How the First Mumbai Edition Played Out at Infinity Bay
Sunburn's debut Mumbai edition ran from 19 to 21 December, 2025, at Infinity Bay in Sewri, beneath the Atal Setu bridge. The festival replaced its long-standing Goa format with a 3-night urban setup that drew crowds from across the country. David Guetta headlined Day 2 with his Monolith Experience, delivering a production-heavy set matched by synchronised visuals and pyrotechnics. Sara Landry opened the festival with an industrial techno set that marked her first India performance.
Above & Beyond and Axwell closed out the final night, splitting the bill between trance and progressive house. Experience zones, gourmet food courts, and art installations filled the spaces between stages throughout all 3 nights.
Sunburn Festival Mumbai 2026 Dates and the Shift to a 2-day Format
- Theme: "Awaken the Core" (reflecting a conceptual shift from pure spectacle to musical intensity)
- Edition: The landmark 19th anniversary of the Sunburn Festival franchise, which originally launched in 2007
Mahalaxmi Racecourse as the New Stage for Sunburn
The shift from Infinity Bay to Mahalaxmi Racecourse addresses the biggest complaint from the 2025 edition, which was accessibility. Infinity Bay sat in a semi-industrial zone beneath the Atal Setu, with limited public transport options in the surrounding area. Exit queues after the final set stretched past midnight, leaving thousands waiting for ride-shares on narrow approach roads in Sewri.
Mahalaxmi Racecourse sits diagonally opposite Mahalaxmi railway station on the Western Line, connecting directly to Bandra, Andheri, and Churchgate. Crucially, the venue is now also serviced by the fully operational underground Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line), completely removing any reliance on high-surge cabs or gridlocked road traffic.
Sunburn Mumbai 2026 Lineup and What Has Been Announced So Far
While the full, multi-stage Sunburn Mumbai 2026 lineup is still tightly under wraps as of June 2026, organisers have just fired their opening salvo.
On 17 June 2026, it was officially confirmed that the globally acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning duo The Chainsmokers will return to India to headline the opening night of the festival on Friday, 18 December.
For the rest of the bill, organisers have promised a premium mix of massive international electronic music icons alongside a deep bench of homegrown electronic talent.
That expanding roster sets a high benchmark that the second edition will need to match, especially within its condensed two-day window.
Calvin Harris at Infinity Bay and Sunburn's Growing Mumbai Presence
Ahead of the flagship December festival, Sunburn and BookMyShow Live co-produced Calvin Harris's monumental India debut on 18 April 2026 at Infinity Bay in Sewri. The 3-city tour opened in Bengaluru on April 17, moved to Mumbai on April 18, and closed in Delhi-NCR on April 19. It brought one of electronic music's highest-grossing live acts to Indian stages for the first time in his career. The Mumbai show returned to the same Infinity Bay venue that hosted the 2025 festival just 4 months earlier.
Harris's catalogue spans We Found Love, One Kiss, and Summer, with over 35 billion combined streams across platforms. The April show marked only the second stadium-scale Sunburn concert Mumbai has hosted since the brand arrived in the city in late 2025.
Tickets, Pricing, and How the Sale Phases Work
Ticket sales for Sunburn 2026 officially opened in May exclusively through BookMyShow, following a strict phased structure that heavily rewards early buyers with the lowest possible tariffs.
RuPay cardholders received exclusive first access on 14 May, registered users swiftly followed on 16 May, and general public sales launched on 18 May. To ease the upfront cost, a 50% pay-now option is available across all primary ticket categories, enabling buyers to split the total amount into two instalments.
- General Access (GA): Rs 5,000 (RuPay presale) to Rs 7,000 (early bird)
- VIP: Rs 10,000 (RuPay presale) to Rs 14,500 (early bird)
- Fanpit: Rs 12,000 (RuPay presale) to Rs 17,500 (early bird)
- The Core Lounge: Rs 40,000 for premium viewing access and a dedicated lounge area at the venue
- NSCI Dome Closing Party: Tickets sold separately from the main festival pass (pricing to be confirmed)
Later sale rounds are expected to carry higher prices, making the early bird and presale windows the most cost-effective entry points.
The Closing Night at NSCI Dome on December 20
The closing party on December 20 moves indoors to NSCI Dome in Worli, a 6,000-capacity venue designed for a different energy. The enclosed setup trades the open-air racecourse atmosphere for tighter acoustics and a single-stage focus that suits closing-night programming.
Tickets for the NSCI night are sold separately from the main festival pass, so attendees can choose one or both events. Past Sunburn closing nights have leaned toward deeper, more underground programming than the main stages typically feature during the festival.
Travelling down from the western suburbs is incredibly straightforward. From Bandra, the NSCI Dome sits approximately 11 km south, routing motorists directly across the spectacular Bandra-Worli Sea Link to cross the bay in roughly 20 minutes outside of peak traffic hours.
Because the Mahalaxmi Racecourse and the NSCI Dome are located within the same South-Central Mumbai neighbourhood, festival-goers can easily experience both parts of the event across the weekend. Their close proximity makes moving between venues convenient and hassle-free.
What to Know Before Heading to Sunburn Mumbai 2026
- Age Requirement: Entry is permitted to attendees aged 10 and above (10+), with valid government-issued photo identification strictly checked at the main entry gates.
- Gate Timings: Live event listings confirm that the festival grounds at Mahalaxmi Racecourse will kick off from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily on both Friday and Saturday.
