May carries forward the energy that April sets in motion, but with a sharper focus on scale and spectacle. As summer settles in, cultural spaces across the country continue to host a mix of large-format events and quieter gallery shows. It is a month where global names and local voices share equal space on the calendar.
From a headline-making performance by Ye to the ever-growing cultural pull of Comic Con India, May is a month that moves between music, fandom, and contemporary art. Alongside this, exhibitions across galleries offer slower, more reflective experiences, bringing together artists across generations and mediums.
Here is everything worth stepping out for this month:
Ye Live in India
Ye’s arrival in India marks a major moment for global music fans, with the artist known as much for his cultural influence as his sound. Expect a set that blends his biggest tracks with the kind of theatrics on stage he is known for, making this as much a spectacle as a concert.
When: May 23
Where: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
Mumbai Comic Con
Comic Con India returns to Mumbai with its signature mix of comics, cosplay, and pop culture fandom. From artist alleys and exclusive merch drops to fan-led moments, the event brings together a community that continues to shape India’s growing geek culture scene.
When: May 9–10
Where: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai
The Contemporary Lore: Sojourn of Styles and Generations Unfurled
Curated by Kiran K Mohan, this group exhibition at Shailja Art Gallery brings together artists across generations, creating a dialogue between evolving styles and artistic legacies. The works by 23 artists, including Anil Gaekwad, Charudatt, Dilip Sharma, and others, move across mediums and narratives, offering a layered look at how contemporary Indian art continues to shift and expand.
When: May 9–14
Where: Shailja Art Gallery, New Delhi
Mumbai Art Exhibition 2026
Held at Nehru Centre Art Gallery, this large-format exhibition gathers a wide range of artists under one roof. Expect a mix of emerging and established names, with works that span styles and mediums, making it an easy entry point into the city’s current art scene.
When: May 5–11
Where: Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Worli
What India Learned to See
This ongoing exhibition reflects on visual culture and perception through an Indian lens. The show by Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation explores how print culture shaped the visual imagination of modern India.
When: Ongoing till May 31
Where: Gallery G, Bengaluru
Silent Stories
Silent Stories explores emotion and narrative shaped by everyday life, memory and cultural landscapes. The show, curated by Archana Khare-Ghose, brings a slice of Sri Lanka to India and leans into subtlety and quiet reflection.
When: May 21–28
Where: Gallery Silver Scapes, New Delhi
Lead image: Getty
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