This month will have you swirling copa glasses of gin, jamming to classic dance pop tracks, and digging into some of the most eclectic culinary creations – all over the span of just a few weekends. Here’s a ready reckoner of events in India that have us excited to head out. By Eshita Srinivas
Cities across the country have lined up the most exciting set of events this November. We’re talking concerts, experimental cocktails, food festivals, film festivals, and more to head to with your loved ones. Not only do they beat the usual weekend wine-and-dine affair, but they’re also great for getting in some engaging conversations and ‘gram-worthy pictures. Get your planners out – you’re going to want to pencil in all of these.
Strap on for fun weekends with these events across cities in India
Gin Explorers Club: A Mythical Land, Bengaluru 
India’s biggest celebration of juniper goodness comes to Bengaluru with an exciting lineup of music acts and experiences. Gin Explorers Club takes pride in the gin revolution sweeping through the nation – paving the way for brands to spotlight their creations and for the gin-curious to get a taste of what’s out there. The theme is mythical and on the itinerary are a range of homegrown and international brands – Beefeater Pink, Gordon’s, Greater Than, Jaisalmer, Monkey 47, Samsara, Stranger & Sons, Tamras – along with tunes by Peter Cat Recording Co., Sickflip, Nida, Aditi Ramesh, DJ Nida, Anjna, and more!
Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin
Radico Khaitan’s luxury brand Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin has a delicious lineup of cocktails in store, along with sampling events, workshops, and more! Featuring seven botanicals – orange peel, cubeb berries, lemon grass, Darjeeling green tea, coriander, lemon peel, vetiver – it pays homage to the city of Jaisalmer and Indian herbs. Don’t miss out and get your passes here.
Where: Jayamahal Palace
When: November 5 and 6; 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Comic Con India, Bengaluru
Pop-culture geeks, this month is all about you! With fandoms growing across the country – particularly the garden city – there’s no better time than now to celebrate all things comic, manga, anime, and superhero. And considering how the convention is back on ground after a two-year hiatus, participants and guests can expect things to be bigger and better than ever. This includes publishing houses and artistes like Brown Paperbag, Amar Chitra Katha and Raj Comics, Garbage Bin, Yanick Paquette, and more. Not to mention, experiences with 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: The Way of Water, Marvel Studios’ Antman and The Wasp: Quantumania, Warner Bros Pictures’ Black Adam and The Flash zones, amongst others. Shoppers can head to The Souled Store, Nerd Arena, Red Wolf, Maya Toys, Macmerise, The Comic Book Store and Fat Cat Collectibles. That aside, there are plenty of panels, workshops, and performances to sink your teeth into. Need we say more?
Where: KTPO Trade Center, Industrial Area, Whitefield
When: November 19,20
NH7 Weekender, Pune
Four stages, three days, and over 40 artists will raise the roof for India’s happiest multi-genre music festival this weekend. BACARDI NH7 Weekender is back at its home ground Pune – playing host to some of the most impressive artists around the globe. This includes American band The Lumineers, American rapper J.I.D, Swedish band Dirty Loops, UK-based PAV4N, and Israeli band Tiny Fingers. Officially the 13th edition of the festival – #12MeraWeekender – the lineup gets even better with Indian artists like Anuv Jain, Bloodywood, The F16s, Yashraj, and Hanumankind, and Raman Negi. Sameeksha Uniyal, Brand Lead, BACARDÍ India & South East Asia, said, “We are eagerly looking forward to providing a space for our audience to enjoy, explore and discover music like never before, as they are the backbone that makes our festival a pulsating, rocking success.” Need we say more?
Where: Mahalaxmi Lawns
When: November 25 – 27
MANTOversial at Select Citywalk, New Delhi
One of the city’s most popular leisure destinations is set to host a dramatised presentation of Saadat Hasan Manto’s controversial short stories this month. Known to have created quite the stir in his era, his tales from pre-partition/partition India – Boo, Thanda Gosht, Islah – explore relatable, relevant themes. The experience will leave room for viewers to form their own judgement. “As creators we are trying to curate a show wherein there is a comfortable space between the audience and us which is intimate yet an interesting experience.” noted Nupur Khhosla, founder of Theatricalls. Don’t miss out.
Where: Select CITYWALK, Saket
When: November 27, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Olivegando by Pasta Bowl Company, Gurgaon
If authentic Italian fare is your idea of a good weekend, you can’t miss out on Olivegando by the Pasta Bowl Company. Marking the restaurant’s 10-year anniversary, this is a nod to the eponymous harvest festival in Italy that celebrates olive oil. On offer in this limited-editing menu are delicacies like Olive Oil Cake, Affetti Misti, Pancetta Avvolto Gamberetti, and more! “We
thought of amalgamating the concept of a Thanksgiving feast with the traditional harvest festival,” noted chef Om Nayak. Don’t miss out!
