Pokhara Street Festival 2026 Set to Attract Six Lakhs Tourists

Kathmandu: Nepal’s tourist capital, Pokhara, is set to host the country’s largest street festival from Poush 13 to 17 at the Lakeside area. At a press conference held on Wednesday at Hotel Manang in Thamel, the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) Pokhara announced the 27th Pokhara Street Festival 2026.

The festival, held to celebrate the English New Year 2026, will stretch about 3.5 kilometers along Lakeside. Organizers said it will include many cultural, musical, and food-related activities.

With the motto “Eat on the street, dance on the street, enjoy on the street,” the festival has played a significant role in promoting Pokhara’s tourism. REBAN officials noted that the event has also helped establish Pokhara as a major destination for celebrating the English New Year.

Main Attractions of the Pokhara Street Festival 2026

According to organizers, the festival will showcase endangered cultural tableaux, traditional attire, and folk dances from different ethnic groups in Nepal. Visitors can also enjoy a street food festival featuring national and international cuisines, live concerts by popular artists, folk music performances, and tourist-oriented games such as boat races, waiter races, and tug-of-war at Phewa Lake. Additionally, there will be talk shows discussing tourism opportunities and challenges, as well as documentaries and photo exhibitions showcasing Pokhara’s beauty.

Contribution to Local Economy and Employment

The festival will provide a platform for local agricultural products, handicrafts, and domestic goods to be displayed and sold, contributing to the revival of the sluggish economy and tourism sector, REBAN said.

Officials also emphasized that security arrangements will be a top priority during the festival, with proper coordination with relevant authorities. Special attention will be given to parking, waste management, and general safety. Transportation options, including buses and taxis, will be organized to ensure a smooth experience for visitors.

Expected 600,000 Visitors

This year, the festival is expected to attract around 500,000 to 600,000 domestic and international visitors, providing direct benefits to hotels, restaurants, transport services, and the tourism industry. REBAN added that the festival is particularly effective in boosting tourism during the winter season and conveying the message that “Pokhara is safe and open for tourists” on an international scale.

The organizers believe that the festival will also help create an environment for foreign tourists to enjoy Nepal during Christmas and New Year, contributing to foreign exchange earnings.

Sponsors and Partners

The main sponsor of the festival is Gorkha Brewery Pvt. Ltd., with Media Partner: Baarakhari Media. Co-sponsors include Bottlers Nepal (Terai) Ltd., The Nepal Distillery Pvt. Ltd., Yeti Distillery Pvt. Ltd., Nepal Telecom, and ZYN. The banking partner is Siddhartha Bank Ltd., while promoters include the Gandaki Province Ministry of Industry and Tourism, Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara Metropolitan City, Pokhara Tourism Council, and Pokhara Visit Year 2025.