Your Go-To Guide For The Best Events In Mumbai This Weekend

The autumn chill is no match for the vibes and buzz of Mumbai’s weekend atmosphere. On your days off, consider checking out the David Sassoon Library, a heritage-listed building in the Kala Ghoda district, or spot the beautiful lesser and greater flamingoes in Bhigwan and Thane. Cultural aficionados should visit the Banjara Virasat Museum, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October.

Here are the top weekend events in Mumbai from November 16-17, 2024.

Sip On Winter Warmers

Warm up this winter with a curated selection of soul-soothing cocktails at the Nitro Bar in Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli. “The Winter Warmers Cocktail Fest” lasts till the end of the month where guests can indulge in spiced mulled wine, whiskey gaze—where smooth whiskey is paired with cinnamon and a hint of hot water to keep you toasty—and a hot toddy. The festival promises more unique and warming cocktails that will add a special touch to your winter evenings. Contact +917030951533 for more details.

The Information

Date: November 15-31 | 11AM-11PM

Venue: Nitro Bar, Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli, 30/31, Pali Road, off Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Khalapur, Sangadewadi, Khopoli 410203

Watch The Pickleball World Championships

Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport in which two players (singles) or four players (doubles) use a smooth-faced paddle to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inch-high (0.86 metre) net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits a rule infraction. Invented in 1965 as a children's backyard game in the United States, it can be played both indoors and outdoors and is currently enjoying a surge of popularity. This weekend, the World Pickleball Championship is coming to Mumbai as the fifth Asian stop of the Asia-Pacific series. The finals will be held at the Carmelina Beach Resort in Vietnam. Entry is free.

The Information

Date: November 12-17 | 8AM onwards

Venue: CCI-Brabourne Stadium, Stadium House, Block Number 3, First Floor, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, Mumbai 400020

Attend An Art Fair

“ART MUMBAI 2024” is a finely curated fair featuring Indian and global modern and contemporary art. This weekend, experience a dynamic sculpture walk with large-scale installations that bring the fair to life, and dive into thought-provoking discussions with the speaker series, exploring Mumbai's artistic legacy and Indian art's evolving significance on the international stage, among other engaging topics.  

Among the notable artists taking part in “ART MUMBAI 2024” is acclaimed visual artist Tejal Patni. He will unveil an immersive art installation, Vichitra “Spot the Difference.” Presented by Snowball Studios and inspired by Nana Patekar’s iconic monologue from the movie “Krantiveer,” Patni’s installation confronts the viewer with an instinctive visual reminder of humanity’s shared essence beyond societal divisions. Patekar’s monologue, which questions the colour of one’s blood as a universal equaliser, serves as the thematic core of this installation. In a sterile corridor lined with meticulously arranged blood bags, the installation evokes the stark reality that our biological essence remains indistinguishable across cultures, races and identities. The scene aims to disassemble artificial constructs of difference, compelling visitors to recognise the uniformity underlying all human appearances. Buy your tickets at the Insider website.

The Information

Date: November 14-17 | 11AM onwards

Venue: Mahalakshmi Race Course, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai 400034

Rock Out At A Massive Concert

The "Mahindra Independence Rock Festival" is back for its 30^th edition this weekend. Building on its success last year, this year’s event aims to continue reviving the rock music scene in India. By encouraging young independent rock musicians through their platform, the festival offers them the creative freedom to express non-conformist ideas while championing freedom of speech, inclusivity and equality. From hardcore growls to wholesome folk, the event will host a wide variety of genres. Register for tickets at the Insider website.

The Information

Date: November 16-17 | 3PM onwards

Venue: Bayview Lawns, Princess Dock Building, Victoria Docks, BPT, Mazgaon, Mumbai 400009

A Literary Festival Comes To Town

“Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest” returns for its 15^th edition this weekend. Founded in 2010 by Anil Dharker, this much-loved festival is a celebration of literary excellence and is recognised as one of the most important arts festivals in India. With over 125 writers, speakers, thinkers and performers from 13 countries, the three-day festival promises to once more regale audiences with lively and stimulating sessions across a wide variety of subjects, ranging from poetry to business, history to conservation, society to travel, science fiction to entertainment, and beyond. Book tickets from the official website.

The Information

Date: November 15-17

Venue: National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021

Savour Malaysian Cuisine

The Sofitel Mumbai BKC hotel is set to bring the vibrant flavours of Malaysia to its culinary destination, Pondichéry Café, with an exclusive “Malaysian Food Festival” this month. Featuring the expertise of Chef Aping and Chef Irwan, two culinary maestros from Sofitel Kuala Lumpur, local diners will experience the diverse and aromatic tastes of Malaysia right in the heart of Mumbai. Iconic specialities like the spicy, coconut-based laksa, the tantalising mee goreng mamak and the fragrant rendang curry, as well as other highlights like apam balik, a sweet and savoury folded pancake; ayam percik, a succulent grilled chicken; roti john, a Malaysian-style stuffed bread; and the layered, flaky murtabak are on the menu. The culinary journey is complemented by refreshing rojak dalat, a Malaysian-style salad that balances sweet, spicy and tangy notes. There’s also an exclusive selection of cocktails crafted with Japanese spirits, including the Toki Highball, which blends Toki Suntory Whiskey with a hint of grapefruit; the refreshing Roku Natsu Gin Hai with Roku Craft Gin, coconut water and elderflower syrup; and the elegant Haku Yugen Highball featuring Haku Craft Vodka and yuzu. Contact +919167391130 for more details.

The Information

Date: November 15-23

Venue: Pondichéry Café, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, C 57, G Block BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051