On a trip to Meghalaya, we discovered there’s a huge population in Shillong that are crazy fans of Bob Dylan. This realisation came after discovering the Bob Dylan Cafe in Shillong!
Shillong’s love for music shouldn’t come as a surprise – the city has come to be known as the rock capital of India. It is host to some of the best music concerts including NH 7 Weekender. The 2016 Hindi music drama ‘Rock On 2’ was also shot in Shillong.
The visit to Bob Dylan Cafe Shillong
It was 24 May when we arrived in Shillong, after a long drive from Guwahati. Our guide, Arham messaged us to meet him at the Dylan’s Cafe in the evening. That night, we found out it was Bob Dylan’s birthday, and there was no better place to be than at a café built as a tribute to the iconic musician. 
Bob Dylan may have never visited Meghalaya but his fans in Shillong love their idol so much that on 24 May each year, they celebrate his birthday by organising gigs and performances by local artists. One such fan and musician is Lou Majaw locally known as Shillong’s Bob Dylan. Over the years, music lovers from across India have found their way into Shillong to be a part of this unique gathering.
All things Dylan
The café is relatively new, launched in 2016. Everything about the place screams Dylan – from photo frames to cushion covers, books, paintings and merchandise. The ceiling is a collage of personalized hand painted messages from visitors. A huge mosaic of Bob Dylan adorns one side of the wall, while retro vinyl records hang from the ceiling along the stairway to the upper level.
Make no mistake, Dylan’s Cafe isn’t a pub. There are no DJs or exploding music – just some passionate musicians performing live and a bunch of music buffs karaoking to Blowin in the wind and Mr Tambourine Man over beer.
In terms of food, they have a wide range of burgers, finger foods and mains.
All in all, if you’re in Shillong, this is a great way to spend the evening – I would definitely recommend adding Dylan’s Cafe to your list of things to do in Shillong.
Lastly, here’s one of the performances at the Dylan’s Cafe by a musician from Kolkata whom we enjoyed – he did a cover of ‘No women, No cry’ by Bob (not Dylan) Marley. But see the bonhomie!
Plan a visit to Dylan’s Cafe – Things to know
Dylan’s Cafe timings
They are open from 11.30am to 10pm. Gigs happen in the evening, 8pm onwards
Meal for two at Dylan’s Cafe
Rs. 1000 with beer
Dylan’s Cafe address
Opposite St. Edmund’s School, Fruit Garden, Risa Colony, Shillong 793003, India
Where to stay in Shillong
We stayed one night at the Sha Ri Loum homestay in Shillong – a lovely bungalow property with spacious rooms and a resident cook. Another night, we stayed at Saw Aiom. Very peaceful location near a stadium which kinda makes the weather a bit chilly
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Other posts from the Meghalaya series:
- First impressions of Meghalaya
- What’s my take on Meghalaya’s Khasi cuisine
- What they don’t tell you about Dawki
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