STANFEST 2026 Overview
STAN, India’s leading social gaming and community engagement platform, will host the third edition of its flagship event, STANFEST, on October 31, 2026 at Presidency University in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The festival is projected to attract more than 30,000 attendees and over 1,500 creators, marking a two‑fold increase from the inaugural Hyderabad edition that drew 15,000 participants.
Brand Participation and Experience Offerings
More than 20 brands will be present, including Google, Sony PlayStation, Garnier, Noise, ITC, Scapia, Gully Labs, Go Zero, Lighter and others, spanning personal care, technology, travel, gaming, fashion, food and financial services. The event will feature live esports tournaments, creator meet‑and‑greets, cosplay, retro gaming, entertainment performances and interactive brand experiences. A new component, the Final Boss Arena, will allow emerging independent game developers to showcase their titles to a live audience and connect with venture capitalists and investors.
Platform Growth and Audience Demographics
Since its launch in 2022, STAN has amassed 50 million users and generates over 60 million monthly interactions. The platform reports a 150% growth in its 25‑34 age segment, while users aged 35 and above now constitute 30% of its audience, indicating expanding appeal across age groups. Brand collaborations on STAN have risen 190% over the past three years, underscoring the increasing relevance of community‑led experiences for mainstream consumer brands.
Industry Context
The organised live events segment in India recorded a 44% growth in 2025, according to the FICCI‑EY Media and Entertainment Report 2026. An EY‑Parthenon and BookMyShow study found that 78% of surveyed Indian consumers prefer spending on experiences rather than products, highlighting strong demand for events like STANFEST.
Executive Commentary
Parth Chadha, Co‑Founder and CEO of STAN, stated that the shift from digital‑only interactions to real‑world experiences is evident, noting the growth from 15,000 attendees at the first STANFEST to an expected 30,000+ this year. He emphasized the festival’s role in supporting emerging developers through the Final Boss Arena and in bridging brands with engaged communities.
Additional Information
STAN’s broader ecosystem includes offerings such as Jigri, STAN Shop and Yap Club, which connect diverse communities through social interaction, commerce, rewards and shared experiences. The official festival trailer has already garnered 7.5 million views. Tickets are available via the District platform, and further details can be found on the STANFEST website.