This weekend, Mumbai is packed yet again with events and activities that will get you out and about. Whether it’s the 25th edition of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, the spring season of the National Centre for Performing Arts’ symphony orchestra or a Republic Day brunch, there are plenty of activities that will keep you busy in the “Maximum City.”
Asia’s largest multidisciplinary street arts festival, the iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF), is back for its momentous 25th Silver Jubilee edition. Marking a quarter-century of artistic excellence, cultural celebration and community engagement, this year’s festival promises to be a vibrant showcase of creativity, innovation, sustainability and inclusivity. Held in and around the iconic Kala Ghoda precinct in South Mumbai, the festival aims to promote, preserve and spread awareness of the arts to all, by all and for all. What started as a local event in 1999 has become one of India's longest-running and most prominent neighbourhood festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from the city and beyond. With 300+ programmes across 14 verticals—such as visual arts, dance, music, theatre, literature, cinema, heritage walks, urban design and architecture, stand-up, and food—the festival will be held across more than 25 venues. Entry is free.
Date: January 25 to February 2 | 10AM-10PM
Venue: Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400001
Soul Jams is an evening of relaxation and rejuvenation where people can bring their guitars, cajóns and voices to sing their hearts out alongside fellow participants. Visitors can also enjoy listening to amazing artists or take to the stage themselves, all the while encouraged by an accepting and supportive community. The event has three parts: the Soul Open Mic; a social mixer to connect with like-minded individuals and foster meaningful connections; and Soul Jamming, where people sing, play instruments and join the community in a spontaneous, free-flowing musical experience. Get tickets from the Insider website.
Date: January 25 | 5PM
Venue: Raasta Bombay, 4th and 5th floors, Rohan Plaza, 5th Road, Near Union Bank, Khar, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West, Mumbai 400052
Indore-based visual artist Aparna Bidasaria is set to unveil her latest solo art exhibition, “MADAMAST,” this weekend. Showcasing 14 stunning paintings, the exhibition offers a deep dive into her artistic journey and emotional landscape. In this latest series, Bidasaria abandons the constraints of form, letting colour and brushstrokes take the lead. Each artwork in “MADAMAST” tells a story—of trees whispering secrets, sunlight wrapping the earth in its golden embrace and rain gifting its scent to the air. The artist’s romantic spirit shines through her work as she celebrates nature’s strength, peace and introspection. With every canvas, she seeks to bridge the gap between art, nature and the human experience.
Date: January 25-26
Venue: Snowball Studios, Number 4 Mohatta Bhavan Compound, Gandhi Nagar Lane, Dr Elijah Moses Road, Opposite 10, Worli, Mumbai 400018
The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) is kicking off its Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) Spring 2025 season this weekend. With five promising concerts, including two extraordinary opera galas, the period promises to be one of the most unique Western classical music experiences in India. The Spring 2025 season will mark the return of legendary conductor Maestro Zubin Mehta for the third time, as well as the debut of acclaimed British conductor Sir Mark Elder. The opening performance pairs Mehta with renowned classical pianist Alexander Gadjiev for a performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The second concert of the season features two contrasting symphonic works: Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 ("London") paired with Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 5 that evokes powerful emotions. The final concert will be conducted by Sir Mark Elder. It will begin with the Overture to Oberon from the romantic opera by Weber, followed by the triple creation of Overture, Scherzo and the Finale of Schumann’s symphonic work for orchestra, which has an overall light and friendly character. The concert culminates with one of Beethoven’s most celebrated works, the Eroica Symphony, a composition celebrating the memory of a great man. Check the NCPA website for tickets.
Date: January 25 to February 15
Venue: National Centre for Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Embark on a gastronomic journey across India at 7 Isles, the all-day dining restaurant at Navi Mumbai Marriott Hotel, for a special Republic Day brunch. Experience the flavours that unite the nation with a lavish buffet that brings together the essence of India’s rich culinary heritage through dedicated food stations. Guests can expect to delight in the distinct flavours of Bengal and neighbouring states; savour authentic dishes from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra; relish hearty classics from Punjab and the aromatic cuisine of Kashmir; and experience the vibrant spices and delicacies of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. For reservations, call +912262650000 or +918655707853.
Date: January 26 | 12:30PM-3:30PM
Venue: 7 Isles, Navi Mumbai Mariott Hotel, TTC Estate, D-264, Thane-Belapur Road, Turbhe MIDC, Turbhe, Navi Mumbai 400703
