Events To Attend In Bangalore To Kick Start Your New Year In January 2025

It's touted to be the biggest celebration of Japanese culture in India and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Japan Habba's theme this year is celebrating Everything Japan. There will be 4+ stages, 30+ events and experiences, and 70+ stalls and experience zones that bring the sights, sounds and tastes of Japan to Bangalore. Don't miss out on the live acts, and hands-on experiences such as kimono wearing, Japanese calligraphy, tea ceremony, and manga workshop. 

When: Sunday, 12 January, 10 AM onwards

Where: Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal

Price: INR 399

Comic Con is back in Bangalore! Get ready for an epic showcase of comics, cosplay, collectible merch, toys, immersive fan experiences, gaming and more. It is the best weekend of 2025 yet, so be sure to get your early bird tickets! 

When: January 18 and 19, 11 AM onwards

Where: KTPO, Whitefield 

Price: INR 899 upwards

For his fourth comedy tour, Kanan Gill returns to the stage where he examines the many ways of being, the very idea of being and the ultimately unsatisfactory nature of experience. All with jokes of course, since this is a comedy show after all. 

When: January, 24, 25 and 26, 8 PM onwards

Where: Good Shepherd Auditorium, Richmond Town

Price: INR 799 upwards

The Bengaluru Drum Fest is back! And this time the event promises to be, bigger and bolder than earlier. As a one-of-a-kind festival that celebrates the art of drumming, this event will feature talents from India and around the world such as Peter Szendofi, Ranjit Barot, David Joseph, Ghatam Giridhar Udupa, and Anupam Ghatak. Plus, there's a special performance, solos by drumming legends, and drum face off too!

When: Friday, 31 January, 7 PM onwards

Where: Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Malleshwaram

Price: INR 600 onwards

The popular theater in JP Nagar hosts a variety of plays throughout the year. You can enjoy a diverse range of productions in Kannada, other regional languages, and English. The annual Ranga Shankara theater festival is unmissable.

When: All days except Mondays

Where: Ranga Shankara, JP Nagar

Entry: INR 150 upwards

If you're looking for a night out filled with music and cheer, head to R Bar at the Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel. Every Wednesday and Friday, you'll find live music, an electric atmosphere, good vibes, and great cocktails. The Musical Nights will help you shake off your mid-week blues with trendy beats and a selection of stylish cocktails. Come Friday, whether you're a music lover or just in need of a fun night out, R Bar has all the ingredients for a great evening.

When: Every Wednesday and Friday from 8 PM onwards

Where: R Bar, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, Madhava Nagar

Price: A la Carte

Bangalore Open Air, touted to be India's biggest Hardrock and Heavy Metal festival, is returning with Jinger as the headline act in 2025. Along with Jinger, catch power-packed performances from bands such as Cynic, Suicidal Angels, Necrophobic, Midnight Danger, Demonic Ressurection, and Peekay.  

When: Saturday, 8 February from 2 PM onwards

Where: Royal Orchid Resort & Convention Centre, Yelahanka

Price: INR 3,999 onwards

This is not a drill. Ed Sheeran is coming to Bangalore in 2025! Bangaloreans can listen to the Shape Of You singer perform live in the Garden City for the first time. And that too across two days! After his sold-out show in Mumbai earlier this year, BookMyShow Live is bringing Ed Sheeran back for a multi-city tour in India apart from the Bangalore performance, he'll be performing at Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Shillong and Delhi NCR. 

When: Saturday, 8 February 2025 and Sunday, 9 February 2025 from 4 PM onwards

Where: NICE Grounds, Madavara

Price: INR 3,000 upwards

Sonu Nigam, the Bollywood singer known for his soulful voice and versatility will be performing live with a mix of Bollywood hits, romantic songs, and Kannada chartbusters. You don't want to miss this one!

When: Sunday, 23 February from 7:30 PM onwards

Where: Phoenix MarketCity, Mahadevapura

Price: INR 1,499 onwards

Javed Ali, the prolific Indian playback singer, is performing live this January in Bangalore. Listen to him sing across genres from the energetic Srivalli from Pushpa to the soulful Kun Faya Kun from Rockstar. Of course, we are hoping he sings Jashne Bahara from Jodha Akbar and Nagada Nagada from Jab We Met as well. 

When: Saturday, 25 January, 7 PM onwards

Where: Phoenix MarketCity, Mahadevapura

Price: INR 1,499 upwards

Rahul Dua, the actor, writer, comedian, creator, host for Comicstaan Season 3 Finale, and host for SharkTank Season 2 and 3, will be touring over 40 cities in India with a stop in Bangalore. Get ready to laugh with him soon! 

When: Saturday, 25 January 7 PM onwards

Where: Prabhath Kala Sambrama, Hombegowda Nagar

Price: INR 799 upwards

Indian Ocean, one of the iconic indie rock bands, will be coming back to Bangalore with their legendary sound and innovative indie rock. This is your chance to catch their performance that blends unique rhythms and captivating melodies if you are a die-hard fan or have never heard them live. 

When: Friday, 31 January 7 PM onwards

Where: Phoenix MarketCity, Mahadevapura

Price: INR 499 upwards

Bangalore, be there at the Fortress as Bengaluru FC take on Mohammedan SC, when they clash for the 2024-25 Indian Super League title. In a match where the home team is heavily favoured to win, this will be the first home game of 2025 for Bengaluru FC and you don't wan to miss it!

When: Saturday, 11 January, 5 PM onwards

Where: Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium, Sampangi Rama Nagara,

Price: INR 99 upwards