Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, will fall on Thursday, October 31 this year, with the full five-day celebration stretching between Tuesday, October 29 and Sunday, November 3. The holiday is traditionally marked by lighting diyas, or oil lamps, to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. Our guide features family-friendly events coming up in Brooklyn, featuring Diwali storytelling, music, dancing, food, and of course, lights!
Diwali: Celebrating Pioneers of Progress at New York City College of Technology | Downtown Brooklyn
Wednesday, October 23 | 6-8pm | FREE | RSVP here
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Diwali with traditional music, dance performances, and delicious food. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and celebrate the achievements of those who have paved the way for progress. Don’t miss out on this special event that honors the spirit of innovation and resilience.
Sparkles and Steps: Diwali 2024 x Aalokam at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Sunday, October 26 | 4-8pm | Buy tickets here | Starts at $39.19/person
Join for a spectacular Diwali Celebration with Aalokam Dance Company & School. This Diwali, we’re lighting up the night with an event that’s perfect for everyone—young and old alike! There will be sparklers, delicious food by Imlee Kitchen, a vibrant marketplace with South Asian vendors, music by DJ Tauba, henna by Nidha, a dance workshop with Ankita Chachra, and exciting activities and games for all ages. Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or on your own, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s celebrate the Festival of Lights together with joy, laughter, and lots of fun! Dress to dazzle and bring your festive spirit.
Diwali Celebration at the Seaport Museum | South Street Seaport
Friday, November 1 | 11am-6pm | FREE
Join the Seaport Museum and The Culture Tree for a full day of free Seaport Museum admission and festive activities to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Step aboard the Seaport Museum’s 1885 tall ship Wavertree for hands-on Diwali fun! Create your own baggywrinkle decoration inspired by marigold garlands, a symbol of good fortune and faith, but with a maritime twist. Plus, decorate your own “diya lamp”—or in this case, a candle—and float it in a special pool on deck, symbolizing prosperity for the new year. The Museum is staying open one hour later so that you can enjoy the glow of your diya lamp after sunset. From 4pm to 6pm, enjoy Diwali Puppet Storytime on Wavertree, where we’ll explore the significance and origins of Diwali and how it’s celebrated worldwide. We’ll also read stories like A Kids Book About Diwali, perfect for children and families. Following Storytime, dive into an interactive dance workshop where you’ll learn mudras (hand gestures) from classical Indian dance and groove to popular Diwali songs in a lively performance!
Story and Craft: Celebrate Diwali at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Saturday, November 2 | 11:30am-1:30pm | Best for ages 4+ | Registration recommended, walk-ins may be permitted
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a Diwali storytime (in the Youth Wing Upper Program Room)
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Indian music, as well as a short Indian dance lesson (in the Youth Wing Upper Program Room)
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Making Rangoli (designs with chalk and colored sand) outdoors in the Children’s Garden Courtyard
Registration is recommended, but walk-ins may be permitted based on space availability. Recommended for families with children of all ages, but most appropriate for ages 4 and up.
Diwali at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursday, November 7 | 2:30-4:30pm | FREE | RSVP here
BCM and The Culture Tree invite families to celebrate Diwali during Amazon Free Hours! Join us to hear the story of Diwali brought to life through a puppet show, presented by The Culture Tree. This famous story teaches children the meaning of devotion, love, kindness, and valor—all while learning why we celebrate Diwali! Other activities include a mithai (Indian sweets) making workshop, and diya paper lantern making in our ColorLab art studio. Through these activities children will learn about Diwali, one of India’s biggest and most important festivals of the year. This event takes place during Amazon Free Hours!
Celebrate Deepavali with Brooklyn Curry Project | Downtown Brooklyn
Sunday, November 17 | 8am-5pm | RSVP here
Brooklyn Curry Project invites everyone to join in celebrating Deepavali, the festival of lights. This special occasion is about community, connection, and honoring rich cultural traditions. Deepavali signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil, serving as a beautiful reminder of family, heritage, and the importance of coming together. In celebration of both Deepavali and Kannada Rajyotsava, Brooklyn Curry Project is hosting a lively block party featuring regional food, cultural performances, and fun activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy rangoli art, mehndi, mandala coloring, face painting, and more.
For the grown-ups:
Diwali in DUMBO at Fontainhas | DUMBO
Sunday, November 3 | 7pm
Fontainhas, the Indian all-day cafe and wine bar that opened in DUMBO this summer, will be hosting a Diwali event for adults 0n Sunday, November 3. Come to Chaat, Chai, Chill, enjoy wine and beer, and celebrate Diwali!
