Asia’s largest multicultural street arts festival, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF), is back with its 26th edition in Mumbai, and we are so excited. The festival this year will be held from January 31, 2026, to February 8, 2026, in Mumbai. It is one of the most loved and awaited art festivals of Mumbai that transforms the Kala Ghoda precinct into an artsy place. From venue to theme, here’s everything you must know about the upcoming Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026 in Mumbai.
All About Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026: Dates, Venue, And Theme
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026 is all set to transform Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda area into a vibrant and colorful space filled with art and culture. The nine-day festival will bring art, culture, music, theatre, design, film, literature, and community-led cultural experiences.
This year, the festival will kick off on January 31, 2026, and wind up on February 8, 2026. The timings for the same will be 10 AM to 9:30 PM or 9:45 PM. It will be held at four different venues:
- National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)
- David Sassoon Library
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
- The Kala Ghoda precinct
The main theme for the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026 is “Ahead of the Curve.” It signifies leadership and foresight, positioning the festival as a trend setter when it comes to embracing new ideas. The theme, in a way, reflects the main goal of this festival, which is to embrace creativity and push boundaries.
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KGAF 2026 Mumbai Schedule and Highlights
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026 features over 300 events across 14 artistic verticals, most free to attend, while select ones need advance registration for limited seats. As of now, the official schedule for the festival is not out yet.
Artistic Highlights
- Music: Global performances at Cross Maidan.
- Dance & Theatre: Traditional dances and plays.
- Literature & Cinema: Book launches, and international or indie film screenings.
- Visual Arts: Street installations, gallery showcases in Jehangir Art Gallery.
- Heritage Walks: Heritage walks to explore the history and architecture in South Mumbai
- Workshops: Pottery, writing, design, music
How To Reach Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026 is held in Mumbai‘s Fort area’s Kala Ghoda precinct. Here’s how you can reach here.
Train
- The nearest railway station is Churchgate railway station, which is just 1 km away from the Kala Ghoda area.
- You can walk to the venue (10-15 minutes) or take a cab (5-7 minutes).
- Another nearest railway station is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). It is just 2 km away, and you can easily take a cab and reach in under 10 minutes.
Bus
- You can take BEST buses that halt at Colaba Depot, Flora Fountain (H.N. Hospital), or Dr. Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Chowk stops.
- From there, it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the heart of Kala Ghoda near Jehangir Art Gallery.
Cab
- Taxis, app-based cabs can drop visitors directly at the Kala Ghoda festival venue from Churchgate station or CSMT station.
- There can be traffic congestion during the festivals, so you can avoid taking cabs.
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Summing Up
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026 is all set to take people on a vibrant and artful experience across various verticals, from heritage to literature and more. The festival starts on January 31 and will run for nine long days. So get ready to experience South Mumbai in a completely different light for nine days, immersed in art and culture.
FAQS
Parking near Fort during the Kala Ghoda festival
Parking near Fort is limited; opt for paid lots at Cross Maidan, Horniman Circle, or the metro at Churchgate/Vidhan Bhavan.
How to reach Kala Ghoda from Churchgate Station
You can take a cab from the station, which will be a 9-minute ride via Veer Nariman Road. Or you can also walk to the venue, it will take about 15 minutes.
Is Kala Ghoda Arts Festival free in 2026?
Yes. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival free in 2026.
What is the theme for Kala Ghoda 2026?
Ahead of the Curve is the theme for this year.
Where can I register for KGAF 2026 workshops?
You can easily register at kalaghodaassociation.com/program-2026 .
