Summer is coming faster than expected, and if you have been in Delhi long enough, you know that the heat is unforgiving. With the news of heatwaves and rising temperatures about to take over every media possible, it is the perfect time to take a retreat far into the Himalayas. Luckily for us, access to lush greens and the cooling Himalayas is only a drive away. As the summer heat peaks, a weekend getaway is waiting at the foothills of the mountains. On 22 and 23 May 2026, the quaint village of Bir in the Kangra district comes alive with Himachal’s largest retreat festival, the Bir Music Festival. However, this is not a concert; it is 2 days packed with soulful indie music by independent artists, art workshops, a wellness retreat, and a celebration of sustainability.
Bir Music Festival
Far in the north, only 9 hours’ bus ride away from the capital city, Himachal Pradesh sits nestled in a blanket of green and overlooking snowcapped mountains. Bir is but a tiny village with misty caps, well known among tourists for being India’s paragliding capital. Yet, twice every year, the quiet valleys come alive as Bir Music Festival takes over. What started in 2020 has become a bi-annual festival to experience and live the life of mountains, celebrating music, art, and its community. From cultural celebrations to yoga, dance, heritage, and yet to discover music thrives for two days. This year, the 14th edition is taking over from May 22 to 23, hosting 14,000+ people around the country with 550+ independent artists who have previously performed.
What to expect?
As the name suggests, it is a music festival at large, with a grand stage set against a backdrop of towering mountains. Nevertheless, there is no Bollywood music or DJ or needless screaming. There are live bands, pure indie percussion, soulful vocals, and ambience that echo through the village. Moreover, the stage is also taken over by the local tribes performing extravagant folk dances that are a treat to the eyes.
Beyond music, there are endless workshops to be part of and feel heartily close to the community. Indulge in acro yoga, sound healing, pottery, dance movement therapy, mud art, and pebble painting. Other activities further include jamming by bonfire, night treks into the mountains, open mic stand-up, and writing letters to oneself. Whether you call it part of the festival or just a 2-day-long therapy session, you are sure to head back with a full heart and even a refreshed mind.
Sustainability and accessibility
The core of Bir Music Festival is about promoting community and nature. Its commitment to being India’s most sustainable music festival comes across with bringing diversity of Indian cultures through unique art forms, mental health workshops, and original music. You can witness that with performances like Nati or Tibetan Dance. There are workshops for making momo, laphing, and siddu, promoting Himachal’s culinary arts and promoting the community. Balancing art with nature is key to the festival. With that, it prioritises the natural location of Bir’s abundance over a curated stage, along with eco-friendly decor, recycled decor and zero usage of plastic. It also promotes tree plantation drives and home composting workshops.
Moreover, they call themselves the rainbow festival, inviting an audience of all ages, genders, sexualities, and even pets. Moreover, tickets are not charged for children below 7 and adults over 60.
Stay and food
Accommodation in dorms and meals are included in the ticket prices. You can also choose to stay in the festival grounds with a “Camping Pass” to experience the festival and nature wholeheartedly. With this pass, you are provided with high-quality tents, sleeping bags, and mats. However, do remember to bring warm clothing for the season.
While tickets cover entry and access to stages and workshops, you can buy food and beverages separately at their curated food court, The Himachal Kitchen. Certainly, a perfect roundup of a true pahadi festival.
Key Information
📅 May 22 to May 23, 2026
💵 ₹8,999/- for solo stag (full access – including food and accommodation in dormitory)
There are couple passes and passes for 3 as well.
📍Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh (Exact location will be shared with ticket holder 2 weeks prior)
🚌Book your bus from Delhi along with festival passes for ₹ 3,500/- (You can book your own bus or drive here)