As India’s creative economy matures, its cultural calendar is becoming richer, more layered, and unmistakably global in outlook. Early 2026 sets the tone with a series of festivals and fairs that move
beyond spectacle – offering deeper engagement with art, music, food, craft, and community. From large-scale art fairs and intimate retrospectives to genre-spanning music festivals and coffee culture celebrations, these gatherings reflect how India is curating experiences rather than just events.
Here’s a curated guide to the key cultural moments shaping the season.
India International Coffee Festival, Bengaluru
The India International Coffee Festival returns for its second edition as a definitive celebration of India’s evolving coffee ecosystem. Bringing together growers, roasters, baristas, equipment innovators, and consumers, the festival offers a full-spectrum view of how coffee travels from estate to cup. Workshops and masterclasses explore brewing, sustainability, post-harvest innovation, and flavour science, while live music, performances, and cultural programming keep the energy immersive.
Dates: February 12–14, 2026 | Venue: Marakata, Bengaluru
India Art Fair 2026, New Delhi
Marking its 17th edition, India Art Fair cements its position as South Asia’s most influential art platform. With a record 133 exhibitors, large-scale outdoor commissions, performance art, city-wide activations, and an ambitious talks programme, the fair transforms Delhi into a cultural nerve centre. This year’s edition foregrounds dialogue between craft, technology, ecology, and contemporary practice.
Dates: February 5–8, 2026 | Venue: NSIC Exhibition Grounds, New Delhi
Gujral Within: An Introspection, New Delhi
A quieter but deeply significant moment in the season, Gujral Within honours the centenary of modern master Satish Gujral. Drawn entirely from Raseel Gujral’s private collection, this acquisition-led exhibition focuses on Gujral’s final decade – marked by restraint, reflection, and distilled form. Never-before-seen works invite viewers into an inward, contemplative encounter with the artist’s legacy.
Preview: January 31, 2026 | Venue: Bikaner House, New Delhi
India Art Festival, Mumbai
Returning for its 14th Mumbai edition, India Art Festival continues its democratic approach to art discovery. With over 550 artists, 45 galleries, and thousands of artworks across two pavilions, the festival bridges emerging voices with established names. Its emphasis on direct engagement between artists and audiences keeps it accessible, inclusive, and community-driven.
Dates: January 30 – February 1, 2026 | Venue: Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai
SulaFest
Set against vineyard views, SulaFest blends music, wine, and relaxed festival energy. The 2026 lineup leans India-forward, with electronic pioneers, indie rock favourites, folk-fusion acts, and pop voices sharing the stage across two days.
Dates: January 31 – February 1, 2026 | Venue: Sula Vineyards, Nashik
Sacred Spirit Festival, Jodhpur
Hosted within the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, Sacred Spirit Festival remains a cornerstone for folk, fusion, and global collaborations. The 2026 edition brings together Indian classical traditions, world music, and cross-cultural performances in an atmospheric setting that prioritises depth over scale.
Dates: February 13–15, 2026 | Venue: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Jazz India Circuit 2026
Touring Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, the Jazz India Circuit returns with a lineup that blends virtuosity with experimentation. Featuring international jazz innovators and cross-cultural ensembles, the circuit reinforces India’s growing appetite for contemporary global jazz.
Dates: February 4–8, 2026 | Venues: Bengaluru, Mumbai, New Delhi
