and other accommodation options in and around Ziro and attend the festival each day.

The festival began in 2012 and has since become one of India’s best-known independent music festivals. Unlike large city festivals, Ziro has always been closely tied to its setting. Music takes place in the middle of the valley, surrounded by forests, fields and mountains, making the landscape as much a part of the experience as the performances.

Who Is Playing At Ziro Festival 2026?

The 2026 lineup brings together musicians from India and overseas, with sounds ranging from indie and rock to electronic music, hip-hop and folk.

Artists announced for this year include Michael Dias, Yohani, Owelle, Vedan, Kaali Duniya, Yelhomie, Talahib, Apoorva Krishna, NOVO, Midival Punditz, Saltaire and Parikrama.

The programme also puts a strong focus on artists from the Northeast, with musicians from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim. International performers from countries including Sri Lanka, Algeria, Ireland, Palestine, Nepal, Thailand and South Korea are also part of the programme.

There are a few special appearances to look forward to as well. Parikrama will celebrate 35 years of rock and roll, while electronic music duo Midival Punditz return to the festival. Sri Lankan singer Yohani and Irish folk act Saltaire are among the international names on the bill.

And it is not all about scheduled performances. The festival is also known for secret sets, spontaneous jams and late-night music, so there may be a few surprises once you get there.

More Than Just Music

What makes Ziro different from a conventional music festival is the way the programme extends beyond the main stage. Workshops around music, meditation and mindfulness are planned for this year, although the full details are yet to be announced. There are also activities for children, including scavenger hunts, nature walks and outdoor games.

The idea is to slow down a little. You can listen to a band in the afternoon, walk through the surrounding landscape, meet other festival-goers and return for another performance later in the day. It feels less like rushing between stages and more like spending a few days in the valley with music as the backdrop.

Why Ziro Is Known For Sustainability

Sustainability has been part of Ziro Festival since its early years. The festival follows a zero-plastic policy and makes extensive use of locally available materials.

The stages and other structures are built using bamboo and locally sourced wood, while signage is made from reclaimed wood and painted with eco-friendly paint. Drinks are served in bamboo cups, and biodegradable Tamul plates and leaves are used instead of plastic plates and cutlery.

The festival also works with local Apatani artisans to build its infrastructure. This gives the event a strong connection to the community and ensures that the festival is not simply placed in Ziro, but is built with the people and resources of the valley.

The festival takes place on community land, and keeping the site clean is an important part of the experience. For visitors, that means being mindful of waste, avoiding single-use plastic and respecting the surroundings.

What Is Circuit Mixers At Ziro Festival?

A new addition to the 2026 edition is the India chapter of Circuit Mixers, an international artist residency programme bringing together electronic music artists from South Africa, Switzerland and India.

The programme has travelled from the Groove Biennale in Johannesburg to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland before arriving in Ziro for its final destination. It will include performances, workshops and creative collaborations, giving artists an opportunity to work and experiment together rather than simply perform on the same stage.

What Else Can You Do In Ziro?

It would be a shame to travel all the way to Ziro and spend the entire trip inside the festival grounds. The valley is home to the Apatani community, whose villages, traditions and agricultural practices are an important part of the region. Spend some time visiting the villages, walking around the rice fields and learning about the community’s way of life.

The surrounding landscape is equally inviting. You can explore the pine forests, visit Tarin Fish Farm and Meghna Cave Temple, or plan a trek towards Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. The region is also home to a variety of wildlife, and lucky visitors may even spot the elusive clouded leopard.

Food is another reason to stay longer. Look out for local dishes made with bamboo shoots and other ingredients from the region. You can also try Apong, the traditional fermented rice drink.

How To Reach Ziro

Getting to Ziro requires some planning, but the journey is part of the experience.

• By air: The nearest airport is Lilabari in Assam, around 100 km from Ziro. Taxis and shared cabs are available for the onward journey.

• By train: Naharlagun, near Itanagar, is the closest railway station. It has connections to cities including Guwahati, after which you can continue to Ziro by taxi or road transport.

• By road: Ziro is connected by road to Itanagar and other parts of Arunachal Pradesh. Buses, shared taxis and private cabs are among the available options.

Do remember that visitors need permits to enter Arunachal Pradesh. Indian travellers require an Inner Line Permit (ILP), while foreign travellers need a Protected Area Permit (PAP).

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