Neighbourhood Winter Festival 2025–26: The Ultimate Guide to Bandra's Biennale

Okay, stop doom-scrolling for a second because the timeline is about to get very wholesome. Mumbai’s "winter" (read: 24°C and a light breeze) just got its main character moment. The Neighbourhood Winter Festival (NWF) has officially taken over the timeline, and it’s not just an event, it’s a full cultural reset for the suburbs. Here is the major update: AltBollywood has officially entered the chat as the Official Online Prachaaran Partner. That means while you are living your best life at these events, we are bridging the gap between the on-ground chaos and the digital world with exclusive BTS and real-time tea. We aren't just covering it; we are part of the ecosystem.

The Facts: The Power Duo Behind the Magic

This isn't some random influencer pop-up. This is a legacy. Conceptualized by Hon. Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar and curated by KCT Entertainment’s Shri Dereyk Talker, this festival is a testament to a friendship that has been "Building Community" since 2009.

• The Vision: Making art, music, and culture accessible. No VIP sections, no price tags.

• The Scale: From Bandra to Santacruz, public spaces are turning into cultural havens. KCT Entertainment is handling the logistics, so expect world-class execution, not a chaotic school annual day vibe.

The Schedule (Save This)

I’ve organised this by date so you don't have to stress. Mark your calendars, because "I didn't know" is not a valid excuse.

December 2025

Dec 15–17: Football Tournament

📍 Supari Talao | The sweaty start to the festivities.

Dec 18 (Thu): Christmas Music Night ft. Merlin & The All Stars

📍 Amphitheatre | 🕗 8:00 PM | The official festive kickoff. Mariah Carey energy, but Desi.

Dec 19 (Fri): Live Music: True Blue

Amphitheatre | 🕗 8:00 PM | Immaculate vibes for a Friday night.

Dec 21 (Sun): Cinema Under Stars: Namak Halal

📍 The Park | 🕖 7:00 PM | The Vibe: Amitabh Bachchan classic. "I can talk English, I can walk English." Iconic.

Dec 22 (Mon): Karnivol Road Show

📍 Wings Sports Center | 🕗 8:00 PM | High energy to cure your Monday blues.

Dec 24 (Wed): Rafi Nite (Tribute to Mohammed Rafi)

📍 Rang Sharda | Time TBA | Emotional damage incoming. Your dad will love this.

Dec 26–28 (Fri-Sun): Reclamation Food Festival

📍 Reclamation | The Insider Take: Diet starts next year. Prepare for crowds and butter overload.

Dec 29 (Mon): Children’s Day

📍 Carter Road | Keep the little ones busy so you can breathe.

Dec 30 (Tue): Cinema Under Stars: Maza Navra Tujha Bayko

📍 Asha B Garden | 🕖 7:00 PM | A Marathi cult hit. Expect the laughter to be louder than the traffic.

January 2026

Jan 2–3: Cricket Tournament

📍 Danda | Because it's not India without cricket.

Jan 4 (Sun): Sheridan Brass (International Country Music)

📍 WCG | 🕗 8:00 PM | Yeehaw, but make it Bandra.

Jan 5 (Mon): Pets Day Out

📍 Carter Road | 🕕 6:00 PM | 10/10 serotonin boost. The single best event.

Jan 6 (Tue): Pavitra Tulsi by Sandip Soparrkar

📍 Carter Road | 🕢 7:30 PM | A mesmerising dance showcase you can't scroll past.

Jan 6–7: Little Chefs Workshops

📍 Hindu Soc | MasterChef Junior, but local.

Jan 7–8: Bollywood Dance Showcase

📍 Various Locations | Flash mob energy.

Jan 9 (Fri): Cinema Under Stars: Amar Akbar Anthony

📍 Amphitheatre | 🕖 7:00 PM | The blockbuster of blockbusters. You are legally required to sing along.

Jan 10 (Sat): Dance Fusion

📍 Carter Road | 🕢 7:30 PM | The pre-finale warm-up.

Jan 11 (Sun): Grand Finale: Dire Straits Legacy

📍 Bandra Gymkhana | 🕗 8:00 PM | Historic Performance. Actual rock legends performing for free. The math isn't mathing, but we are seated.

The Insider Take

With AltBollywood as the Prachaaran Partner, we are ensuring the "vibrancy of Mumbai’s culture reaches a global audience." KCT Entertainment has been doing this since 2009, so the logistics will be tight. But let’s be real the Dire Straits Legacy gig is going to be packed. If you think you can stroll in at 7:55 PM, you are delusional.

This festival is the ultimate bridge between "Gen Z aesthetics" and "Boomer nostalgia." The Rafi Nite is essential for family peace—take your parents, and you're sorted for the next three months of family arguments. Plus, the "Free Entry" tag appeals to our desi soul like nothing else.

"TL;DR"

FAST FACTS (Screenshot This) Dates: Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026 Entry: ₹0 (Free for everyone) Official Partner: AltBollywood (Online Prachaaran Partner) Key Organizers: Hon. Ashish Shelar & KCT Entertainment (Shri Dereyk Talker) Top Event: Dire Straits Legacy (Jan 11) Cinema: 'Movies in the Park' series (Bring blankets!) Is there an entry fee for the Neighbourhood Winter Festival 2025 events in Mumbai?

No, the entire Neighbourhood Winter Festival 2025–26 is 100% free and open to the public. There are no hidden ticket costs or "VIP upgrades" required to attend the concerts, movie screenings, or workshops; just show up and bring your vibe.

When and where is Dire Straits Legacy performing in Mumbai in 2026?

Dire Straits Legacy will perform at the Bandra Gymkhana on January 11, 2026, at 8:00 PM as the festival's Grand Finale. This is a free concert, so arriving early is not just a suggestion, it’s a survival strategy if you want to actually see the stage.

What is the full schedule for 'Movies in the Park' at the Neighbourhood Winter Festival?

The open-air cinema schedule includes 'Namak Halal' (Dec 21 at The Park), 'Maza Navra Tujha Bayko' (Dec 30 at Asha B Garden), and 'Amar Akbar Anthony' (Jan 9 at Amphitheatre). All screenings begin at 7:00 PM, and audiences are encouraged to bring mats for a nostalgic picnic experience under the stars.

Who is organizing the Neighbourhood Winter Festival and who is the media partner?

The festival is conceptualized by Hon. Minister Ashish Shelar and curated by KCT Entertainment (Shri Dereyk Talker), with AltBollywood serving as the Official Online Prachaaran Partner. This collaboration ensures seamless logistics on the ground and exclusive, real-time coverage online for fans who can't make it.

Are there pet-friendly events at the Bandra Winter Festival 2025?

Yes, the festival features a dedicated Pets Day Out on January 5, 2026, at Carter Road (6:00 PM). While other events like the concerts or food festivals are open-air, the Pets Day Out is specifically designed for your furry friends to socialize while you take photos for the 'Gram.

What are the dates and location for the Reclamation Food Festival 2025?

The Reclamation Food Festival runs from December 26 to December 28, 2025, at the Bandra Reclamation Promenade. It features a mix of local street food and modern culinary pop-ups, making it the perfect post-Christmas plan for foodies who refuse to diet until January.

Do I need to register in advance for workshops or sports tournaments?

While entry to watch sports and attend events is free, participation in the Football (Dec 15-17) and Cricket (Jan 2-3) tournaments or Little Chefs workshops may require on-spot or prior registration with local organizers. Check the AltBollywood social pages for specific registration links closer to the dates.