It’s THAT time of the year which feels like a two-month long weekend, doesn’t it? We’re talking about a wholesome line-up of festivals, a heartwarming cup of hot chocolate and months that feel like Saturdays and Sundays. This season is perfect to tick things off your bucket list, from attending your favourite artist’s concert to art exhibitions that’ll bring out your inner art critic.
A repertoire of events is happening this year-end – from breathtaking cultural exhibits and film festivals to international artists stepping foot on Indian soil for the first time. What better way to end an eventful 2023 than indulging in spellbinding extravagance of all things art, entertainment and fun galore! So, here we are with a roster of events you’ve got to look out for, this November and December.
1. ‘Sky Islands Exhibition: An Endangered Indian Landscape’ – A Fine Art Photography Showcase by Ian Lockwood in aid of Kodaikanal International School
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Presented by photographer, educator and advocate for South Asian ecology, Ian Lockwood, this black and white fine art photography exhibition delves into the secluded beauty of Western Ghats’ ‘Sky Islands’, revealing their rich biodiversity, threatened by human activity and climate change. Supported by the Kodaikanal International School’s Center for Environment and Humanity (KIS CEH), this initiative collaborates with local experts on community conservation and watershed management, striving for a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. For all photography enthusiasts and caring environmentalists, this art exhibition is sure to leave you spellbound!
When: 23rd November to 3rd December, 2023
Timings: 12 pm to 8 pm
Where: Dilip Piramal Photography Gallery – NCPA, Mumbai
2. Food Nerd Festival
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The Food Nerd Festival is a first-of-its-kind food festival where foodies, entrepreneurs, chefs and professionals from the food ecosystem would be gathering up for an event filled with exciting workshops, informative sessions with entrepreneurs and a plethora of lip-smacking foods and drinks. The festival is a celebration of India’s F&B community where foodies, startups, professionals and everyone interested in the art (and science) of food are welcome!
When: 25th November, 2023
Where: The Conservatory, Bengaluru
Bookings: linktree
3. Guldasta – Anuv Jain’s India Tour
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‘Baarishein’ fame Anuv Jain is a household name in today’s music scenario. With his second tour, Jain would be performing in 10 cities across India over a span of almost three months. Spanning through cities like Guwahati, Ludhiana, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata among others, the ‘boy with just a guitar’ is sure to leave his fans a memorable music spectacle.
When: November 2023 to January 2024
Where: Delhi | Ludhiana | Guwahati | Kolkata | Bengaluru | Jaipur | Ahmedabad | Pune | Mumbai | Hyderabad
Bookings: insider.in
4. All Living Things Environmental Film Festival
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Claiming the title of being India’s first and largest film festival dedicated to films about environment, this film festival will span over the course of 10 days with almost over 60 films from 50 countries. The festival would be conducted in a hybrid mode, including in-person screenings as well as a virtual leg of the festival. For all the cinephiles out there, this film festival is just perfect for you!
When: 1st to 10th December
Website: alteff.in
5. Echoes of Earth (6th Edition)
Standing tall as India’s greenest music festival, the two-day event is headlined by a pantheon of artists – from Sid Sriram and the Aravani Art Project to three-time Grammy winner Tinariwen. The festival is also inclusive, with kid-friendly and pet-friendly spaces as well as an array of food stalls, flea market and exciting workshops to appeal to all age-groups. With its emphasis on being environmentally conscious, the festival aims to celebrate the confluence of art, music, culture and conservation efforts.
When: 2nd and 3rd December
Where: Embassy International Riding School, Bengaluru
6. Manam Theatre Festival, Hyderabad
Calling all theatre aficionados out there, the Manam Theatre Festival is all set to commemorate a celebration of performing arts – from puppetry and live music to masking and dance. With an impressive line-up comprising four visiting troupes, four local Hyderabad troupes, four venues, eighteen shows across four weekends, the Manam Theatre Festival promises to be a true celebration of the performing arts for diverse audiences. Be prepared to get enthralled with moving performances and an unforgettable theatre experience!
When: 24th November to 17th December
Where: Hyderabad
Bookings: bookmyshow.com
7. Bacardi NH7 Weekender
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With more than 45 stellar international & Indian artists across 4 stages that’ll blow your mind, witness live performances in a range of genres – from Rock to Metal to Punjabi to Pop to Electronic and much more! The Bacardi NH7 Weekender in its 14th edition is all set to impress audiences with its impressive line-up of artists – we’re talking M.I.A., YG, Monuments, Lisa Mishra, Daler Mehendi and many others! This one is truly the perfect getaway for all the party people out there!
