The world is finally taking cognisance of the power and catharsis the blues can evoke across the music spectrum. Since 2011, the Mahindra Blues Festival has been instrumental in carrying forward the legacy of what started in the fields of Mississippi Delta, reached Chicago bars, and now has become a globally recognised genre. Through the festival, the blues found its new abode in Mumbai, a city brimming with dreams, hope and people who love a good time. Since 2011, it has become an integral part of the cultural fabric of the city.
On February 14th and 15th, 2026, at the iconic Mehboob Studios, the fans are in for a musical extravaganza. Ahead of Asia’s biggest blues celebration, here’s your ultimate guide to revel in the magic of a genre that became the sound of love and resilience.
All-Star Jam
An immortal ritual, a yearly tradition started by blues legend Buddy Guy in 2011, the All-Star Jam is the finale act, bringing all the artists together for an impromptu jam. It has become the festival’s signature moment, fresh and electric, each edition.
In The Name Of The Greats
Some names carry legacy, and that’s exactly what Soulstrat Saloon and Polka Dot Parlour stages at MBF are all about – carrying legacies of pioneers and legends. The Soulstrat Saloon was christened in 2016 to honour Indian bands – Soulmate and Blackstratblues. The two have been opening acts at the festival since 2014. The stage cements this beginning of a new musical chapter for Indian Blues. As for the Polka Dot Parlour, it was named in honour of Buddy Guy’s iconic Polka Dot style statement.
The Mahindra Blues Big Blues Band Hunt
Since 2015, the competition gave up-and-coming blues artists their moment to shine. Hundreds compete to win, but only one gets the spotlight. This year, Grace n’ the Cliches emerged as the winner who will perform at the Garden Stage, taking the blues gospel far and wide.
The Nanhi Kali Choir X Beatz Crew
Mahindra’s philanthropic endeavour, the Nanhi Kali Project, supports the education of underprivileged girls. At the festival, the Nanhi Kali Choir, comprising girls from the programme, performs, along with the Kanakia’s ‘The Beatz Crew’. As a part of the Blues in School initiative, this ensemble highlights Mahindra’s commitment to nurture the next generation of young women and provide them a visible platform for their talents to bloom.
Artist Line-Up For The Latest Edition
The 2026 edition will fill the air with some moving performances, and the sound of searing guitars. This year, some past icons and some upcoming voices will perform during the two-day musical gala. From stalwarts like Shemekia Copeland, Matt Schofield, Eric Gales, and Blackstratblues to stars like D.K. Harrell and Altered Five Blues Band will captivate the audience.
Mehboob Studios: Where Blues Live And Thrive
For over a decade, blues found a home forever in this 70-year-old film studio in the maximum city. The iconic venue continues to be a sanctuary for the latest edition as well to witness the sonic magic that the genre offers.
The Courtyard
The Courtyard is the space to catch a bite, refill your beverages, and just take in the vibe. Each year, the Blues tribe comprising 7,000+ people congregate each year. This tight-knit community of family friends bond over world-class music. That’s the magic that the Mahindra Blues Festival carries! With glasses brimming with tipple, food that’s good, and the performances immaculate, you can rest, recharge, and re-energise at one of the best hangout spots this weekend.
Take A Piece Of Blues Home
It is not just the memories that you take home with you after two exciting evenings of food, love, and blues. The vinyl stall and merchandise stations immortalise these memories in analog forms.
Blues With Rhythm And Responsibility
Mahindra’s commitment to a sustainable future continues with its cultural IPs. Mahindra Blues Festival collaborates with Skrap, a zero-waste and sustainability service for businesses, to manage waste generated. By making the festival plastic-free and preventing waste from overwhelming the landfills, the festival has hugely contributed to upholding sustainability.
Come to witness the biggest blues celebration, basking in the love and glory of the genre that has touched millions of lives. Get your tickets on BookMyShow now!