Where: 2nd Floor, Cross Point Mall, DLF Phase IV, Sector 28, Gurugram
When: November 25 – December 3
Nara Thai x Cobbler & Crew, Pune
If you’re in Pune this weekend, an exquisite culinary experience awaits. One of the world’s most popular Thai restaurants – Nara Thai – has curated a platter of the most authentic, delicious culinary creations. This includes salads like poached prawn and avocado, appetizers like tofu satay with peanut dip, soups like tom kha, and mains like braised pork belly in oyster sauce, amongst others. We’re eyeing the Thai red and green curries as well as the crab fried rice with wild coriander. Those with sweet teeth can dig into the classic mango sticky rice. That’s not all, there’s plenty of Thai-inspired cocktails to spice up the meal. Delicious!
Where: Barons Club, North Ave, opposite Jogger’s Park, Jogger’s Park, Pluto Society, Kalyani Nagar, Pune
When: November 25-27; 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm for lunch; 8:00 pm onwards for dinner
Grazing Menu by Sly Granny, Pan-India
This chic, quirky space is known for serving up delicious multicultural fare. With the temperatures dropping, the good folks’ over at Sly Granny have curated cosy lunches and brunches – complete with a glass of bubbly. On the menu are asparagus brie vol au vents with apricot chutney, whisky and nut baked camembert with crispy baguette, bacon-wrapped dried figs, tuna rillette, and bacon mac and cheese bites. This menu is available at the store’s various locations across major cities. Don’t miss out.
Where: Sly Granny Khan Market, Sly Granny Cafe at Select Citywalk Mall Saket, Sly Granny Indiranagar, Bengaluru, and Tereza Beach House by Sly Granny, Goa.
When: November 14 onwards
Asian Street Food Fare by Fox In The Field, Bengaluru
Bengaluru’s go-to destination for live music and elegant, artisanal fare – Fox In The Field has lined up the most scrumptious South East Asian fare lined up for the weekend. This includes Rojak Salad, Vietnamese Rolls, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Chow Faan, Stir-Fried Mongolian Lamb, Rambutan Vanilla Ice Cream, and more! Best part? There’s plenty of craft beer and cocktails to go around. Don’t forget to work up an appetite!
Where: Fox in the Field, Nexus Shantiniketan Mall – Whitefield
When: November 23-27; 6:00 pm onwards
Phoenix Market City x Piyush Mishra, Bengaluru
The city’s lifestyle and entertainment destination Phoenix Marketcity will play host to a soulful concert by Piyush Mishra this month. The performance – with his band Ballimaaraan – will pay homage to the respected poet Mirza Ghalib. The lyrics are written by Mishra himself and the band fuses music with conversation and engaging dialogues – straight from the heart. Guests can expect a mix of retro and contemporary tunes, complete with youthful energy. If you’re up for an evening of the most riveting musical performance – don’t miss out on this one.
Where: Courtyard, Phoenix Marketcity
When: November 19, 6:00 pm onwards
Nara Thai x Yauatcha, Bengaluru
Nara Thai’s signature Thai delicacies have found a new home at Yauatcha for a weekend. Guests can expect Thai hospitality, with delicacies like spicy raw papaya salad, crispy lotus roots, chicken wrapped in pandan leaves, wok-tossed crispy pomfret, tom yum soup, Thai curry, praw kra prao, stir-fried chicken, phad Thai noodles, butterfly pea fried rice, tub tim grob, and more! Don’t miss out.
Where: Lido Mall, Level 5, Mall, 1, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Halasuru, Someshwarpura
When: November 18-20; 12:00 pm-11:00 pm
MASH! by ARAKU Coffee: Cacao Origins, Bengaluru
ARAKU Coffee is known to dish out the most innovative bites in the city. True to this, their food programme MASH! has presented the city with experimental, exciting flavours through themed dinners and tasting menus. This month, head chef Rahul Sharma is playing with cacao – paying homage to its farmers and going beyond the idea of a sweet chocolate bar.
We’re talking banana custard, cocoa butter with coconut broth, cocoa cascara warm caramel, cocoa vinegar salad, and more! “The aim is to showcase how cacao is more than just one ingredient. Unlocking the potential of different parts of the cacao such as the cacao juice, cacao husk, and cacao pulp is key to optimising its flavour and translating the same onto the menu,” the chef notes. Pair these with a selection of new-age natural wines and you’re bound to have a meal worth remembering. For more information, head here.
