Events In January That Are Worth Travelling For: Music, Books, And More

File photo of John Mayer in concert | Image credit: Flickred!/Flickr

Summary

In January 2026, plan to travel across India for music festivals, book fairs, storytelling festivals, and more.
Read on to find out the perfect fit for you, as well as your family and friends.

January 2026 is packed with a multitude of events, from weekend-long music festivals to solo performances by global artists to unique storytelling experiences and other concept events. If you have been looking for festivals and more that you can plan your travels around, this is the perfect read for you. Find events that are ideal for travelling with family, friends, or solo in January 2026, and plan your explorations of the cities.

Check out our curated list of tips that will make you a conscious traveller in 2026.

Upcoming events in January 2026

Kochi‑Muziris Biennale: December 11 to March 31

Art lovers can rejoice in Kochi with the 6th edition of the Kochi‑Muziris Biennale, an international exhibition of contemporary art. It is not just the biggest art exhibition in India but also the largest contemporary art festival in Asia. This year, the event is titled For the Time Being and features over 60 artists from 20 countries. The lineup includes Bani Abidi, Arti Kadam, Bhasha Chakrabarti, Birender Yadav, Adrián Villar Rojas, Anja Ibsch, Grüntaler9, Anupama Kundoo, Biraaj Dodiya, and Naeem Mohaiemen. The festival will run at multiple venues across Kochi.

Venue: Multiple venues across Kochi
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Tickets: INR 100 onwards
Book here.

SwaraZankar Music Festival: January 8 to 11

If Indian classical music is what you are looking for, the SwaraZankar Music Festival in Pune is one of the best events to attend in January 2026. From tabla solos to violin, sitar, dholaki, vocals, instrumentals, and more, the festival promises an enthralling experience.

Check our guide to what to see in Pune by a local for a more immersive trip.

Venue: MIT WPU Ground, Kothrud, Pune
Timings: From 5 pm
Tickets: INR 500 onwards
Book here.

Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival: January 9 to 11

The 7th edition of the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival is a must-attend event for those in love with stories, be it oral or visual. With artists and authors travelling from across the world to attend the festival, expect soulful narratives, musical performances, and more. With separate events for children, it is a wholesome family festival that you can travel to in January 2026.

Here’s all you need to know about the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival before you go.

Venue: Park Exotica Resort
Timings: From 10 am
Tickets: INR 250 onwards

The New Delhi World Book Fair: January 10 to 18

Bibliophiles are sure to have a field day at the New Delhi World Book Fair, an event organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) at Bharat Mandapam. Here, it is not just about perusing and buying books, but also about finding rare collector’s editions, cultural programs, and interactions with publishers and authors. With a separate area for kids, this is one of the best events in January that you can travel to with the family.

Explore more of the Indian capital on Delhi Metro’s Golden Line.

Did you know

Bharat Mandapam features India’s largest convention space with more than 7,000 seats.

Venue: Bharat Mandapam, Delhi
Timings: 11 am to 8 pm
Tickets: INR 10 for children, and INR 20 for adults. Entry is free for children in school uniforms, senior citizens, and the differently abled.
Book here.

Hyderabad’s International Kite Festival: January 13 to 15

events in January — Representational image credit: achille.ballabeni, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The International Kite Festival in Hyderabad celebrates Makar Sankranti (a major Hindu festival) in the grandest manner possible, with vibrant kites colouring the sky with a multitude of colours and shapes. Additionally, hot air balloons and drones are expected to attract more visitors, although the details of the same are yet to be finalised. With international and domestic kite artists expected to show up with their unique kites and showcase their flying techniques, this is a great event to attend for people from all walks of life.

Venue: Parade Grounds, Secunderabad
Timings: 9 am to 11 pm
Tickets: Free entry

Indie Unboxd: January 16 to 18

An event dedicated to India’s homegrown brands, Indie Unboxd will showcase over 200 brands across various genres and welcome more than 100 creators and artists. Expect a host of well-known and upcoming fashion, food, beauty, lifestyle, and wellness brands to showcase their wares at the event. You can also expect a variety of cultural performances by Gajendra Verma, Mame Khan, Shirley Setia, Shruti Pathak, and Prabh Gill.

Venue: JLN Stadium, Delhi
Timings: From 12 pm
Tickets: INR 499
Book here.

Goa Sunsplash 2026: January 17 to 18

One of the biggest reggae and sound system Festivals in Asia, Goa Sunsplash, is celebrating 10 years in 2026. With plenty of bigwigs, such as Lucano, Macka B, Hempress Sativa, and Paolo Baldini Dubfiles, among others, making it to the lineup, attendees can expect a stunning couple of days enjoying the peaceful vibes and lyrics.

