Themed Fan Party to Rabindra Jayanti Celebrations: Top Kolkata Events you can Attend this May!

May in Kolkata is looking pretty fabulous—and not just because of the mangoes and long weekends. From vintage charm at a pen fair to Taylor Swift-themed dance-offs, soulful ghazals, comedy roasts, and even a taste of Tagore’s kitchen, the City of Joy is buzzing with creative, quirky, and downright delightful events. Whether you're into stories, music, food, or just some weekend masti with your squad, this month’s lineup has something for everyone. So, mark your calendars, pick your vibe, and get ready to make memories all through May!

Pen Utsav 2025, ICCR Kolkata

Calling all pen lovers, collectors, and those obsessed with beautiful stationery—Pen Utsav 2025 is your playground! Organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), this three-day celebration is all about the timeless charm of fountain pens, fine writing instruments, and intricate craftsmanship. You can expect a mix of nostalgia and innovation with exclusive showcases, interactive workshops, and hands-on demos. Whether you're a die-hard pen connoisseur or just love a good journaling session with a fancy nib, this event offers a whole vibe of quiet elegance and creative energy. Expect to see rare pens, customised inks, and even live calligraphy sessions. And if you're lucky, you might pick up some insider tips from experts and penmakers themselves! Plus, the venue at ICCR is super central, making it an easy weekend stop for culture buffs and curious minds. Bonus: entry is free, so all you need is time and love for writing!

When: May 2 to May 4, 2025, 10:30 AM onwards

Where: ICCR, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata

Price: Entry Free

Mehfile NACHIKETA – Season 2

Imagine an evening where soulful ghazals meet the timeless magic of Nachiketa. Mehfile Nachiketa – Season 2 isn’t just a concert—it’s a poetic journey through emotion, melody, and memory. This one's for the romantics, the broken-hearted, and everyone who’s ever paused at a song lyric and thought, “Yeh toh main hoon!” Expect goosebumps as Nachiketa weaves pain and poetry into ghazals and qawwalis, with his signature harmonium adding a touch of drama. The acoustics at GD Birla Sabhaghar will make every sur land in your chest like a soft explosion. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to this genre, this evening will leave you humming and thinking about life’s roses... and its thorns.

When: May 25, 2025, 6:30 PM

Where: GD Birla Sabhaghar, Kolkata

Price: Rs. 499 onwards

Swiftchella – A Taylor Swift-Themed Fan Party

This May, Kolkata turns swiftie central with Swiftchella—a party that’s all glitter, heartbreak anthems, and shake-it-off vibes! Whether you’re in your Red era or feeling Midnights, this fan night is your excuse to go full glam, trade friendship bracelets, and dance like no one’s watching (but everyone secretly is). Expect every hit from every era, surprise singalongs, and a room full of people who totally get you. It’s like being inside a Taylor Swift music video—only with more shimmer, laughter, and maybe a few teardrops on your glittery heels. Bring your squad, dress like your favourite album, and let's make the whole place shimmer, Kolkata-style!

When: May 24, 2025, 4:00 PM

Where: Venue To Be Announced, Kolkata

Price: Rs. 499 onwards

Weak Independent Woman by Sharon Verma

Let’s be honest—adulting is hard, and Sharon Verma is here to make you laugh (and cringe) through every bit of it. Weak Independent Woman is an hour of honest-to-God stand-up where the Bihar-born, Mumbai-surviving comic serves up fresh jokes about chaos, confidence issues, and cab drivers who just won’t take her seriously. It’s fun, it’s edgy, and painfully relatable for every woman who's ever faked a work call to avoid social plans. Sharon’s wit hits where it hurts, but you’ll leave laughing anyway. Perfect for a weekend catch-up with your girls or a solo evening where you want to laugh without thinking too hard—because who has the mental bandwidth, right?

When: May 2, 2025, 4:00 PM

Where: The Satire Club, Kolkata

Price: Rs. 499 onwards

Ghoti vs Bangal – Stand-Up Comedy Face-Off

Ready for a comedy clash packed Bengali's favourite debating topic, ilish vs chingri, Uttor vs Dokkhin Kolkata banter, and pure Bengali chaos? Ghoti vs Bangal is your ticket to laugh-your-guts-out comedy as Shannigrahi and Vaskar battle it out with the best of fresh jokes and crowd roasts. This isn't just stand-up—it's a cultural showdown with spicy humour, audience burns, and loads of “Oh no he didn’t!” moments. The final roast session between the two comics? Unmissable. TheaApex is the perfect compact venue to feel the comic tension and giggle along with strangers-turned-comedy-comrades. Come for the punchlines, stay for the identity crisis.

