62% Of India’s Gen Z Is Travelling For Concerts In 2026; Here’s How Music Is Reshaping Travel

Music is no longer just something India’s Gen Z listens to in their headphones. It’s something they pack their bags for. According to Airbnb’s latest Experience-Led Travel Insights, live concerts and music festivals are fast becoming one of the biggest reasons young Indians travel, shaping not just where they go, but how they experience a city once they get there.

Music Is Redefining The Way India’s Gen Z Travels

For Gen Z, travel is no longer built around school holidays, long weekends or “best season to visit” lists. Rather, it is motivated by the excitement of a live performance and the idea of being a part of something truly remarkable.

In 2026, this trend is still getting stronger, with 62% of India’s Gen Z choosing to travel this year for concerts and music festivals. In fact, many begin planning their travels as soon as an event is announced. As soon as they learn about a concert or festival, 36% of people begin to plan their trip. 

One of the most interesting insights from Airbnb’s data is how powerfully music is influencing destination discovery. 76% of Gen Z travellers say they visited a city for the first time because of a concert or music festival. This interest is not limited to India. Among Gen Z, live music is a global favourite. More than 40% are open to travelling abroad for a concert, with locations in the USA, Europe, and Asia ranking nearly equally in their plans.

The Rise Of Concert Tourism

While concerts and festivals are the main reason for travel, they’re far from the only thing Gen Z does once they arrive. Staying close to event venues is preferred by 65%. What’s more, 53% of them stay after the concert dates. Since 70% of Gen Z go to concerts with friends or in groups, these trips are also very social.

Gen Z’s commitment to music-led travel shows up clearly in how much they’re willing to spend. For many young travellers, these trips are a priority. 6 in 10 are comfortable spending 21–40% of their monthly income on concert-led travel and experiences. 1 in 10 is even willing to spend up to half their monthly income.

Also Read: Arjun Rampal Enjoys ‘Dhurandhar’ Desserts With His Gang At THIS Restaurant In Goa

The average cost of an event-led trip for Gen Z travellers was ₹51,000. But this isn’t impulsive spending. These trips are planned, budgeted for and designed to deliver maximum experience, not just maximum sightseeing. What was once seen as an occasional splurge is now a regular part of Gen Z’s lifestyle.

A New Way Of Seeing Travel

Large festivals perfectly reflect this shift, and Lollapalooza India is a strong example. 62% of attendees say the festival’s atmosphere is what keeps them coming back, while an incredible 98% say they plan to return. Recognising this growing connection between travel and live music, Airbnb has partnered with Lollapalooza India as part of its first-ever global live music partnership. For the 2026 edition, happening in Mumbai on January 24–25 at Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Airbnb will offer one-of-a-kind fan experiences and stays that bring travellers closer to the music they love.

As Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for India and Southeast Asia, points out, music is now a gateway to discovery. Concert tourism is opening up entire neighbourhoods, encouraging group travel and creating deeper connections between young travellers and the places they visit.

Airbnb’s Experience-Led Travel Insights clearly show where Gen Z travel is headed.

Cover Image Courtesy: Karan Aujla/Instagram and Canva/Wendy Wei