Mumbai’s Art Festivals : Unveiling The City’s Creative Side - Updated 2024

1. Kala Ghoda Art Festival

1/5 Installation at Kala Ghoda

2/5 Installation at Kala Ghoda 2014

3/5 Exhibition and stalls at Kala Ghoda 2014

4/5 Installation at Kala Ghoda 2014

5/5 Installation at Kala Ghoda 2014

Kala Ghoda Art Festival is a highly acclaimed event that draws large crowds from national and international locales. Since 1999, this nine-day-long annual festival has been organized in the Fort area of Mumbai. It’s divided into 12 different sections, including films, dance, literature, stand-up comedy, music, and more. Here, you will find quirky, out-of-the-box installations, live music shows, and acrobatics.

Come 1st February and I am always excited to visit this festival which comes with a new theme each year. Also, they aim to promote Indian art, food, and handicrafts, so be sure to buy local handmade items and fabrics from the many stalls available here.

Since it gets too crowded here on weekends and evenings, I suggest the best time to visit here is during the mornings or on weekdays. The cherry on the cake is that entry to this fest is free!

2. India Art Festival

Art connoisseurs should visit the India Art Festival, a modern art fair held in three metro cities, namely Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru, since 2011. It aims to bring artists, art galleries, art enthusiasts, interior designers, and architects under one roof to initiate a dialogue and collaboration between them.

This art festival is held at Nehru Center in Worli and hosts around 700 artists and 50 art galleries, which display a collection of sculptures, prints, paintings, lithographs, ceramics, installations, and more. Moreover, entry is free for everyone who’s here to buy the art.

3. Mumbai Film Festival

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Since 1997, the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) has been organizing this event to facilitate the upcoming talents and modern cinema along with promoting the best content and films. It’s usually held in October or November and showcases a diverse collection of Asian, South Asian, and international movies. The ticket prices are based on the different badges, and a general badge costs 1,500 INR (18.02 USD).

4. Mumbai Urban Art Festival - Sassoon Dock Project

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Mumbai Urban Art Festival - Sassoon Dock Project, launched in 2023, is an extension of the Sassoon Docks Art Project, which has been working to retrieve the 142-year-old dock since 2017. Get mesmerized as you watch this historic dock getting revamped and painted with bright colors by around 30 artists from different parts of the world.

You’ll need to register online or on the spot to get an entry for free. Moreover, you can visit here anytime between 11am and 10pm on weekdays and 12pm to 10pm on weekends. However, the crowd starts pouring in at 2pm, so it’s advisable to visit before that.

5. Tata Literature Live! – The Mumbai LitFest

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest is held at National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai in the month of October or November. Focusing on literary arts, this festival unites authors, poets, and literature enthusiasts. The platform offers opportunities for discussions, book launches, and interactions with well-known writers. Note that the entry is free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Celebrate the culture of Mumbai

These art festivals help you discover the vibrant soul of Mumbai’s culture and allow you to experience its creative side. Make sure to attend these festivals and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the city.