Shimla hosts several annual events that draw both locals and visitors, celebrating its culture and seasons.
* **Shimla Summer Festival**: Held every May or June on the Ridge, this multi-day festival features musical performances, cultural dances, floral exhibitions, and local handicraft markets to celebrate the peak of summer. * **Winter Carnival & Ice Skating Festival**: Centered around the ice skating rink in December/January, featuring figure skating, fancy dress competitions on ice, and ice hockey. * **Lavi Fair**: While technically held in Rampur (within Shimla district), this centuries-old trade fair in November is a massive cultural and commercial event for the entire region, featuring the trade of pashmina, dry fruits, and Kinnauri horses. * **Baisakhi and Diwali**: Major national festivals celebrated with localized Pahari traditions and large community gatherings.