Where: 12th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Doopanahalli, Indiranagar,
When: November 5
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Cacao & Craft Chocolate Festival, Bengaluru
The country’s first Indian Cacao & Craft Chocolate Festival promises to capture the richness of quality chocolate. This is where the finest craft chocolate makers, cacao farmers, industry professionals, chocolatiers, and cacao enthusiasts converge under one roof. The itinerary features a gourmet journey, courtesy of brands like Mason & Co, Bon Fiction, and KOKO Pods.
That aside, food brands like Araku Coffee, Ulo Ice Cream, and Copper & Cloves have lined up the most eclectic array of culinary creations spotlighting cacao. That’s not all, you could also sign up for workshops that discuss how cheese is best paired with chocolate, buy cacao juice, sit down for conversations around chocolate, and even engage in a music-related event that involves chocolate. We can’t think of a more delicious way to spend the weekend. Book your tickets here.
Where: Bangalore International Centre, Domlur
When: November 12 and 13
Bengali Food Festival at SuzyQ by 1522, Bengaluru
SuzyQ’s zeal for innovation has brought to the city an exciting platter of authentic flavours from Bengal. On the menu are rolls, kebabs, grills, mains, and decadent desserts, including chingri cutlet, pomfret rongpuri fry, and aloo ghugni chaat,. There’s also succulent momos inspired by the grub at Park Street and classic Muglai paratha with potato curry. These are deliciously paired with Bengal tea-infused cocktails – The Bong Connection, Howrah Express, Shonar Bangla, Darjeeling Limited. Don’t miss out!
Where: Suzy Q, Indian Express Building, No 1, Queens Road
When: November 2 to December 4; 12:00 pm – 12:30 am
Venga Boys at Byg Brewski, Bengaluru
Nostalgia never sounded this good! Bringing back the groove of the 90s, Byg Brewski Brewing Company Hennur is taking its diners to Ibiza with The Venga Tour – the Vengaboys. The wildly popular Dutch Eurodance Music Group will raise the roof with tracks like “We Like to Party”, “Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!”, and “We’re Going to Ibiza,” and more! Grab your dancing shoes and bring your appetite. Book your passes here.
Where: Byg Brewski Brewing Company, Hennur Baglur Road
When: November 6; 5 pm onwards
Pet Fed, Bengaluru
India’s biggest pet festival and the Lima World Record Holder of the ‘Biggest Dog Carnival,’ is back after two years – this time at a bigger, greener scale. The goal? To return the love pets give us all through the year. Participants can expect a host of the most adorable activities – Pet’s Got Talent, pet fashion show, International cat show, and more! There’s also a Police dog show by the Indian Armed Forces as well as a dedicated play zone for cats and dogs to look forward to. Speaking on the occasion, Bollywood actor Dino Morea – who’s also an investor of the event – commented, “The cuteness overload at this festival can brighten up anyone’s day and I am sure this year will be a big one as we have so many new pet parents. We are ecstatic to see India making its way to being a pet-friendly & inclusive country.” Need we say more?
Where: Jayamahal Palace Grounds
When: November 19 and 20
RCB Bar and Cafe, Bengaluru
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Catering to the city’s growing appetite for pan-Asian cuisine, RCB Bar & Cafe has roped in celebrity Masterchef Jajo to work her culinary magic. Guests can expect innovative takes on sushi, dimsums, and Burmese creations. The menu features delicacies like Burmese Khow Suey, Rock Shrimp Tempura Roll, and Korean bibimbap. Those with sweet teeth would enjoy savouring authentic Japanese Dorayaki, Thai Tub Tim Grob, and more! Don’t miss out.
Where: RCB Bar & Café, Museum Road
When: November 12, 12:30 pm onwards
TUMI, Bengaluru
Known to create the most luxurious business and travel essentials – TUMI has an activation in the works in the next few weeks. On showcase is their new collection – marked by modularity, sustainability, and durability. This includes over two dozen new backpacks, slings, chest packs, duffels, and crossbodies – amongst other things. These are crafted to protect precious cargo, complete with lightweight material that’s used in Nascar race cars and protective NFL gear. Head on over to discover all the possibilities of travel accessories.
