Hyderabad Drone Festival

Part of the "Celebrate the Sky" Sankranti festivities, the Hyderabad Drone Festival is a two-day high-tech spectacle (January 16–17) held at the Gachibowli Outdoor Stadium. From 140 km/h racing to a massive 1,000+ drone light show, this is India's biggest aerial tech event.

2026 Schedule

Day	Event & Highlights
Fri, Jan 16	• Drone Soccer: Semi-finals of the 4v4 mid-air team sport. • Apex Challenge: The main professional high-speed race. • RC Airshow: Aerobatic maneuvers by expert pilots.
Sat, Jan 17	• Racing Heats: Continuous racing rounds (Race 1 to 13). • Marathon Finals: The long-distance endurance race finals. • Soccer Finals: The championship match for Drone Soccer. • Grand Finale: The fastest pilots compete for the 2026 title. • Mega Drone Show: 1,000+ drones forming 3D animations in the sky.

2026 Highlights

• The LED Racecourse: Watch drones zoom at 140 km/h through a glowing obstacle course on the stadium field.
• Drone Soccer: A "Rocket League" style game where drones inside protective cages try to score goals mid-air.
• The 3D Light Show (Jan 17): The festival’s grand finale. Drones will create giant 3D versions of the Charminar and Telangana Martyrs Memorial.
• FPV Live Feed: Giant stadium screens will show the live "cockpit view" from the racing drones as they fly.

Essential Visitor Info

• Venue: Gachibowli Outdoor Stadium, Hyderabad.
• Nearest Metro: Raidurg Metro Station (Blue Line).
• Tickets: Available on BookMyShow (Starting at ₹199).
  Note: Saturday slots are currently Sold Out online. Check the venue for potential FCFS entry.

Tips for Your Visit

• The Finale is Key: If you can only go for one day, Saturday (Jan 17) is the best choice for the Grand Final and the 1,000+ drone light show.
• Sound Warning: Drone racing is loud! If you have sensitive ears, sitting higher up in the stadium stands is more comfortable.
• Experience Zone: Arrive early (around 3:00 PM) to visit the Simulator Zone, where you can try flying a drone yourself for free.
• Avoid the Jam: Gachibowli traffic is extreme. Use the Metro to Raidurg to avoid 1-hour parking delays.