Mumbai’s much-loved community arts platform, Festival at The Steps, is returning for its seventh edition this winter. The festival celebrates public spaces through music, dance, art, book swaps, workshops, conversations and community-led experiences. Free and open to everyone, the festival will take place across eight Saturday evenings from 19 December 2026 to 6 February 2027.
The organisers have opened submissions for mural artists, performers, volunteers, photographers, content creators and schools interested in creating art installations. Students, teachers and school communities can also participate in workshops and other creative experiences.
Festival at The Steps 2026–27: Key Details
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Details |
Information |
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Festival |
7th Edition of Festival at The Steps |
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Opening date |
19 December 2026 |
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Finale |
6 February 2027 |
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Duration |
Eight Saturday evenings |
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Location |
The Stephen’s Steps, Bandra, Mumbai |
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Entry |
Free and open to all |
The Steps Bandra Location
The event will happen at the Stephen’s Steps, Opposite St. Stephen’s Church, Mount Mary Road, Bandra West, Mumbai.
Link for Participation at the event
Call for Submissions: Who Can Participate?
1. Mural Artists
Artists are invited to paint a wall at The Steps alongside members of the community. The initiative offers mural artists an opportunity to contribute to public art and help transform shared spaces through creativity.
How to participate: Register your interest through the festival’s official submission form.
2. Performers at The Steps
Musicians, dancers, choirs, poets, theatre groups and workshop leaders of all ages are invited to perform, collaborate or facilitate creative experiences.
The festival welcomes different art forms, including classical and folk dance, contemporary performances, indie and jazz music, theatre and poetry.
How to participate: Fill in the application form. The organisers will review submissions and contact applicants to confirm participation.
3. Volunteers
Volunteers can help during the Saturday festival evenings, support pre-festival activities across Mumbai or assist with mural projects.
This is an opportunity for people who want to contribute to community events, public art and cultural activities.
How to participate: Apply through the official volunteer application form.
4. Photographers and Content Creators
Photographers, videographers and digital content creators are invited to capture the 2026–27 festival. Their work will help document performances, public art, workshops and community participation.
How to participate: Submit an application through the festival’s official channel.
5. Schools: Installation Art
Schools are invited to submit concepts for a visual art installation exploring Mumbai through its people, places, memories, cultures, histories and everyday stories.
Each school can submit one official entry. The concept submission deadline is 30 October 2026 at 5 PM.
Schools should review the official brief before submitting their concepts.
6. Friends of The Steps: Workshops and Experiences
Students, teachers and school communities can take part in workshops and experiences that encourage collaboration, creativity and engagement beyond the classroom.
The programme aims to help school communities create, participate, meet others and contribute to meaningful projects across the city.
Festival Dates: Eight Saturdays
The seventh edition will unfold over eight Saturday evenings:
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Day |
Date |
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Day 1 |
Saturday, 19 December 2026 |
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Day 2 |
Saturday, 26 December 2026 |
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Day 3 |
Saturday, 2 January 2027 |
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Day 4 |
Saturday, 9 January 2027 |
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Day 5 |
Saturday, 16 January 2027 |
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Day 6 |
Saturday, 23 January 2027 |
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Day 7 |
Saturday, 30 January 2027 |
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Finale |
Saturday, 6 February 2027 |
What to Expect at Festival at The Steps
The festival brings together a range of free cultural and community experiences.
- Dance: Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, contemporary, ballet, flamenco, ballroom, jazz and Lindy Hop.
- Performance and visual arts: Live music, street plays, comedy, art exhibitions and photography exhibitions.
- Art and craft: Warli art, block printing, nature printing and sessions with established artists.
- Fitness and movement: Capoeira, parkour, yoga and meditation.
- Books and ideas: Readings, storytelling, book swaps, author interactions and library corners.
- Workshops and outreach: Sustainability activities, photography sessions, community programmes and initiatives involving NGOs, schools and colleges.
Before the main festival, activities will also travel to schools, libraries and community spaces across Mumbai through workshops, readings and film programmes.
About Festival at The Steps
Festival at The Steps is part of a wider civic and cultural initiative that connects public spaces, artists, schools, cultural organisations and communities across Mumbai.
The Steps is a shared space that can become a gallery, theatre, playground or meeting place through public participation. The festival builds on this idea by bringing art and cultural activities into everyday urban life.
The year-long STEP BY STEP public art platform further connects partners working across culture, community and urban transformation.
Is Festival at The Steps Free?
Yes. The event is free and open to everyone. There are no entry fees, memberships or age limits.
How to Apply
Those interested in participating as artists, performers, volunteers, photographers, content creators or schools should use the relevant application form on the official Festival at The Steps website.
- Mural artists: Register your interest.
- Performers: Apply to perform or facilitate workshops.
- Volunteers: Apply to support festival and pre-festival activities.
- Photographers and creators: Apply to document the festival.
- Schools: Register the school and read the installation art brief.
- School communities: Explore opportunities to join workshops and experiences.
The organisers have requested patience while applications are reviewed and will contact applicants to confirm participation. The official website and its social media page, @thestepsbandra, should be checked for application links and programme updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Festival at The Steps 2026–27?
The festival opens on 19 December 2026 and concludes on 6 February 2027.
How many days will the festival run?
The festival is scheduled across eight Saturday evenings.
Who can apply to participate?
Mural artists, performers, volunteers, photographers, videographers, content creators and schools can apply for relevant opportunities.
What is the deadline for school installation concepts?
Schools must submit their concepts by 30 October 2026 at 5 PM.
Is entry free?
Yes, the festival is free and open to all, with no age limits or membership requirements.
Where can applicants find updates?
Check the official Festival at The Steps website and Instagram page, @thestepsbandra, for forms, announcements and programme details.
Final Words
Festival at The Steps 2026–27 invites Mumbai’s artists, students, schools, performers and communities to help create a more connected and creative city. Whether through painting a mural, performing on stage, volunteering or contributing a school art installation, participants can become part of a festival built around shared spaces and community participation.
Key date to remember: School installation art concepts close on 30 October 2026 at 5 PM.
