For the longest time, we’ve been cribbing about how Lucknow needs more big concerts, proper live shows and events that give us a reason to step out. Well, looks like the city has finally heard us! The calendar is suddenly looking packed, with big artists, soulful gigs and concerts that have us checking dates already. Basically, the days of saying “Lucknow mein hota hi kya hai?” might just be over. So, if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to make plans, here are 10 big events coming to Lucknow that you really don’t want to miss!

Half the crowd will show up for Gutthi, the other half for Dr. Mashoor Gulati. Sunil Grover, the one man playing both, will quietly collect the applause for each. Lucknow is getting an evening with the man behind the characters, a hilarious, impeccably timed one, and probably the only time you’ll see them share a stage without a wardrobe malfunction.

When- Nov 14 | 7 PM onwards

Where- Venetian Garden, Janeshwar Mishra Park

You know the feeling. “Sun Raha Hai Na Tu” comes on, and suddenly you’re 22 again, singing badly and meaning every word. Ankit Tiwari brings that exact feeling to Aashiqui Lucknow, with “Teri Galiyan” and the rest of the romantic hits you still know by heart. Date night works, so does a night out with the friends who’ve heard your heartbreak story one too many times.

When- Nov 28 | 6 PM onwards

Where- Regalia Greens

You know the drill, A Diljit song comes on, the shoulders start moving before the brain gets a vote, and suddenly you’re mid-bhangra in a very public place. The RuPay Aura India Tour gives Lucknow a whole night of exactly that, with the biggest hits, the beat drops and Diljit’s easy charm doing most of the work. Word-perfect or chorus-only, you’ll fit right in.

When- Dec 5 | 4 PM onwards

Where- 19th National Jamboree Ground

“Samjho Na” has been sent as a hint to more people than any text message in history. Most of them still didn’t get it. Aaditya Rikhari brings the Meri Paro India Tour to Repertwahr Festival Season 14 in Lucknow, with “Sahiba,” “Paaro” and the rest of the songs you’ve been using to say what you couldn’t. This time, at least, the whole crowd is saying it together.

When- Dec 17 | 8 PM

Where- Gate No. 6, Janeshwar Mishra Park

You’ve cried to a Rekha Bhardwaj song in a parked car and would like that kept between you and the dashboard. Repertwahr Festival Season 14 is about to make it a public event. “Kabira,” “Darmiyaan,” “Phir Le Aaya Dil” and the rest of the soulful catalogue, live in Lucknow, in front of a few thousand people all pretending it’s the dust.

When- Dec 20 | 8 PM onwards

Where- Gate No. 6, Janeshwar Mishra Park

Sunidhi Chauhan is coming back to Lucknow for the second time, and this time it’s at the Pinnaca Festival. Remember screaming “Crazy Kiya Re” in a car with the windows up? Or dancing to “Sheila Ki Jawani” at a cousin’s wedding like nobody was filming? She’s bringing those, plus “Desi Girl,” “Beedi” and “Aaja Nachle,” live, with a voice that doesn’t take a breath when you would.

When- Dec 20 | 3 PM onwards

Where- Ekana International Football Stadium

Prateek Kuhad’s songs are the quietest thing on your playlist and somehow the loudest thing in your head. “Kasoor” and “cold/mess” have made most of us think about someone a little longer than planned. Now he’s at the Pinnaca Festival in Lucknow, with “Tune Kaha,” “Co2” and “Mulaqat” too, and a crowd that will sing every word softly, as if the ex might hear.

When- Dec 20 | 3 PM onwards

Where- Ekana International Football Stadium

Thirty years of Sonu Nigam songs, and the only thing that has aged is the audience. “Kal Ho Naa Ho,” “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin,” “Suraj Hua Maddham,” “Sandese Aate Hain” and “Main Agar Kahoon” still sound exactly like the first time you heard them. The Revolution India Tour brings all of them to Lucknow live, which means a crowd of people who were teenagers for one song and parents for the next, all singing the same line.

When- Dec 26 | 7 PM onwards

Where- TBA

Dr. Satinder Sartaaj is bringing The Philosophy of Resonance to the city, and expect it to be much more than just another concert. From getting lost in the soothing tunes of Sai and Udaarian to singing along to Sajjan Raazi and Jalsa, there's plenty to look forward to. With his powerful voice, beautiful Punjabi poetry and signature Sufi sound, Sartaaj knows how to make a room full of strangers feel every word.

When- Jan 22 | 7 PM onwards

Where- TBA

Osho Jain is bringing Mere Ghar Chalo to the city, and it's not your usual concert where you just show up, sing along and head home. Think soulful music, little stories from his childhood, memories of the places he grew up in and the moments that inspired his songs. From humming along to Khush To Hai Na and Gul to getting lost in his heartfelt lyrics, expect an evening that feels warm, personal and wonderfully nostalgic.

When- March 13 | 8 PM onwards

Where- Jupiter Hall- Indira Gandhi Pratishthan