Your handy guide to Mumbai's unmissable art, culture, and soundscape in January 2026
The city awakens its creative pulse with art shows, films, craftsmanship, beats, and festivals.
January in Mumbai isn’t just about breezy evenings and a cuppa by the sea; it is the month when the city shakes off the winter lull and leaps into a vibrant cultural rhythm. From the opening weekend of art exhibitions that light up galleries across the city to electrifying concerts that turn the night sky into a soundtrack of global rhythms, January 2026 is shaping up as a month no culture lover should miss.
Discover the best of Mumbai’s creative spirit: contemporary art conversations, films that rethink space and design, community celebrations, and music events that range from intimate shows to vast festival grounds. Whether you are an avid collector, an art curator, a music lover, or someone simply keen to get immersed into the heart of urban culture, this curated list is your front-row pass to Mumbai’s most happening events in the New Year.
Mumbai Gallery Weekend
A four-day citywide celebration of contemporary art as galleries and project spaces across Colaba, Fort, Bandra and beyond throw open their most compelling exhibitions. Expect curated art walks, performances, talks and special events that showcase the diversity and depth of Mumbai’s art scene—a perfect cultural kickoff to the new year.
When: January 8–11
Where: Galleries across Mumbai (Colaba, Fort, Bandra, Kala Ghoda, Worli, and more)
GUL - A garden of symbolism by WOLF
Ritu & Surya Singh of WOLF have transformed a moth-eaten Kashmiri shawl into a charbagh—a four-part Persian garden reimagined from scrap brass jewellery, ceramic eyes, metal insects, and other found objects, all laid out like a fragile map of paradise and renewal. It unfolds as a garden of grief, memory, and resistance, where decay turns into devotion and beauty emerges from what the world has discarded, at the Mumbai Gallery Weekend.
When: January 8
Where: 47-A, Khotachiwadi, Girgaon
Architecture & Design Film Festival
This niche film festival celebrates the many worlds of architecture, design, art and their intersections with the cinematic realm. This year, alongside a curated selection of international films, a cinematic pavilion park, a comprehensive public programme and special projects, innovative experiences such as an immersive product gallery called LIVinSET, culinary experiences and a pop-up shop are planned to engage audiences and foster cross-disciplinary conversations.
When: January 9–11
Where: National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai
India Watch Weekend 2026
An exquisite celebration of horology that positions Mumbai on the global stage for watch lovers and collectors. India Watch Weekend focuses on craftsmanship, heritage timepieces, and the contemporary watchmaking landscape, featuring masterclasses, salon talks, rare showcases and experiences with international and Indian brands.
When: January 17–18
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai
Mumbai Single’s Fest 2.0
A social celebration designed for the city’s singles to connect, converse and create memories. Expect music, curated games, playful mixers and a warm, engaging atmosphere that’s all about unplugged and real human interactions.
When: January 18
Where: Onrique, Santacruz
John Mayer Solo Live
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter John Mayer brings his much-awaited show to Mumbai, marking his first solo India performance. Expect an electrifying concert as Mayer belts out his favourites, as well as some new tracks, under the city lights.
When: January 22
Where: Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai
Tiësto India Tour 2026
EDM fans, this one’s for you: world-renowned DJ and producer Tiësto is set to drop into Mumbai with his signature beats and energy. Dance the night away as this global icon makes Mumbai a stop on his India tour.
When: January 23
Where: Dome SVP Stadium, Worli
Lollapalooza India 2026
One of the world’s biggest music festivals is returning to Mumbai for the fourth year, with a powerhouse lineup comprising international artists and Indian acts. Along with Linkin Park being the highlight of the festival this year, expect everything from rock and hip-hop to EDM, making this two-day fiesta one of the season’s marquee cultural events.
When: January 24–25
Where: Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai
India Art Festival
The festival presents a broad spectrum of modern and contemporary artworks, interactive installations, performances, and a vibrant marketplace for art enthusiasts to explore and acquire works. It is set to showcase 4500 paintings and sculptures by 35 art galleries and 550 artists across 150 booths.
When: January 30–February 1
Where: Nehru Centre, Worli
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
This is Mumbai’s quintessential cultural celebration: nine days of art, music, theatre, heritage walks, talks, workshops and street culture that transform the Kala Ghoda precinct into a living gallery. A beloved annual tradition, this festival invites all to participate in its free, city-wide structure across creative disciplines.
When: January 31–February 8
Where: Kala Ghoda, Mumbai
Lead image: Getty Images
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