As we check in to the halfway point of the year – cities across India are set to play host to the most eclectic set of events. We’re talking concerts by Grammy award winners, pop-ups by renowned chefs, and cocktail evenings for a cause. Not to mention, South Asia’s biggest LGBTQ+ film festival in honour of Pride Month. Here’s a look at where we’re headed this June.
May set the tone for a food-and-music centric summer with a host of culinary collaborations and concerts. And while most of the country is still recovering from the magic that was the Backstreet Boys performance – brands have kicked things into gear for June with the several curated experiences. This includes a celebration of Peranakan cuisine, a sundowner with consciously-made cocktails, and a live performance that fuses traditional flamenco melodies with contemporary pop. This period also marks Pride Month – handing over the mic to the LBGT community to discuss their lived experiences through the medium of art and film. Needless to say, this month is set to be memorable. Here’s a look at all the events in India we’re pencilling into our planners.
Fun events in India that have us pumped for June
Bangalore
Korean Food Festival, Conrad Bengaluru
Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties between South Korea and India – Conrad Bengaluru has a flavourful feast in store this month. Backed by The Embassy of the Republic of Korea and The Korea Tourism Organization – this event will bring to the fore a range of authentic delicacies. The menu – helmed by chefs Lee and Kim from Korea as well as chef Indra from India – will feature the likes of Bulgogi Kimbap, Ganjang Lobsterjang, Tangggi Jorim, Chamchi-Hwae Dupbap, Hwangjae Haemool Ramyun, Daeha Muchim, and more. These pair like a dream with Soju – strawberry, blueberry, and classic – the country’s national drink. Need we say more?
When: Until 26 June
Where: Mikusu, Conrad Bengaluru 25/3, Kensington Rd, Halasuru, Someshwarpura
Night Flea Market and Women’s Event – Better Together, Stone Street
View this post on Instagram
South Bengaluru is set to host an exciting night flea market this month – courtesy of Stone Street and Lushly. Indulge your inner shoppaholic while digging into delicious bites and being entertained by eclectic acts. That’s not all. The next day, gear up for an empowering day featuring the most remarkable women with thriving careers – Akshitha Bopanna, Yota Trom, Susheema Vidyaratnaraj, Sangeeta Devni, Priyanka Gangishetty, Rav Bumbra – who will be leading thought-provoking interactions and sharing their experiences in their respective fields.
When: Night market: 23 June, 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Women’s Event – Better Together: 24 June, 10:00 am onwards
Where: Stone Street, BTM Layout, Bengaluru
Record Room Volume 1 Launch, Record Room
View this post on Instagram
Celebrating a year of bringing the magic of vinyl to Bangalore – popular restaurant Record Room is set to host an evening of groovy tunes and delicious music this month. This, to officially launch their label arm with Record Room Volume 1 – featuring Indian independent artists like Peter Cat Recording Co. Irfana Hameed, Ditty, Shantanu Pandit, Rounak Maiti and Ramya Pothuri, The F16s, and more. Guests can expect to be regaled by tunes by RANJ and CLIFR. Irfana Hameed is also set to spit some bars. Combine this with the space’s all-new menu of delicious meaty bites and dimsums as well as eclectic cocktails and you’ve got yourself a night worth remembering. Don’t miss out!
When: 11 June, 7:00 pm onwards
Where: Record Room Bangalore
The Bourbon Fest by WXYZ , Aloft Bengaluru
Malt afficionados, this event in India is for you. A celebration of smoke and oak awaits at Aloft Bengaluru this month, with an exciting range of bourbon cocktails on offer. Featuring world-class bottles (some limited-edition as well) from renowed distillers as well as a team of talented bartenders – every sip of the classic and creative new libations will sing tales of exquisite craftsmanship. Don’t miss out!
When: Until 30 June
Where: Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, Cessna Business Park Sarjapur – Marathahalli
MasterChef Winner Sashi Cheliah at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel
Former MasterChef Australia winner and founder of the popular restaurants The Pandan Club Sashi Cheliah is set to work his culinary magic in Bangalore this month. In collaboration with Executive Chef JP Singh the two-day pop up will spotlight the best of modern Peranakan cuisine. This includes delicacies like Chilli Lobster Roll, Rendang Tofu, Pongteh Duck with Beetroot Puree, Black Nut Jackfruit, and more. Expect to have your tastebuds tantalised.
When: 3-4 June, 2023, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: Inazia, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center
Innovative Cocktails with Cobbler & Crew and Copitas, Four Seasons Bengaluru
The award-winning Copitas at Four Seasons Hotel has an evening of delicious heady concoctions in store this June. In collaboration with bartending duo Mayur Marne and Aashie Bhatnagar from Mumbai, this event focuses on fostering eco-conscious practices within the bar industry in India. Expect a host of delicious flavours and free-flowing conversations. Not to mention, plenty of groove-worthy tracks, courtesy of the live DJ set.
