Events in Kolkata | The "City of Joy" truly lives up to its name, especially when the weekend rolls around. From cultural extravaganzas to lively performances and unique exhibitions, there's always something happening to pique your interest. This weekend, July 18-20, the city offers a diverse array of events and activities, promising an engaging experience for locals and visitors alike.
Kolkata’s love for food runs deep — as a true culinary melting pot, the city embraces influences from across regions and communities. Tapping into this spirit is Calcutta Gastronomes — a collective of passionate food enthusiasts who celebrate everything from Bengali staples to sustainable eating. This weekend, they invite you to Malabar Spread — a specially curated afternoon of Kerala cuisine that pays homage to its rich culinary heritage. Seats are limited, so pre-book by July 18 via GPay at 9830490830 to enjoy this delicious cultural journey.
The Information | Malabar Spread
When: July 20, 12.30 PM onwards
Where: The Food Storey, P241 Lake Road, Mezzanine Floor, Kolkata - 700029.
As forests and natural habitats across India continue to be erased in the name of progress, it has become more important than ever to document and understand what we are losing. This weekend, the Society for Heritage & Ecological Research (SHER) invites you to an event that explores wildlife through the lens of acclaimed filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu. A five-time National Award winner, Nallamuthu will discuss the challenges of wildlife filmmaking in the age of social media, AI, and content saturation — and how to stay authentic in telling nature’s stories. The session will also include a screening of a short film showcasing his powerful work.
The Information | Wildlife Filmmaking In The Age Of Social Media
When: July 19, 5.30 PM onwards
Where: Birla Academy Of Art And Culture, 108-109, Southern Ave, lake Terrace, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
This weekend, step into the world of Mrinal Sen — the legendary filmmaker and pioneer of India’s parallel cinema, whose films powerfully portrayed the lives and struggles of the marginalised. Speech Acts, a unique exhibition, offers artistic responses to Sen’s work. Amritah Sen presents NOT IN THE NEWS 1–4, a series of evocative watercolors, while Madhuja Mukherjee’s Bodh combines archival footage, digital painting, and fabric to reimagine a flag. Her comic strip In the Land of Silence is inspired by Sen’s Chorus. Scholar Samata Biswas will also present her research on Chorus in relation to the exhibition.
The Information | Speech Acts
When: On till August 2. The gallery is open from 11 AM to 7 PM, and is closed on Sundays.
Where: Ganges Art Gallery, 33A, Jatin Das Road, Deshapriya Park W, near Sai Baba Mandir, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
Sign up for a thought-provoking talk that reimagines childhood games through the lens of history and power. Transculturating Snakes and Ladders: Decoloniality and Boardgames is led by Dr. Souvik Mukherjee, a renowned Game Studies scholar and professor at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences. Explore how traditional games like Snakes and Ladders and Ludo were once rich with moral, philosophical, and pedagogical meaning — long before colonial forces reduced them to simple pastimes. This talk invites you to see play as more than fun: as a site of resistance, cultural transmission, and political legacy.
The Information | Transculturating Snakes and Ladders
When: July 19, 5.30 PM
Where: Kolkata Centre for Creativity 777 Anandapur | E.M. Bypass | Kolkata, India 700107, West Bengal
CIMA’s Shifting Paradigms: 1980s–2025 captures the journey of Indian art, showcasing works from the groundbreaking styles of the 1980s to today’s vibrant, experimental creations. The exhibition features paintings, sculptures, and mixed media by over 35 artists, offering a glimpse into four decades of artistic innovation.
The Information | Shifting Paradigms
When: July 18, 8.30 PM
Where: CIMA Gallery, Sunny Towers, 43, Ashutosh Chowdhury Ave, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
Spend your weekend walking the Adi Ganga Trail through historic Kalighat. Along the way, discover centuries-old communities, visit the Rashbari temples with their traditional Bengali architecture, and explore the Kalighat Kali Temple—famous for its architecture. Learn about local zamindars, experience the unique history, and uncover the artistic legacy of Kalighat Pat, a traditional art form born in this vibrant neighborhood. For more information, check - www.immersivetrails.com.
The Information | Kalighat Chronicles
When: July 20, 8 AM onwards