When: May 4, 2025, 5:30 PM

Where: TheaApex, Kolkata

Price: Rs. 149 onwards

Thakurbarir Ranna WorkShop

Step into the flavours of the past with Subhajit Bhattacharya as he brings alive the culinary magic of the Tagore household in Thakurbarir Ranna. This unique workshop isn’t just about cooking; it’s a dive into the gastronomic memories of the Jorasanko home. Think fragrant rice dishes, delicately spiced curries, and long-lost recipes that once graced the table of the great Rabindranath Tagore. It’s more than just food—it’s edible history. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just someone who enjoys the art of slow cooking, this session is a rare treat. Hosted at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity, the workshop promises an immersive cultural experience, just before Rabindra Jayanti. Participants will get hands-on training, learn about the stories behind each dish, and leave with a taste of Bengal’s refined bhadralok cuisine. You’ll stir, sauté, and sip on nostalgia as you explore dishes that inspired not just appetites, but poetry too. A perfect weekend plan for those looking to do something meaningful, relaxing, and delicious.

When: May 3, 2025, 11:00 AM

Where: Kolkata Centre for Creativity

Price: Rs. 1,500 onwards

Ghar – An Open Mic for Words by Tape A Tale 

If you love stories and soulful spoken words, Ghar is your new adda spot. This monthly open mic by Tape A Tale is designed like a cosy living room gathering, where words find a safe home. Whether you're a budding poet, a passionate storyteller, or just someone who loves listening to heartfelt performances, this space is all about shared vibes and warm applause. Here’s how it works: come with your story, or just your ears. Put your name in the hat if you want to perform—10 random names get picked on the spot, and each gets 5 minutes to pour their heart out. And if the universe aligns, you could even be crowned the performer of the night. With chai in one hand and feels in the air, this event is less about competition and more about connection. Expect poetry, humour, fiction, non-fiction, and some real gems from Kolkata’s creative souls. Whether you're looking to express or escape, Ghar offers a pause from the chaos and a platform for your truth.

When: May 11, 2025, 6:00 PM

Where: The Talent Hub, Kolkata

Price: Rs. 200 onwards

Zindagi – A Celebration of Life

Zindagi isn’t just an event, it’s an emotion. An evening filled with inspiration, music, and raw human courage, this gathering by the Cancer Care & Cure Society of Bengal is a beautiful tribute to cancer survivors and fighters. The highlight? A mesmerising performance by Kolkata’s beloved musical duo Sourendro-Soumyojit, whose melodies are bound to touch your soul. But before the music begins, there’s a panel discussion that dives deep into real stories of strength and survival. Hear from cancer champions who turned pain into purpose, and leave with a heart a little fuller. It’s a rare chance to celebrate life in its most unfiltered form—through tears, laughter, resilience, and rhythm. Held at the grand Kala Mandir, this evening promises to be uplifting, emotional, and unforgettable. If you’re looking for meaningful events in May in Kolkata, this one is a must. Come for the music, stay for the message.

When: May 2, 2025, 6:30 PM

Where: Kala Mandir, Kolkata

Price: Rs. 499 onwards

Zumba Workshop, Multiple Venues

Get ready to ditch the treadmill and shake up your weekend! This Zumba workshop is everything your fitness routine needs—music, energy, and total masti. Whether you're a dance-floor regular or someone who can barely follow a beat, the vibe here is super chill and welcoming. Think Latin beats, sassy moves, and enough endorphins to power you through the week. Led by professional Zumba instructors, the session is all about having fun while breaking a sweat. Expect high-energy choreography, feel-good music, and a vibe that says “come as you are”. There’s no judgement—just pure joy and a lot of lungi dance-style cardio. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people, burn off stress (and calories), and end your weekend on a happy note. So wear your comfiest sneakers, bring a water bottle, and be ready to move. You’ll leave with tired legs but a happy heart!

When: May 25, 2025, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Where: Multiple Venues, Kolkata

Price: Rs. 999 onwards

Social Meetup

Bad art. Great laughs. Even better company. The Social Meetup at The Lords and Barons is an art session with a twist—it’s about fun over finesse. This isn't your regular painting class. It's where doodles tell stories, and stick figures spark giggles. Whether you're an artist or a complete noob who can’t draw a straight line, this one's for you. Expect quirky drawing prompts like “your green flag in human form” or “dream vacation in 5 strokes”—you’ll laugh as much as you create. The event also includes a casual art gallery walk, where everyone's masterpieces (aka masterpieces-in-progress) are displayed for admiration and amusement. Plus, you can swap your art with someone else—instant conversation starter! It’s the perfect mix of creativity and connection, topped off with the relaxed ambience of one of Kolkata’s cosiest cafes. Come solo or with your gang—you’ll leave with a few laughs, a new friend or two, and possibly a new favourite hobby.

When: May 31, 2025, 5:00 PM

Where: The Lords and Barons, Kolkata

Price: Rs. 999 onwards