- Dress Code: Smart, comfortable festival clothing paired with closed shoes is highly recommended to safely navigate the expansive turf of the racecourse fields. There is no formal dress code enforced for general admission ticket categories.
- What to Bring: A high-capacity power bank, a lightweight refillable water bottle, professional ear protection for extended mainstage sets, and a light jacket or layers suitable for cooler December coastal breezes.
- Prohibited Items: Professional cameras (with detachable lenses), outside food and beverages, glass bottles, laser pointers, and illegal substances are strictly forbidden inside the venue perimeter.
- Medical and Safety: Organisers provide clearly marked free hydration stations, fully equipped medical tents, and dedicated crowd-control security staff positioned across the venue grounds throughout the duration of the event.
Getting to Mahalaxmi Racecourse from Bandra and Beyond
- Underground Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line): The absolute fastest and most comfortable transit option for 2026. Boarding the underground metro in Bandra or Andheri takes you straight to the Mahalaxmi Metro Station in complete air-conditioned comfort, completely bypassing surface-level traffic and ride-share surge pricing.
- Western Line Local Train: A highly reliable, crowd-tested option. A direct, southbound local train from Bandra Station to Mahalaxmi Station takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, requiring absolutely no platform transfers. The railway station sits directly opposite the venue gates.
- Road via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link: Approximately 112 kilometres from Turner Road in Bandra, taking roughly 20 to 25 minutes outside of peak hours. You will be taking the direct marine route via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (which Google Maps now continuously labels as 'via Coastal Rd' on mobile screens), depositing you right into Worli for a short, direct surface drive straight to the racecourse gates.
- Ride-Sharing & Local Cabs: App-based fleets like Uber and Ola, alongside classic black-and-yellow metered taxis, service the venue grounds around the clock. Keep in mind that three-wheeled auto-rickshaws are legally barred from entering South-Central Mumbai and cannot travel south past Bandra.
Theory9 Apartments: A Festival Weekend Base on Turner Road in Bandra
After a day of music, crowds, and headline performances, where you stay can shape the entire festival experience. Theory9 - Premium Serviced Apartments, Bandra, sits on Turner Road, approximately 12 km from Mahalaxmi Racecourse by road. The drive via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link typically takes around 20 to 25 minutes, while the Western Line offers an equally convenient connection from Bandra station.
Once the festival ends, guests can return to spacious serviced apartments featuring private living areas, fully equipped kitchenettes, and daily housekeeping. Sometimes, reheating a late-night meal in your own kitchen feels far better than waiting for room service after a long day at the festival.
Festival weekends are always better with friends. Groups attending Sunburn together can book our Private 4 Bedroom Suite and split the cost across the weekend while staying under one roof. Couples looking to extend their Mumbai getaway can opt for the Night Under the Sky experience, featuring a private rooftop room with a glass ceiling, a couple's jacuzzi, and a more intimate setting away from the festival crowds.
For larger travel groups, Theory9 Khar sits just one stop away on the Western Line and offers spacious apartments with up to 6 bedrooms. Guests can also follow the Bandra-Worli Sea Link south for convenient access, while staying in a neighbourhood known for its residential charm and connections to Mumbai's film industry.
When the music finally stops, the evening does not have to. Both properties sit within easy reach of Turner Road's restaurants and bars, as well as Carter Road's popular late-night food stalls. Explore our latest offers for early-bird discounts and extended-stay rates, or contact us to plan a stay around the Sunburn Mumbai 2026 festival weekend.
Get Ready for Sunburn Mumbai 2026
Sunburn Mumbai 2026 promises a bigger and more focused festival experience, bringing 2 action-packed days of music to Mahalaxmi Racecourse, followed by a closing party at the NSCI Dome on 20 December. With tickets already on sale, the venue confirmed, and The Chainsmokers announced as the first headline act, anticipation continues to build as fans await the rest of the lineup.
For those travelling to Mumbai for the festival, Theory9 - Premium Serviced Apartments offers a comfortable base close to the action. With spacious serviced apartments in Bandra and Khar, guests can enjoy the space, flexibility, and convenience needed to make the most of the Sunburn Mumbai 2026 weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Sunburn Mumbai 2026 taking place?
Sunburn Mumbai 2026 will be held on 18 and 19 December 2026 at Mahalaxmi Racecourse, followed by a closing party at the NSCI Dome on 20 December.
Who has been announced for the Sunburn Mumbai 2026 lineup?
The Chainsmokers have been confirmed as the first headline act for the festival's opening night on 18 December 2026.
Where is Sunburn Mumbai 2026 being held?
The main festival will take place at Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai, replacing Infinity Bay in Sewri, which hosted the debut edition.
How can I buy tickets for Sunburn Mumbai 2026?
Tickets are available through BookMyShow, with options including General Access, VIP, Fanpit, and The Core Lounge passes.
Will the NSCI Dome closing party be included with the festival ticket?
No. Tickets for the NSCI Dome closing party on 20 December are sold separately from the main festival passes.
What is the theme of Sunburn Mumbai 2026?
The festival's official theme is "Awaken the Core", reflecting a stronger focus on music and immersive experiences.
What is the best way to reach Mahalaxmi Racecourse?
Visitors can reach the venue via the Western Line local train, Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line), ride-sharing services, or by road through the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
Where should I stay for Sunburn Mumbai 2026?
Theory9 - Premium Serviced Apartments in Bandra and Khar offer spacious serviced apartments with kitchenettes, living areas, and convenient access to Mahalaxmi Racecourse, making them an ideal base for the festival weekend.
