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We’re in the thick of October’s festival season, which, in Delhi-NCR, means food festivals, big-ticket automotive showcases and a calendar that’s bursting at the seams. Joining this line-up this year is Nykaaland 2026, bringing a generous dose of beauty and glam to the capital.
Nykaaland 4.0 is bringing three days of makeup, immersive brand experiences, live music and enough beauty content to keep your camera roll busy all weekend. From October 23 to 25, 2026, the festival will transform the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in Okhla into a fairytale-inspired beauty district, complete with illuminated palace facades, heart-shaped carousels and sprawling, immersive brand hangars.
Please note: unlike some local conventions where you can simply rock up and buy a ticket on-site, Nykaaland requires advance booking. Tickets are (or were, depending on demand) available exclusively on BookMyShow.
Whether you’re hoping to get your hands on Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty drops, crack the code to Nykaaland’s freebies or sing along to Sukhbir’s Punjabi music, here’s your insider’s guide to making the most of the festival.
What are the need-to-knows?
Expect more than 70 global and homegrown brands setting up massive, interactive booths. And no, this isn’t just a shopping expedition. You’ll also get to test products, score exclusive drops and network directly with brand managers.
Some global cult favourites making an appearance include Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty, which makes its official festival debut, alongside Huda Beauty, e.l.f. Cosmetics, The Ordinary, NYX Professional Makeup, Milk Makeup, Kiehl’s and KAYALI. This looks like a wishlist...
The Korean beauty lineup has a world of its own. Expect names such as TIRTIR, Laneige, Beauty of Joseon, SKIN1004, Innisfree, Purito Seoul and &honey, among others. If glass skin is your beauty goal, this is where to head.
India’s indie and established beauty labels are also getting their deserved spotlight. Look out for Nykaa Cosmetics, Kay Beauty, Plum, Dot & Key, Swiss Beauty, Simply Nam, Re’equil and Earth Rhythm. Chances are, plenty of these names are already sitting on your dressing table. The only added incentive here is that these products will be available at heavy discounts.
Some even come to Nykaaland to network. With more than 1,000 beauty experts, industry executives and digital creators expected on the ground, there’ll be plenty of people to meet and small talk to make.
Are there makeup workshops?
Yes! The festival’s masterclasses are worth checking out. Here’s who’s bringing the beauty know-how:
Namrata Soni: Hosting a full certification masterclass on her signature bridal glow.
Huda Beauty with Daniel Bauer: A masterclass in high-drama glam and flawless base application. Come for the techniques, genuinely.
TIRTIR with Samaira Sandhu: Unlocking the secrets of glass skin and that coveted K-beauty cushion coverage.
Milk Makeup with Meera Sakhrani: Quick-fix glam and viral stick-makeup techniques.
Nykaa Cosmetics with Adrian Jacobs: Professional techniques tailored to Indian skin tones, with special attention to festive looks (which, let’s face it, is everyone’s immediate beauty crisis right now).
What happens at Nykaaland when the sun goes down?
The beauty playground turns into a party. With countless hours of live music and entertainment on the cards, there’s plenty of reason to stick around after you’ve made your beauty-counter rounds. Here’s what’s happening each day:
Friday: The GGG Party gets the weekend started with club sets from DJs Suggahunny, Rabab and Kelcy Starr.
Saturday: Expect a noughties throwback as Bombay Rockers bring back hits such as “Rock Tha Party”, supported by Stuvi and Navjot Ahuja.
Sunday: The festival signs off with Punjabi party anthems and live sets from Sukhbir, Gurnazar and AminJaz. This one has maximum sing-along potential.
How to score freebies at Nykaaland?
Nykaaland’s NFC-enabled wristbands, issued when you scan your ticket at the entrance, come pre-loaded with sample credits. Standard one-day passes typically include three free samples, while premium Season Passes can come loaded with up to 10.
Once inside, head to a brand booth, take part in a quick activity such as a spin-the-wheel or photo-op game, and tap your wristband to collect your product.
Want to maximise your chances of scoring samples while avoiding the heaviest crowds? Arrive at noon, when the brand hangars open.
As for free entry, there are no public free-entry codes. However, Nykaa runs an invite-only programme for content creators. Micro-influencers with highly engaged local audiences are also frequently vetted for complimentary entry in exchange for event coverage. Just letting you know, in case you’re also influencing on the gram.
Time Out tip: Skip the single General Access ticket and look out for the Beauty Besties Pass. This bundled ticket for two people significantly lowers the per-head cost and gets both attendees in under a single booking ID. Because beauty hauls are better with a bestie.
When: Fri–Sun, October 23–25, 2026; noon onwards
Where: NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi
Nearest metro station: Okhla NSIC (Magenta Line)
Tickets: Standard daily passes start at ₹1,299.