14 Top Events In Chennai To Start Your 2025 Right

There are a few events that are quintessential to the Chennai experience and one of it is definitely the Mylapore Festival, conducted annually by Sundaram Finance. In the nostalgic lanes of Mylapore, this festival fosters art and culture in the truest sense. Having witnessed Chennai's growth since the 17th century, Mylapore is a hub for tradition and history and this edition of the Mylapore Festival promises just that. Thronging the lanes of Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore would be kolams/rangolis of various sizes, shapes, colours. The stage behind the temple is set to host cultural music and dance from Bharatanatyam to Nadaswaram performances. They also have games like chess and carrom contests and workshops for kids. What's more? This festival is also complemented by a throng of stores on both sides of Mylapore's lanes, with south Indian delicacies like Pongal, Bhajji, Vada and Appalam to keep your appetite happy as you browse the stores. This is a cultural experience like no other, that will help you understand Chennai and its core. Sundaram Finance, the hosting organisation, crusading the cause of “Say No to Plastic Bags" will be distributing around 10,000 cloth bags to residents in exchange for plastic bags on all four days of the festival. 

When: 9 to 12 January

Where: North Mada Street, Mylapore

Price: Free entry

LBB Tip: On the weekend of January 11th and 12th, there will be a Chess tournament for children of the ages of 8, 10 and 12 at the Lady Sivasamy Ayyar School, Mylapore between 8 AM to 11 AM. There will also be an Art & Craft workshop for children under the age of 12, where String Art and Mandala coaster workshops will be held. 

If you are in Chennai, you know the drill. And if you are just exploring the city, hi, welcome, note this annual event into your calendars, because it is a quintessential Chennai experience you CANNOT miss! The YMCA book fair, first started in 1977, is a legendary expo of books across genres, languages, themes, authors and more. With 900 book stalls, this fair is free for students (but you have to show your student ID for entry) but unmissable for all!

When: Till 12 January, 11 AM to 8:30 PM

Where: YMCA Grounds

Price: INR 50 for adults, free for students

If you are one for theatre, plays and soulful stories, this performance produced by Poochu's is where you need to head. This will be an evening of stories told by women that celebrates women on stage, off stage and behind it. Head here for a soulful and emotional evening, one that will make you think, long after it has ended. 

When: 4 January, 7 PM to 9 PM

Where: AF Madras

Price: Free entry

This evening promises observational comedy, humourous songs and a relatable storyline that ties it all. Also, it is Nesan David, the viral sensation who has us rolling with laughter. Every story deserves a happy ending but does his story have a happy ending? Head to his show to find out!

When: 5 January, 2025

Where: Sir Mutha Venkatasubha Rao Concert Hall

Price: INR 499 onwards

If you are one for the roads, wheels and fast racing, this event is for you. Imagine starting your morning on two wheels, revving through the dusty lanes, the smell of freshly brewing coffee, morning newspaper and more just adding to the surroundings. You will find your next motorcycle gang and vibe with fellow adventure enthusiasts as you brave the lanes of Chennai. 

When: 19 January, 8 AM to 2 PM

Where: Ideal Beach Resort, ECR (you need to report here and begin your drive)

Price: Free entry, pre-registration needed. 

LBB Tip: This is conducted by Sin City Saints, Chennai's youngest motorcycle community. Know more here. 

Prabhu Deva, also proclaimed as the 'Michael Jackson Of India' is going to set the stage on fire with his groovy moves and iconic choreography. He will be performing alongside internationally acclaimed dancers and performers and this is one night you cannot miss! 

When: 22 February, 6 PM 

Where: YMCA Grounds

Price: INR 885 onwards

If you are looking to adopt a new hobby or upskill yourself this new year, then head over to this workshop. The fees covers all the required materials and you get to take your creation home as well. They shall also provide you with refreshments as you learn this new skill amidst amateurs and experts alike! 

When: 5 January, 6 PM

Where: The Garden Cafe by Harrington Room

Price: INR 1,599

If you are a cat person or just an animal lover in general whose day is made just by looking, petting and being around furry paws, then this exhibit is for you. This exhibition is by various pet brands selling pet related accessories, must-haves, pet foods. They also have a zone for adoption, if you want to fulfil your dream of taking home a pawsome friend. Grab your passes now! 

When: 12 January, 11 AM onwards

Where: SPB Gardens

Price: INR 199 onwards

LBB Tip: Know more about registration and other details here. 

Relive the magical tunes of this musical maestro with SPB Charan and Priyanka from the UK Murali Band. Bask in the nostalgia of SPB's era from Kalyaanamalai to Valaiyosai. There's no better way to miss our favourite singer than with a bunch of SPB lovers in the same room, singing and feeling his songs. 

When: 11 January, 5 PM onwards

Where: Kamarajar Arangam

Price: INR 590 onwards

Get ready to 'love your zindagi' with musical genius Amit Trivedi. His work is loved across generations, from the heartfelt tunes of Love You Zindagi to the electrifying beats of Namo Namo and Shaam Shaandaar. This is more than just a concert and if you are looking for the perfect low-key sundowner event, this should be it! 

When: 13 January, 5:30 PM

Where: IIT Madras Open Air Theatre

Price: INR 1,499 onwards

After his last special 'Is This It?' (It was), Kanan now returns with 'What is this?'. Gill is set to examine the many ways of being, the very idea of being and the ultimately unsatisfactory nature of experience. With jokes of course, because existential crisis is best shared over laughs. Book now! 

When: 31 January, 8 PM onwards

Where: Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall

Price: INR 799 onwards

If you are looking for the Perfect evening, drop everything and catch Ed Sheeran performing live in the city! His mathematics tour started in 2024 in Mumbai and is now coming to Namma Chennai as well. Dance along to Galway Girl, Castle On The Hill, Shape Of You and more by booking your passes now! 

When: 5 February, 4 PM onwards

Where: YMCA Grounds

Price: INR 4,500 onwards

Comic Con is coming back to Namma Chennai and we couldn't be happier! This is a pop-culture extravaganza across comics, cosplay, collectible merch, toys, immersive fan experiences, gaming, and more. This event unites various fandoms, encompassing comics, toys, merchandise, anime, cosplay, TV shows, movies, gaming, and beyond.

When: 8 to 9 February, 11 AM to 8 PM

Where: Chennai Trade Centre

Price: INR 899 onwards

LBB Tip: You can also participate in Indian Championship of Cosplay by registering here. Registration ends on 6 February. 

It is the month of Margazhi and what better way to get into the margazhi mood than a classical concert by the one and only, Nithyashree Mahadevan. Bharat Kalachar's Margazhi Mahotsav is set to host Nithyashree, the singer transcending generations, whose songs soothe, heal and often, silence our thoughts. Watch her live in concert by booking your tickets now! 

When: 5 January, 4:30 PM

Where: Bharat Kalachar

Price: INR 200 onwards