Bangalore Open Air is India’s premier hard rock and heavy metal music festival. It started in 2012 and has featured bands like Mayhem, Iced Earth, and Napalm Death.
I attended in 2023, and in this guide you’ll find everything you need to know about attending the festival for the first time.
What is the Bangalore Open Air festival?
Bangalore Open Air is a music festival in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, founded in 2012 by Salman Syed.
While working for the world-renowned Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany, Salman decided India needed its own metal festival, so he collaborated with Wacken to start the Bangalore Open Air festival.
The festival showcases the best of rock and metal annually and features some of the biggest names in the music industry.
From thrash titans Kreator and Destruction to legendary heavy metal stalwarts Iced Earth and extreme metal luminaries like Mayhem, Rotting Christ and Vader, Bangalore Open Air has been bringing legendary and cutting-edge acts to India.
The festival takes place outdoors, giving visitors a chance to enjoy live music in the open air while soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
In addition to music, the festival also features food stalls serving up a variety of local and international cuisines and merchandise stalls selling souvenirs and merch related to the festival and its artists.
The festival brings around 4000 metal fans together every year, and it’s continually growing.
With its combination of great music, good food, and a lively atmosphere, the Bangalore Open Air Festival is an experience not to be missed for anyone visiting the city.
When is the Bangalore Open Air lineup announced?
Bangalore Open Air’s lineup is usually announced every year 6-8 weeks before the show.
Follow Bangalore Open Air on Instagram for the latest announcements. Or sign up for their newsletter on their website.
Where to buy Bangalore Open Air tickets?
Tickets are sold yearly a few months before the event through a reseller like Book My Show. International credit card payments are accepted.
In 2023 ticket prices were between ₹2499 ($30 USD) for early bird sales and ₹3999 ($50 USD) at the gate.
You can buy tickets at the gate on the day, but only if the show isn’t sold out – and it tends to sell out. So don’t take the risk.
On the day of the event, you’ll be able to show your e-ticket at the Box Office at the front of the venue, and you’ll be given your wrist band which is your entry to the festival.
What else is there to do in Bangalore?
Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, is the capital city of the Indian state of Karnataka and is a hub for I.T. companies, startups and a major tourist destination.
There are various things to do and see for foreign tourists in Bangalore, from visiting cultural landmarks and experiencing the city’s rich history, to indulging in local cuisine and exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Some must-visit attractions for foreign tourists in Bangalore include the iconic Bull Temple, the 16th-century Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, the beautiful Lalbagh Botanical Garden, and the stunning ISKCON Temple.
Additionally, tourists can also visit the Vidhana Soudha, which is the state legislative building, and the Ulsoor Lake, which offers serene surroundings and water activities.
For those interested in shopping, the Chikpete market is a great place to buy traditional silk sarees and other souvenirs.
Finally, the city is also renowned for its street food, and tourists should try some famous dishes like the Masala Dosa and the famous South Indian Thali.
Is Bangalore safe for foreign travellers?
If you’re thinking of travelling to India for Bangalore Open Air, then my advice is to go for it!
Bangalore is one of the safest and most modern cities in India. It’s also the country’s premiere I.T. hub, where you’ll find highly educated people and many English speakers.
I’ve made many videos on how to avoid scams across North India, but after several visits to Bangalore, I’ve never found any tourist scams.
How to get to the Bangalore Open Air venue?
The easiest way to reach the festival is by rickshaw. After the show, plenty of rickshaw drivers will be waiting to get you home.
You can book rickshaws or air-conditioned taxis with Uber before and after the show.
What’s available at the festival?
The festival features a merch tent where t-shirts sell for $12 – $17. There’s a signing stage, face painting, a clock room, and various drinks and food stalls off to the side of the stage.
Is alcohol available at the festival?
Yes. In India, the drinking age varies from 18 to 25, and you must be 21 or older to buy drinks at the festival.
Is food available at the festival?
Both vegetarians and meat eaters are catered for at the festival with one main kitchen serving variations of fries, noodles, fried rice, biryani, rolls, and kebabs.
What are the accommodation options at the festival?
At present, it’s a single-day concert, so no accommodation is available at the festival, but plenty of options are nearby.
Bangalore offers tourists a wide range of accommodation options, depending on their preferences and budget. Here are some popular options:
- Hotels: There are numerous hotels in Bangalore, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury five-star hotels. Some popular hotel chains in Bangalore include Marriott, Taj, ITC, and Sheraton.
- Guesthouses and homestays: There are many guesthouses and homestays in Bangalore that offer a more personalized experience. These are often run by locals and can provide a unique cultural experience for tourists.
- Serviced apartments: If you’re planning on staying in Bangalore for an extended period, a serviced apartment may be a good option. These apartments offer hotel-like amenities, including housekeeping and room service, but with the added convenience of a fully equipped kitchen and living area.
- Hostels: For budget-conscious travellers, hostels are a popular option in Bangalore. These offer shared dormitory-style accommodation, as well as private rooms at a lower cost than hotels.
Are you going to Bangalore Open Air? Who do you want to see? Got any other questions? Let me know in the comments.
7 replies on “The Ultimate Guide to the Bangalore Open Air Festival”
Absolutely amazing blog. In depth, detailed and crisp. Let’s get 6k people to BOA next year.
Thanks mate!
Saw the vlog, hugee W, would lovee to attend next year if possible!
Thanks mate. Hope to see you there next year.
Gonna try to be there next year.
Awesome bro! See you there
It would be a dream to see TOOL perform here. As well as system of a down! TYPE O NEGATIVE if this was years ago…
Any dream metal bands you’d like to see perform here Karl?