When: 15 June
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE, 8 Bellary Road, Dena Bank Colony, Ganganagar
Puffizza Festival, Roxie
View this post on Instagram
If you enjoy the comfort of a classic puff pastry, popular craft house and restaurant Roxie has a nostalgia-filled celebration of all things buttery and flaky in store this month. Paying homage to iconic bakeries and flavours – including Mussoorie’s Landour Bakehouse, Kolkata’s Nahoum and Sons, and British and Iran’s most popular pastry shops. We’re talking eight renditions featuring everything from slow-roasted mutton-keema to fresh paneer-scamorza cheese goddess. Need we say more?
When: 10 June onwards
Where: Roxie, 26, Haralur Main Rd, Amblipura, PWD Quarters, Ambalipura, HSR Layout,
DJ Shiva Manvi, Raahi
The perfect opportunity to let your hair down and groove – popular DJ Shiva Manvi is set to spin his magic at Raahi Neo Kitchen and Bar this month. Promising an electric ambiance and the most exciting tunes – the event will be supported by the establishment’s state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. Whether you’re a seasoned electronic enthusiast or are just getting acquainted with its energy – this is one party you don’t want to miss
When: 10 June, 8:00 pm onwards
Where: 15, State Bank of India Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar
The Theatre of Techno Rooftop Sundowner, Magique
With electric techno music and breezy rooftop vibes on offer – Magique is set to host the sundowner of the season. Taking centre stage are DJ Ivan and DJ Almost Human – who will have their best mixing skills and tracks on display all night. Need we say more?
When: 11 June, 4:00 pm onwards
Where: Magique, 100 Feet Rd, Chandra Reddy Layout, S T Bed Layout
French Breakfast By Amiel Gourmet, Maverick & Farmer
Father’s Day is set to be a French affair at Maverick & Farmer, courtesy of authentic bites from the popular Amiel Gourmet. On the all-you-can-eat menu are modern twists on classic breakfast staples – Egg Yolk Gnocchi with carbonara foam, Omelette Au Fromage, Smoked Salmon Savoury Croissants, Round Croissants, the works. A live counter with fruit salads, bread, mini doughnuts, and tea cakes is complemented by desserts made with artisanal coffee (Tiramisu enthusiasts, this one’s for you). Best part? All the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced.
When: 18 June, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Maverick and Farmer, South United FC, Ulsoor
Father’s Day At Brik Oven X Magnolia Bakery
Spend a day engaging in an eclectic set of baking and decorating activities with your main man on Father’s Day with Brik Oven and Magnolia Bakery. On offer are icing workshops from professionals who will help you create colourful swirls on cupcakes. Meanwhile chefs will share their secrets to the perfect pizzas through an interactive workshop. Combine this with delicious sweet and savoury bites and you’ve got yourself a day worth remembering.
When: 16 June, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Where: Brik Oven, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar
Mumbai
Punjabi Food Festival, The Westin Mumbai Garden City
The elegant Westin Mumbai Garden City has curated a celebration of Punjabi flavours this month. At the helm of affairs is reknowed chef Sweety Singh – who will bring the most extensive bites – vegetarian to non-vegetarian – to the table. “Guests can expect an authentic Punjabi experience, with each dish reflecting the richness and vibrancy of our heritage,” he notes. If you enjoy the intricacies of this cuisine from India, this is one event you don’t want to miss out on.
When: Until 25 June
Where: The Westin Mumbai Garden City, Oberoi Garden City, International Business Park, Yashodham, Goregaon
Kashish Film Festival
View this post on Instagram
Pride month marks the arrival of the popular KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival – the biggest of its kind in South Asia. The 14th edition – with the theme ‘Be Fluid, Be You’ – will screen about 110 films from 41 countries on ground and 127 films from 45 countries overall (including online). This includes the likes of Ek Jagah Apni from India, Paloma from Brazil, and Lie With Me from France. To register, head here.
When: 7-11 June (Liberty Cinema); 8-10 June (Alliance Française de Bombay), 16-25 June (online)
Gypsy Kings Live At Phoenix Market City
With hit tracks like Bamboleo, Volare, and Djobi Djoba in their repertoire – French band and Grammy Award winners Gypsy Kings are set to raise the roof of maximum city this month. Expect a unique fusion of traditional flamenco melodies with contemporary pop and Latin rhythms. Regardless of whether or not concerts are a staple of your social calendar – this is one gig you don’t want to miss. Get your passes here.
When: 2 June
Where: Dublin Square, Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai
Four Hands Dinner at Romano’s, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
You know it’s going to be an exquisite dining experience when it’s a collaboration between some of the biggest names in the business. One Michelin Star Awarded IGNIV Bangkok from The St. Regis Bangkok is working with Mumbai’s popular dining destination EKAA to present an exclusive multi-course dinner at the renowned Italian restaurant Romano’s. At the helm of affairs are the most revered chefs in the business, who will dish out delicacies like Smoked Sturgeon with Caviar and Crème Fraiche, Butternut Squash with Kimchi and Sesame Kimchi Broth, Pearl Tribal Rice, Mango Tarte, Goat Cheese with Cucumber, Tomatillo, Dumpling, and Duck, amongst others. Combine this with an elegant ambiance, delicious beverages, and impeccable service and you’ve got yourself a meal worth remembering
When: 9-10 June, 7:00 pm onwards
Where: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
Which of these events in India are you headed to this month?
All images: Courtesy Shutterstok/Brands