For the third consecutive year, India hosted the Lollapalooza Music Festival, welcoming numerous global artists for the first time, including Señorita singer Shawn Mendes and legendary rock band Green Day as headliners. Unlike the previous two years, which took place in January, the 2025 edition was held on March 8th and 9th. While this sparked concerns about Mumbai’s heat, the show went on, drawing over 60,000 attendees.
Walking into Lollapalooza for the first time felt surreal for many, as the stark contrast between this festival and other recent concerts was evident, despite the venue remaining the same. The entrance was adorned with vibrant banners and signs, leading festival goers down a streamer-filled walkway to the gates. The first sight upon entering was the towering Corona-sponsored Ferris wheel, surrounded by four stages. Unlike traditional concerts that focus solely on the artists, Lollapalooza was about the experience—from a diverse selection of food to fun interactive elements for attendees to enjoy between performances. This included a pop-up H&M store, a ride on the Ferris wheel, multiple premium viewing decks, and more. Whether you were a casual attendee looking to have a great day or a hardcore fan camping for hours to see your favorite artist, the festival catered to all, and with multiple stages hosting simultaneous performances, there was always something happening. 
Day 1’s undeniable highlight was Shawn Mendes, who delivered a mesmerizing performance while paying tribute to India by wearing a Virat Kohli jersey and wishing the country luck for the ICC Championship Finals. Though other acts performed at the same time, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that nearly all 60,000 attendees sang along with him.
By Day 2, Mumbai was well-prepared. Having learned from the first day, attendees arrived later in the afternoon, with crowds peaking around 7 PM as fans eagerly awaited former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson. The Directioners in attendance created an electrifying atmosphere, bonding over their shared love for One Direction and singing together in anticipation. Following Louis came the second headliner, Green Day, drawing a massive crowd of both Gen Z and millennials. The festival ended on a high note with fireworks, and in a moment fans will never forget, some lucky attendees were even called onstage by the legendary punk-rock band.
India’s successful hosting of Lollapalooza for the third year in a row is a testament to our country’s rapid economic growth and evolving global stature. As India emerges as one of the world’s largest economies, factors like rising disposable income, urbanization, and an expanding entertainment industry have made it an increasingly attractive destination for international artists and large-scale events. In January 2025, Coldplay performed two consecutive nights at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, drawing over 223,000 fans, breaking previous records and marking the largest stadium concert of the 21st century. The presence of global icons like Shawn Mendes and Green Day at Lollapalooza 2025 is not just a milestone for India’s music scene but a reflection of the country’s growing influence on the global cultural map.
Over the past six months, more international artists—including Maroon 5, Cigarettes After Sex, and Dua Lipa—have performed in India than in any comparable period before. This surge solidifies India’s rise as a major stop on global music tours. With rumored upcoming performances from artists like Taylor Swift, Travis Scott, and The Weeknd, India’s place on the world’s concert map is stronger than ever.