Venue: Thalassa Beach Boutique Resort, Goa
Timings: 2 pm on January 17 to 10 pm on January 18
Tickets: INR 4,000 onwards
Book here

John Mayer Solo: January 22

Making his India debut in January 2026, John Mayer is all set to perform live in Mumbai as part of his worldwide solo tour. The 7-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter is expected to perform some of his biggest hits for his Indian fans. Expect an unforgettable performance with his soulful voice and mastery over the guitar.

Our guide will help you eat like a local at some of the best khau gallis in Mumbai.

Did you know

Before John Mayer found fame, he worked at a gas station and saved for 15 months to buy his first quality guitar.

Venue: Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai
Timings: From 5 pm
Tickets: INR 5,500 onwards
Book here.

Kerala Literature Festival 2026: January 22 to 25

The 9th edition of Kerala Literature Festival, the largest literature festival in Asia, is all set to take over the beautiful Kozhikode beach with a host of diverse speakers and events, from authors and musicians to industry leaders and more. With Germany as the guest nation and myriad bigwigs scheduled to interact with the attendees, the lit fest this year is expected to be a major crowd-puller. The line-up includes Astronaut Sunita Williams, Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee, Indian movie director PA Ranjith, Shahsi Tharoor, Indra Nooyi, Kiran Desai, Shobhaa Dé, and Journalist Chitra Subramaniam, among many others.

Venue: Kozhikode Beach, Kerala
Timings: 9 am to 10 pm
Tickets: Entry is free, but registration is mandatory.
Register here.

Tiësto India Tour 2026: January 23 to 25

Tiësto, the Dutch DJ and record producer, is returning to India in January 2026 for a 3-city tour in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. This will be his first performance in India in nearly a decade, after his performance at Sunburn in 2013. Expect a thrilling evening with cinematic visuals, iconic classics, latest hits, and even a few unreleased tracks.

Venues:

Delhi (January 23): Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi
Mumbai (January 24): Dome SVP Stadium, Mumbai
Kolkata (January 25): Aquatica Ground, Kolkata

Timings: From 8 pm

Tickets: INR 999 onwards

Lollapalooza India 2026: January 24 to 25

Lollapalooza India 2026 is one of the most-awaited events to attend in January, with a lineup that includes bigwigs such as Linkin Park (for their first-ever performance in India), Yungblud, Playboi Carti, Kehlani, Bloodywood, Knock2, Mother Mother, Calum Scott, Fujii Kaze, and more. The festival, celebrating rock, pop, hip-hop, R&B, and EDM genres, will have four separate stages and more than 20 hours of music overall over the course of 2 days. Attendees can also enjoy a host of food stalls and art installations.

Learn more about how gig-tripping in 2026 might lead to Hong Kong and Macau.

Did you know

Linkin Park was the first rock band to achieve over one billion hits on YouTube, with their 2009 single ‘New Divide’.

Venue: Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai
Timings: 12 pm to 10:30 pm
Tickets: INR 6,999 onwards
Book here.

Shop the best travel experiences here

Tips for people attending events in January 2026

Based on the destination you are attending the event in, make sure to pack enough warm clothes.
Secure your tickets in advance.
Look up all venue rules.
Make sure you are taking all your essentials for attending the event, such as tickets, ID, cash/card, and a power pack for a charging emergency. A small fanny pack to carry the same is a good idea.
Maintain your energy levels throughout the event by hydrating yourself and having small meals or snacks in between. Remember, coffee and alcohol dehydrate you, so double down on the hydration.
Ensure comfortable attire for the event, especially comfy footwear if there is going to be a lot of standing or walking around.
Live in the moment and try to restrict your usage of cell phone cameras.
Be respectful of staff and fellow attendees.

(Feature image credit: Christina, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the major events happening in January 2026?

The major events happening in January 2026 include the Kochi‑Muziris Biennale, SwaraZankar Music Festival, Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival, The New Delhi World Book Fair, the Hyderabad’s International Kite Festival, the John Mayer concert, and Lollapalooza India 2026 are a few of the main events happening in January 2026.

What are the top music concerts scheduled for January 2026?

SwaraZankar Music Festival, Lollapalooza India 2026, John Mayer solo concert, and Goa Sunsplash are a few of the top music concerts scheduled for January 2026.

Are there any notable food and drink festivals in January 2026?

While there are no standalone food and drink festivals in January 2026, most events, including concerts, are sure to have a separate food area for sure.

What family-friendly events are available in January 2026?

Events such as the Kochi‑Muziris Biennale, the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival, The New Delhi World Book Fair, and the Hyderabad’s International Kite Festival are a few of the family-friendly events available in January 2026.

Which events in January 2026 require advance booking?

Most events in January 2026 require advance booking, which will be beneficial for attendees who are looking to avoid standing in long queues at the venue to purchase tickets.

What are the best outdoor events to attend in January 2026?

The Hyderabad’s International Kite Festival is one of the best outdoor events to attend in January 2026.

What are the most unique or unusual events taking place in January 2026?

Indie Unboxd, Hyderabad’s International Kite Festival, and the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival are a few of the most unique events taking place in January 2026.