Red FM Announces 8th Edition of South Side Story, Expands Flagship Cultural Festival To Pune

Red FM has announced the return of South Side Story, its flagship annual cultural property, with the festival set to make its biggest comeback yet. Now in its eighth edition, the event has evolved from a music-led celebration into one of North India's largest showcases of South Indian culture, bringing together music, art, literature, cinema and cuisine.

The Delhi edition will take place on August 29 and 30, 2026, at KD Jadhav Wrestling Stadium, featuring an expansive lineup of celebrated artists representing the diversity of South India's music scene.

Returning for an eighth consecutive year is acclaimed rock band Thaikkudam Bridge, alongside a stellar roster that includes Padma Bhushan awardee and actress Shobana, Aksomaniac, Raghu Dixit, Karthik, Baby Jean, Avial, Sooraj Santhosh, Arya Dhayal, and Masala Coffee. The lineup promises a blend of classical performances, contemporary music, folk, indie rock, pop and rap.

In a major milestone, South Side Story will also debut in Pune on August 22, 2026, at Messe Global Laxmi Lawns, marking the festival's first expansion beyond Delhi. The Pune edition will feature performances by Shobana, Karthik, Avial, The Raghu Dixit Project, and Tribemama Marykali.

Commenting on the announcement, Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO, Red FM, said, "South Side Story has always been rooted in the belief that our homegrown artists, indigenous stories and southern cultural identity deserve the grandest stages. Eight years in, that conviction has only deepened. As we scale up in Delhi and expand to Pune, we are building more than just a festival. We are creating a platform where regional stories and talent can be celebrated, shared and experienced across geographies."

She added that the festival aims to bring together communities through music, food, cinema and art while celebrating the richness and diversity of South Indian culture.

Beyond its music programming, this year's edition will feature curated collaborations across literature, cinema, food and design. The literary segment will be presented in partnership with Oxford Bookstore, Kunzum Books, DC Books, and the Kerala Literature Festival, while the cinema experience will be curated with the Indian Habitat Centre.

The festival will also showcase design and craftsmanship through collaborations with Neytt and Rouka, alongside a culinary experience featuring Mahabelly, South Side Habits, Draavin Canteen, Naivedyam, and Bili Hu. Visitors can also experience traditional Kalaripayattu performances and the iconic Onam Sadhya, a 20-dish South Indian feast.

As India's live entertainment sector continues to grow, Red FM says South Side Story has established itself as one of the country's leading cultural IPs, celebrating regional identity while creating immersive, community-driven experiences.

Tickets for both the Delhi and Pune editions are now available on Skillbox.