If you felt the cultural void in the city over the last few months, you are not alone. After the massive success of the previous edition in late 2024, the city’s favorite festival took a brief hiatus from its usual December slot. But the wait is finally over.
The Third Edition of BLR Hubba (Bengaluru Habba) is officially confirmed to return, kicking off the new year with a bang. Mark your calendars: the Garden City will transform into a cultural carnival from January 16th to January 25th, 2026.
A Shift in Tradition: From December to January
For decades, Bengaluru Hubba was synonymous with December. However, the organizers, UnboxingBLR Foundation, have strategically shifted the dates to January 2026 for this edition. This move aims to start the year on a high note, leveraging the pristine winter weather of Bengaluru.
While the previous edition in 2024 dazzled us with over 500 events across 40 locations, the 2026 edition promises to be even more curated and impactful.
What to Expect at BLR Hubba 2026?
This isn’t just an art festival; it is a “distributed” city festival. This means the event won’t be stuck in one auditorium. Instead, it spills over into parks, metro stations, and heritage buildings.
Here is what makes the 2026 lineup unmissable:
- Global Headliners: The biggest buzz this year is the special appearance by international guitar legend Marty Friedman.
- Massive Scale: The ten-day extravaganza will feature 250+ performances spanning 12+ genres, including theatre, dance, folk arts, and literature.
- International Acts: Apart from local talent, look out for exclusive performances by artists from Japan and Malaysia.
- Hyper-Local Vibe: A significant portion of the festival involves “Hubba in Your Park” and street events, making culture accessible to everyone, not just ticket-holders.
Venues: Where is it Happening?
The festival will activate over 20 venues across the city.
- The Central Node: Freedom Park remains the heart of the festival, hosting the biggest musical acts and large-scale installations.
- Heritage Spaces: Look for events at iconic locations like Panchavati (C.V. Raman’s home) and the NGEF Campus, which is being reimagined as a cultural and tech hub.
- Public Transit: Just like last year, expect pop-up art galleries and busking at Namma Metro stations (MG Road, Church Street area), turning your commute into a cultural walk.
Why You Should Attend
Bengaluru often gets bad press for its traffic, but BLR Hubba is the city’s redemption song. It is an effort to rebrand Bengaluru from just a “Tech Hub” to a “Cultural Hub.”
Most importantly, inclusivity is key. In the previous edition, nearly 70% of the events were free to the public. While we wait for the official 2026 schedule, it is safe to expect a similar mix of free and ticketed events, ensuring that everyone—from students to CEOs—can enjoy the vibe.
Quick Facts for Your Visit
- Dates: January 16 – 25, 2026
- Primary Location: Freedom Park & Multiple Venues
- Tickets: Available on platforms like BookMyShow (listings expected soon)
- Theme: “Hot Problems, Cool Solutions” (reflected in their startup challenges) & “Business-to-Leisure”.
Conclusion Whether you are a theatre geek, a rock music fan, or just someone looking for a good weekend outing, BLR Hubba 2026 is the place to be. Don’t let the January blues get to you – step out and celebrate the soul of Namma Bengaluru!