Where: UB City
When: November 1 – December 11
BREEZER Vivid Shuffle 2022, Mumbai
India’s biggest hip hop festival has come back for its sixth consecutive season with a high-energy, on-ground experience. Expect adrenaline-pumping performances by the country’s most talented hip hop artists over two days. Day 1 is a celebration of hip hop, trap, and funk with Wicked Sunny, DJ proof, and YouTube knockout Dino James. Day 2, meanwhile, will bring rappers Raftaar, Pavan, Agsy, and Krsna to the party. There’s also a School of Shuffle workshop for those curious enough to learn. You’ll also spot Kriti Sanon jamming along with the audience. Need we say more? Book your passes here.
Where: Dublin Square, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla
When: November 12 and 13
Zomaland by Zomato, Pune
One of India’s grandest food and entertainment carnivals is set to delight Pune with a fiesta. On the itinerary are delicious culinary creations and exciting performances – with the latter featuring the likes of Armaan Mallik, Vir Das, Emiway Bantai, Sapan Verma, Kayan, Tech Panda & Kenzani, Dikshant, Kasyap, and more! That’s not all, every corner promises to be Instagrammable. Don’t miss out!
Where: Mahalakshmi Lawns
When: November 5 and 6, 12:00 pm onwards
Simba Uproar, New Delhi
Simba Uproar, India’s Wildest Festival is a two-day fiesta featuring the biggest names in the Indian Hip Hop scene – King, Azadi Records, IKKA, Gully Gang, Seedhe Maut. Also on the itinerary? Unique experiences centred on urban and extreme sports, streetwear, high-street apparel fashion, cave cocktails, urban delicacies, art, and more. Not to mention, plenty of Simba’s finely-crafted beer. We’re anticipating plenty of electric vibes. Don’t miss out and book your tickets here.
Where: The Hub, DLF Promenade
When: November 19 and 20; 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
MKT X Pisco, New Delhi
Bringing flavours from around the world to the capital city, MKT at The Chanakya is curating an exciting pop-up. On offer are favourites from chef Rohan D’Soza – salads, milk bun burgers, club sandwiches, and decadent desserts, amongst others. There are also live cooking sessions – interactive and informative – by the most renowned chefs to look forward to. Javed Sheikh, head of Operations. F&B, at DLF, is excited for this collaboration.
Where: MKT at the Chanakya
When: November 11,12,13
ASEAN India Music Festival, New Delhi
New Delhi’s renowned Purana Quila has geared up to commemorate 30 years of diplomatic relations between ASEAN and India with musical performances with some of the country’s most skilled artists. The lineup features Raghav Meattle, Vishal & Shekhar, Faridkot, Amar Jalal, PAPON, and more! This is one party you don’t want to miss out on.
Where: Purana Quila, New Delhi
When: November 18-20, 6:00 pm onwards
Kashmiri Food Festival, Delhi-NCR
A delicious celebration of Kashmiri culture – Dhansoo Cafe’s upcoming food festival will feature several traditional recipes and cooking styles. On offer Kashmiri dum aloo, paneer chaman, mutton kanti kebab, yakhni pulav, goshtaba, and more. Head on over for the most flavourful dining experience.
Where: Dhansoo Café, Pacific Mall Subhash Nagar, Delhi & Ambience Mall, Gurgaon
When: November 5-15, 12:00 pm- midnight
Rangeelo Rajasthan, SAGA, Delhi-NCR
Indulge in traditional Rajasthani cuisine at SAFA, the experiential gourmet dining restaurant. The restaurant has collaborated with Rajasthan Tourism for Rangeelo Rajasthan, which is celebrating authentic Rajasthani cuisine. From Chef’s tasting menus to entertainment events such as art exhibitions, puppetry and more, enjoy the best of the vibrant state in your own city. Enjoy dishes such as Dal Bati Churma, Paneer Ke Sooley, Gatte ke Pulav, Rajasthani Kadhi Kachodi, Papad ki Subzi, Mathania Laal Maas, Murgh Bajre ka Soweta among others. End your meal with a variety of sweets such as Matka Kulfi, Moong Dal and Halwa.
Where: SAGA, Vatika Atrium, Golf Course Road, Sector 53, Gurgaon
When: November 5 to 20
PettinOut, Delhi
Swiggy SteppinOut, in association with Heads Up For Tails, is back with PettinOut, its event for your pooches, in Delhi. The biggest outdoor event for pets in the city, the event will be complete with great food, cocktails, brand pop-ups and games for your furry ones. From an agility zone to a ball pit, there’s plenty of places for your pet to enjoy at the event. That’s not all – you can take home delicious treats for your pets at the many bakery pop ups, or get them groomed at the event for a little pick-me-up.
Where: DLF Avenue, Saket
When: November 19
Tickets available on Dineout, Paytm Insider and BookMyShow
All images: Courtesy Shutterstock/brands
This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India
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