The Shillong Literary Festival 2026 runs from 12 to 14 November at Ward’s Lake in Police Bazar, Shillong. It is the sixth edition of the festival, which describes its focus as writing, poetry, music and ideas. Here are the dates, venue, ticket details and tips for planning a visit.
Quick answer
- Dates: 12, 13 and 14 November 2026 (Edition VI).
- Venue: Ward’s Lake, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya.
- Registration: on the festival website, shillonglitfest.com/register.
- Tickets: Time Out India lists Rs 100 per day, sold at the venue counter.
- Speakers: the festival page did not list 2026 names when we checked.
Shillong Literary Festival 2026 dates and venue
Also, the festival takes place over three days, from Thursday 12 November to Saturday 14 November. But the main site is Ward’s Lake, a well known landmark in the middle of Shillong. Then, its address on the official festival website is Police Bazar, Shillong 793001.
Because the venue is open lakeside space, dress for the weather. Shillong gets cool in November, so a light jacket is sensible, and an umbrella helps too.
Tickets and registration
The festival site points visitors to a registration page. However, it did not show prices when we checked. Time Out India’s festival roundup lists a ticket of Rs 100 per day, sold at the venue counter.
So, treat the price as a guide, and confirm it on the registration page before you travel. Also, carry a photo ID in case the desk asks for it.
What to expect on the programme
The festival says it brings together writing, poetry, music and ideas. Still, last year’s edition had 85 speakers, and the festival page names Banu Mushtaq and Shehan Karunatilaka among them. However, this year’s line up was not visible on the page we read.
In May, the festival also held a Delhi prelude at Bikaner House, which put Northeast voices and culture in focus, according to India Today NE. In short, expect a programme that leans on the region’s writers, folklore and music.
- First, check the programme page for session times, then pick two or three must see talks.
- Arrive early for popular sessions, because lakeside seating can fill up.
- Also keep time for music and food stalls, because they are part of the festival feel.
Getting to Shillong
Most visitors fly into Guwahati, then travel to Shillong by road, a journey of roughly 100 km. Meanwhile, Shillong also has a small airport at Umroi. Because November is a busy travel month, so book rooms early.
If you plan to see more than the festival, note that fog and rain can slow hill roads. So, leave a buffer before any flight home. Our guide to web check in time helps with the airport part.
Other literature festivals this season
If you miss Shillong, Time Out India lists more events. The Dehradun Literature Festival is on 27 to 29 November, and the Koshala Literature Festival in Lucknow is on 27 to 30 November. Then the Bangalore Literature Festival follows on 11 to 13 December at Freedom Park. Closer to Shillong’s dates, our note on the Chennai Lit Fest 2026 covers a 14 and 15 November event.
FAQ
When is the Shillong Literary Festival 2026?
It runs from 12 to 14 November 2026 at Ward’s Lake in Police Bazar, Shillong. This is the festival’s sixth edition.
Is the Shillong Literary Festival free?
Not necessarily. Time Out India lists Rs 100 per day, sold at the venue. The festival site has a registration page, so check it for current rules.
Who are the speakers at Shillong Literary Festival 2026?
The festival page we read did not name 2026 speakers. Last year’s edition had 85 speakers. Check the programme page for updates.
