Diwali is one of my favorite holidays in the Indian calendar. This Festival of Lights, also known as Deepavali, celebrates good over evil, and many people decorate their homes with diyas (candles) during this time. Officially, Diwali is on November 12, but it’s celebrated from mid-October through mid-November, and everyone is always welcome to join the festivities. The following events are all hosted in large, communal, open-air locations where the more, the merrier. Whether you’re Indian or not, this is a great holiday to introduce to your kids and to even have some of those heart-to-heart conversations about choosing to do good, instead of evil in the world. Here are 4 Places to celebrate Diwali in Austin that are free and perfect for the whole family.
Leander Diwali Festival 2023 | Lakewood Park
Saturday, Nov. 4 | 3 pm – 9 pm | 2040 Artesian Spgs Xing, Leander | FREE with RSVP
Leander is having its first ever Diwali Celebration! Pack your strollers and get on your tennis shoes. This is going to be a great family-friendly event with a variety of food stalls, a DJ, vendors, and more.
Sunday, Nov. 5 | 6:30-9:00 pm | 550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
I absolutely love holiday celebrations at the library. The Cedar Park library is hosting an easy drop-in event with crafts, dance and music performances. There will also be Indian food for purchase and opportunities to learn more about the holiday in the library. This event is presented in partnership with the Indian American Association of Austin.
Friday, Nov. 10 | 5:30-9:30 pm | 8650 Spicewood Spring Rd | FREE & OPEN TO ALL
Monsoon Dance Studio, Ying Yoga, The Touch Salon, Aha Indian Restaurant, Gandhi Bazar Spicewood, and Famous Meats are all joining forces to host an incredible holiday celebration. Located side by side in a shopping strip (that we frequent every week), there will be incredible food, music, and dance performances. Come out for a stroll and make sure to buy a candle!
Spectacular Diwali Celebration at Nasha
Saturday, Nov 11 | 3:00-6:00 pm | 1614 E 7th St, Austin TX 78702 | | FREE & OPEN TO ALL
This is going to be a fun one! The Indian restaurant, Nasha, is hosting an unforgettable event in the streets around its property. There will be henna artists for you and your kids to experience (non-permanent) artwork on your hands and arms in traditional Indian designs. There will also be Indian street food, a chai corner (how fun is that??), and a Bollywood flash mob. If you like to get your groove on, this is the place to be.