When: 1st to 3rd December
Where: Teerth Fields, Pune
Bookings: insider.in
8. Gin Explorers’ Club: Retroverse Edition
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This two-day, retro-arcade extravaganza will be happening in Bengaluru as well as Mumbai and Delhi in the coming months. With an impressive selection of international and homegrown gins, workshops and gin tasting at the Gin Atelier, an array of menus to appeal to discerning taste buds, exciting activities and experiences to indulge in and famous artists to keep the vibe going, this festival is meant for all gin enthusiasts and create some ‘gin-ful’ memories! So, raise your glasses for this retroverse ride!
When: 9th and 10th December, 2023
Where: Jayamahal Palace Exhibition Center, Bengaluru
Bookings: insider.in
9. Mumbai Coffee Festival
Revisit the aromas of the fresh brews of coffee roasters with Home Brewing partner Something’s Brewing from all across India at the Mumbai Coffee Festival. With 25+ coffee roasters, from the likes of Subko Specialty Coffee, Araku Originals, Boojee Cafe and many others, interactive masterclasses and soothing live performances, this experience is something you should not miss out for sure, especially if you love your coffee as much as we do!
When: 24th to 26th November
Where: Jio World Drive, Mumbai
Bookings: bookmyshow.com
10. India Cocktail Week
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With its fourth edition, the India Cocktail Week is back with a bang for all cocktail enthusiasts who do not want to miss an opportunity at trying their hand at (and sipping away) a premium selection of drinks from the world’s top 50 bars. There’s plenty of food from your favourite restaurants – from Good Flippin Burgers to Fromagerie and a riveting line-up of artists, with the likes of Prateek Kuhad, Choksi and Kayan to name a few. If you are in Mumbai this 2nd and 3rd December, this is your cue to sign up for this one-of-a-kind experience!
When: 2nd and 3rd December, 2023
Where: Jio World Garden, Mumbai
Bookings: insider.in
11. An Evening With Steve Vai
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Steve Vai, legendary the 3-time Grammy Award winner is all set to kickstart his India tour with his performance in Mumbai. The accomplished guitarist with a career spanning four decades is ready to amaze his Indian fans with his concert tour in major Indian cities. If attending a Steve Vai concert was always on your bucket list, now is your time to have an experience of a lifetime!
When: 6th December, 2023
Where: Phoenix Marketcity, Mumbai
Bookings: phoenixmarketcity.com
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12. Nara Thai brings down TSAS by Dolkhar
Nara Thai is set to introduce Tsas; an avant-garde plant-based restaurant nestled within the luxurious ambiance of a boutique stay in Dolkhar. This extraordinary culinary endeavor will now transcend Ladakh’s boundaries as Tsas makes its debut with a pop-up event at Nara Thai in Mumbai. The menu promises an unforgettable evening of culinary innovation, with Ladakhi ingredients taking centerstage in a modern gastronomic approach inspired by authentic Thai culinary artistry.
When: 2nd – 3rd December, 2023
Where: Nara Thai, Colaba, Mumbai
Reservations: +91 83558 78888
13. Tres Monos, Argentina Joins Forces with PCO, Mumbai
PCO announces the arrival of Tres Monos in Mumbai, acclaimed bar of Argentina; ranked no. 11 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023. Indulge in an evening of exquisite cocktails crafted by renowned mixologists, including signature drinks like Grosera, Misticollins, Martini Palermo, and Me Oporto Bonito.
When: 30th November, 2023
Where: NRK House, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Reservations: +91 99200 55588
14. Smoke Table by Chef Chris at Cobbler & Crew
Chef Chris, celebrated for his exceptional meat cuts and smoking techniques, including the legendary 18-hour brisket, is set to elevate the dining experience at Cobbler & Crew. His personally crafted awe-inspiring smokers promise to captivate with both their design and the irresistible aromas.
When: 2nd – 3rd December, 2023
Where: Cobbler & Crew, Pune
15. Pet Fed Festival
Pet Fed, India’s Biggest Pet Festival, is back for its 8th edition, landing this time in Delhi. This pet extravaganza promises an awesome time for pets, pet parents, and pet lovers alike, with in-numerous activities, workshops and stalls.
When: 16th – 17th December, 2023
Where: NSIC Grounds, Okhla
Price: INR 499 Online | INR 699 on-ground(For one day per person) | INR 2099 (Two day passes for 5 persons)
Bookings: petfed.org
