As the vibrant cultural scene of Nepal continues to evolve, Kathmandu’s Grasslands Carnival has emerged as a leading music festival in the region, offering biannual celebrations typically held in October and December. The festival has established its presence at various locations, including Hotel Himalaya in Kathmandu and the serene Calm Panchase Marga area in Pokhara, creating distinct atmospheres for music enthusiasts across Nepal.
What sets Grasslands apart from other regional events is its deliberate focus on creating a family-friendly environment that combines music with interactive activities throughout the day. The festival boasts multiple performance areas, including a main stage for headlining acts, an intimate disco tent accommodating approximately 80 people, and dedicated after-party spaces that guarantee continuous entertainment from day into night. The recent 2023 edition was held at Gokarna Forest Resort in March and April, showcasing both local and international talent. The upcoming October 14 event at Hotel Himalaya promises to continue this tradition of diverse entertainment options.
Recent editions have featured an impressive roster of talent spanning continents and genres. International artists like UK’s Zed Bias, India’s Sohail Arora (aka Rafiki) and Dibyashree Ghosh (aka Aayna), and Hong Kong’s DJ CZone have shared stages with local Nepali talents such as Shailendra Rai, Surakshya Malla, and collectives like Everest Crew. This eclectic mix of electronic, hip hop, rock, and traditional Nepali music provides attendees with a global musical journey without leaving Kathmandu.
The carnival’s thoughtful pricing strategy has helped transform local festival culture, with tiered tickets ranging from Rs 1,000 for early birds to Rs 2,500 at the gate. This approach has successfully increased advance ticket purchases from a mere 25-30% to an impressive 60% of attendees, with organizers aiming to reach 80% in coming editions. Festival organizers have also mastered social media advertising to target specific audience segments and boost ticket sales through engaging, eye-catching content. Many participating artists have found the festival to be an excellent platform for generating multiple income streams through merchandise sales and networking opportunities that lead to lucrative licensing deals.
Attendance figures reflect steady growth, with recent events drawing approximately 2,000 people and ambitious plans to double that number within two years. Rather than pursuing a massive commercial festival model, Grasslands has embraced a boutique approach that prioritizes quality experiences and intimate artist-audience connections.
This distinctive philosophy has positioned the carnival as a cultural cornerstone that defies conventional festival norms while celebrating Nepal’s evolving music scene.
