As the 26th edition of the iconic city-based arts festival gets underway this weekend, here’s all you need to know and why you should attend the festival
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival returns for its 26th edition in January. Photo Courtesy: Nascimento Pinto
Mumbai’s iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026 will begin from this weekend and go on throughout the next week ending in the first week of February. With yet another edition set to take over the city over the next week, there is a lot in store for Mumbaikars with a focus not only arts and culture, but also music, food and more for adults and well as children in the Kala Ghoda neighbourhood of Mumbai.
Days
Organised by the Kala Ghoda Association, the festival has grown from a local initiative in 1999 to celebrate India's arts in so many different ways. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026 is all set to take place from January 31 to February 8 in the Kala Ghoda area of Churchgate in Mumbai
Significance
It is known to be one of Asia’s largest multidisciplinary street arts festival that people to experience a dynamic blend of tradition, and innovation. This year, the 15 verticals focus on children, cinema, dance, food, heritage walks, lifestyle, literature, music, stalls with arts, crafts and fashion, stand-up comedy, street programming, theatre, urban Design and architecture, visual arts, and workshops.
Time
The nine-day festival will take place from 10 am to 10 pm every day across the South Mumbai neighbourhood with a wide variety of events held in some of the most iconic structures in the area.
With over 400 programmes, over 100 art installations across 15 verticals, the 2026 edition will span over 25 exclusive indoor and outdoor venues, including K. Dubash Marg, CSMVS Museum, Cross Maidan, David Sassoon Library, and Horniman Circle Garden.
Theme
The theme for this year is “Ahead of the Curve” symbolising foresight, creativity, and leadership in the arts, thus continuing the enduring commitment to staying at the forefront of cultural expression.
Entry and travel
All events are free to register and attend to make art accessible to all people coming from all over.
The easiest way to travel to the area is by taking the Mumbai local train and get off at CST on the Central Railway line, and Churchgate on the Western Railway line. While you can always walk, if you are going there in the morning or evening, you can also take a black and yellow taxi to the neighbourhood that would cost about Rs 50.
Additionally, you can also take the Aqua Line metro, and get down at Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate or CSMT metro, depending on the route you are travelling to reach there the fastest.
It will be difficult to get parking for private cars, so it is advised to take the public transport.
Performances
Among the many performers, Mumbaikars and attendees coming from all over will get to witness three-time Grammy Award-winner Ricky Kej perform live at the city's most prestigious arts festival on February 7, before India's beloved Usha Uthup takes over with her powerful voice.
The festival will end with a performance by Indian actor-director Farhan Akhtar and Monali Thakur respectively on February 8. While Farhan will perform some of his self-written English songs, Monali will sing some of her most popular ballads, but not without her high-energy hits.
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