Friday, March 13, 2026

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About Town: Lahore’s Happening Weekend

The upcoming weekend (Feb. 6-8) sees Basant returning to Lahore’s skies after a gap of over 20 years.

Many in the city will undoubtedly be taking to rooftops to participate in the traditional kite duels, but that does not mean residents who prefer books, thoughtful discussions, or concerts will not have multiple options for their own entertainment. Compiled below, a brief glimpse of the many events that will sweep Lahore in the coming weekend:

Lahore Literary Festival (LLF)

Dates: Feb. 6–8, 2026 | Venue: Alhamra Arts Centre, The Mall | Ticket cost: Free and open for all | Additional info: https://lahorelitfest.org

The fourteenth edition of the Lahore Literary Festival will take place from Feb. 6-8, 2026 at the iconic Alhamra Arts Center, bringing together leading writers, historians, scholars and thinkers from Pakistan and across the world for three days of dialogue, debate and celebration of the literary arts.

Asma Jahangir Conference

Dates: Feb. 7–8, 2026 | Venue: Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore | Ticket cost: Free and open for all

The annual conference focusing on human rights and legal issues sees people from across the legal and professional sectors of the globe participate in thought-provoking discussion and debate. The event is slated to include seasoned journalists, political figures, lawyers, activists and officials from foreign countries.

Lahore International Book Fair

Dates: Feb. 4–8, 2026 | Venue: Expo Centre, Lahore | Ticket cost: Free and open for all | Additional info: https://libftrust.com

The 39th Lahore International Book Fair (LIBF), organized by the Lahore International Book Fair Trust in conjunction with the Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association, returns to the Lahore Expo Centre, with five days of author meet-and-greets and hefty discounts on books in multiple languages and covering a diverse range of topics.

PopFest: Basant Fest

Dates: Feb. 7–8, 2026 | Venue: Defence Raya Fairways | Tickets: Starting from Rs. 3,000 | Additional info: https://ticketwala.pk/event/basant-fest-panda-digital-5075

Featuring performances The Young Stunners, Abrarul Haq, Havi and Faris Shafi, the two-day Basant festival has varying rates for those wishing to attend just the musical performances or also participate in kite-flying activities.

Virsapur: Basant Bahaar

Date: Feb. 7, 2026 | Venue: Garden Town | Tickets: Starting from Rs. 7,500 | Additional info: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9SnM7fgPHkSMcHb702IrPQIClgHRfpQuH-ZQW9TFc3IrfSw/viewform

Providing everything from kites to exclusive rooftop access, this event promises a hassle-free Basant experience for both individuals and groups.

Basant Rang

Dates: Feb. 6–8, 2026 | Venue: Androon Lahore | For additional info, contact 03038424063; 03354512514

Reserved exclusively for women and families, this event promises to provide an opportunity for a wholesome and fulfilling Basant weekend for those wishing to avoid the crowds at other events.

Safari Basant Fest

Dates: Feb. 6–8, 2026 | Venue: Safari Zoo, Raiwind Road, Lahore | Tickets: Starting from Rs. 2,000 | Additional info: https://bookme.pk/events/safari-basant-mela-2026

Featuring live performances from artists such as Bayaan and QB, as well as kite displays and numerous stalls, this spring bonanza provides three days of festivities for those attending.

Strictly Punjab – Basant 26 Edition

Dates: Feb. 6–8, 2026 | Venue: Global Village Lahore, Phase 1 Johar Town | Tickets: Starting from Rs. 4,000 | Additional info: https://ticketwala.pk/event/strictly-punjab-4992

Taking over the Global Village, this event boasts performances by Bohemia, Imran Khan and Bilal Saeed, offering a weekend to remember for what they have described as “Lahore’s biggest rooftop and festival.”

Basant Festival

Dates: Feb. 6–8, 2026 | Venue: Zee Avenue, Opposite Punjab Assembly | Tickets: Starting from Rs. 3,500 | Additional info: https://ticketwala.pk/event/basant-festival-4997

Promising performances, DJ sets, kite-flying areas, and an assortment of foods, this festival insists that you come for the kites and stay for the music.

DHA Basant Mela 2026

Dates: Feb. 6–8, 2026 | Venue: Phase 9 Prism, DHA Lahore | Tickets: Starting from Rs. 3,000 | Additional info: https://ticketwala.pk/event/dha-lahore-basant-mela-2026-5114

Claiming to be Punjab’s “largest Basant festival,” this three-day event features performances from artists such as Ali Zafar, Havi, Arif Lohar, Naseebo Lal, and Abrarul Haq, as well as food stalls and group activities.

Rang e Basant

Date: Feb. 7, 2026 | Venue: Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore | Ticket: Rs. 3,500-16,000 | Additional info: https://ticketwala.pk/event/rang-e-basant-2026-5024

With a performance by Abrarul Haq, a special Basant menu dubbed “Zaiqa-e-Basant,” and courtyard access for kite-flying, this event promises an exclusive and memorable day (3 p.m. to 10 p.m.)

Oban Basant Festival

Date: Feb. 7, 2026 | Venue: Oban Hotel, Lahore | Ticket: Free and open-for-all | Additional info: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BWdi6ohJ1/

On the rooftop of the Oban Hotel, a one-day event promising cultural festivities, including Mehndi, handicrafts, jewelry and accessories, and food items and desserts.

Neon Basant Festival

Dates: Feb. 6–8, 2026 | Venue: Commercial Broadway at Eden City, Block-D, Opposite to Allama Iqbal Airport, Lahore | Ticket: Starting from Rs. 500 | Additional info: https://neonsquare.pk/buy

Boasting the “biggest kite in Pakistan,” Neon Square promises three days and nights filled with cultural immersion and excitement for the spring festival.

Jashn-e-Basant

Dates: Feb. 6-8, 2026 | Venue: Packages Mall | Ticket: Rs. 2,000 | Additional info: https://www.instagram.com/packagesmallofficial

The event at Packages Mall features kite flying, music, food stalls, and fun interactive activities, all in a colorful, family-friendly vibe.

Downtown Basant Mela

Dates: Feb. 6-8, 2026 | Venue: Boulevard Heights, Rooftop | Ticket: Rs. 12,000 | Additional info: https://ticketwala.pk/event/downtown-basant-mela-5161

A grand Basant kite-flying festival in a new luxury style, full of fun, food, music, and entertainment, happening at the tallest rooftop in Gulberg.

Basant Festival

Dates: Feb. 6-8, 2026 | Venue: Nishat Hotel, Rooftop | Ticket: Rs. 15,000/couple | Additional info: https://nishathotels.com/basant-festival-2026/

Live music, kites, food stations, and a photo booth and family activities comprise the festivities at the rooftop of the Nishat Hotel.