Things to Do in Delhi/NCR This Weekend (Jan 16–18)

New Delhi — Feels like January’s finally hitting that “let me live” vibe—sweater weather, clear skies, and a long list of plans. If you’re in Delhi/NCR this third weekend of January (16–18), this one’s special. From art walks in Lodhi to anti-pop gigs in Gurgaon warehouses, the city’s all set to shake off its fog and feed your cultural soul. The only question is—how do you choose what to skip?

From Baithaks to Beer Fests: Delhi’s Weekend Scene Is Lit

Every January, Delhi’s event calendar wakes up with a jolt—and this weekend’s curation is peak Dilli. Lodhi Art District kicks things off Friday with a guided morning street-art walk hosted by St+art India. It starts around 10 AM, and you’ll see more than murals: think chaiwallahs in pocket lanes, dogs napping under graffitied walls, and camera-clicking tiny groups you’ll probably want to join.

For the musically inclined, there’s a Hindustani classical baithak at Triveni Kala Sangam on Saturday evening, a quiet, intimate gig that Delhi’s art crowd loves. Meanwhile, Gurgaon’s Warehouse Club (near IFFCO Chowk) is going big with an underground tech and anti-pop set on Friday night with indie artists like Loner Wolf and Nida Haya. Tickets are online but moving fast.

Not into late nights? Sunday morning’s ‘Yoga + Breakfast Session’ at Sunder Nursery is your escape plan. It’s serene, with heritage arches framing your downward dogs and a detox smoothie from FabCafe waiting at the end. You’ll find couples, solo yogis, even that one uncle in full tracksuit doing his own version of “yoga”.

Who’s Turning Out for These Events?

Young office-goers and college students are making full itineraries. A group of North Campus students say they’re “stacking Saturday with the Lodhi art walk, Bangla Sahib lunch, and ending with Khan Market beer.“ Meanwhile, families are drawn to open-air setups like Sunder Nursery or DLF Avenue’s weekend artisan market—especially parents of younger kids wanting safe, stroller-friendly options.

Auto drivers near Rajiv Chowk report longer traffic waits Friday night onwards, especially if there’s a CP event like this week’s “Live on the Steps”—a free indie concert at Central Park, starting around 6 PM. “Log toh sham se hi line mein lag jaate hain,” said a shopkeeper near Palika Bazaar, shrugging while pointing to a group setting up chairs in advance. Basically, early arrives win.

Of course, Metro remains your savior: Yellow Line for CP and Lodhi, Pink for INA’s Dastkar Winter Haat (still happening till Jan 20), and Magenta for that Sarvapriya Vihar café poetry night happening Saturday. Avoid driving into inner city cores post-5 PM—it’s not worth the honking.

Delhi’s Winters and Cultural High: Not New, But Different

The Jan-Feb calendar in Delhi has always been about “soft winter sun and scene-hopping.” Think back to the days of the Qutub Festival or the early Surajkund years, where families packed thermoses and got on buses to Faridabad. That old-school nostalgia is now gentrified—yoga brunches, craft beer walks, influencer flea markets. What was once Delhi Haat-only is now also in Okhla and Aerocity.

But it’s not all new money and Instagram. Events like the India Art Fair (returning late Jan) or the classical baithaks at India Habitat Centre have kept Delhi’s artistic roots intact. And locals say this mix—authentic + experimental—is why we don’t need to look to Mumbai or Bengaluru for culture weekends. We’ve got the range and the attitude.

Okay, So What’s Your Game Plan?

Take the metro and walk where possible. Parking is a pain everywhere after 5 PM—trust Delhi locals on this.
Book ahead for ticketed gigs. Many smaller venues don’t allow walk-ins once capacity hits, even if it looks “empty”.
Layer up. Mornings are chilly, afternoons get sunny, and nights drop again. A good muffler goes a long way—especially near Sunder Nursery or amphitheatre setups.

📍 Spot Check: Lodhi Colony (JLN Stadium Metro), CP Central Park (Rajiv Chowk Metro), Warehouse Club in Gurgaon (IFFCO Chowk Metro), Triveni Kala Sangam (Mandi House Metro), Sunder Nursery (walking distance from Nizamuddin Station).

The Final Word

Delhi’s got more than food and fog this weekend—it’s holding creative space for everyone. From slow-paced art walks to gritty night gigs and ultrachill open-air yoga breakfasts, there’s something for every mood. The city feels crackly again, like it’s shrugging off that pandemic-era pause and asking: “Aaj kya scene hai?”