Celebrating Diwali with Kids in the East Bay

India’s most celebrated holiday, DIWALI, is on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Navratri 2026 officially begins on Sunday, October 11, and ends on Tuesday, October 20 (event dates vary).

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali commemorates the spiritual triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. For many, this marks a new calendar year and a time for fresh starts.

Diwali spans five days of rituals, celebrated differently by each family, yet rooted in its shared meaning. Kids and adults alike enjoy dynamic festivities including fireworks, lighting diyas (clay lamps), rangoli (decorations with colored powder, rice, and flowers), family gatherings, exchanging gifts and blessings, and plenty of food and sweets.

As parents, especially with little ones, this season carries even more meaning as we get to pass down traditions we grew up with while creating new memories that our kids can carry forward.

However you choose to celebrate or learn about Diwali this year, cheers to a new beginning!

Diwali events for families | Crafts to do at home | Diwali food and sweets | Navratri events for families

Diwali Events for Families

Diwali Festival, Sunnyvale

When: Saturday, October 3 (11:30 am-7:30 pm)
Where: Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E Remington Dr, Sunnyvale
What’s great for families: South Asian Cultural Association of Sunnyvale (SACAS) is hosting a FREE family event that features diya lighting, dances, food trucks, a kids zone, henna, and much more.
Learn more >

Diwali – Festival of Lights & Fireworks, Pleasanton

When: Saturday, October 17 (12 pm-11 pm)
Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton
What’s great for families: Experience North America’s largest Diwali Festival, where vibrant traditions come alive with dazzling celebrations. Enjoy a 40-foot Ravan Dahan (effigy burning), a fireworks show, and Bollywood dance performances.
More Information >

Bay Area Diwali Festival, Cupertino

When: Saturday, October 17 (11 am-6 pm)
Where: Memorial Park, 21121 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino
What’s great for families: This FREE Diwali event features a feast of food that appeals to all senses, cultural activities that include performances and a rangoli display, an arts & crafts booth, and a kids zone.
More Information >

Fog Diwali Mela, Fremont

When: Saturday, October 24 (10 am-7 pm)
Where: Washington High School, 38442 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont
What’s great for families: Celebrate a day dedicated to cultural activities for all ages, community connection, and delicious traditional foods.
Tickets >

East Bay Diwali Party, Alameda

When: Saturday, October 24 (4 pm-9 pm)
Where: Almanac Adventureland and Brewery, Alameda
What’s great for families: Celebrate Diwali with an evening of dinner, dancing, and family fun in the Barrel Room at Almanac Adventureland and Brewery. Kids and adults can enjoy Diwali-themed arts and crafts, plus a henna table for all ages.
Tickets >

Diwali Dandiya & Halloween, Santa Clara

When: Saturday, October 31 (1-7 pm)
Where: Live Oak Park, 641 Moreland Way, Santa Clara
What’s great for families: A unique fusion festival celebrating Diwali, featuring delicious food, festive entertainment, a Halloween costume contest, and playing Dandiya under the stars.
Tickets >

Oakland Diwali, Oakland

When: Saturday, November 7 (6:30-10 pm)
Where: Bloc 15, 252 2nd Street, Oakland
What’s great for families: A jam-packed evening full of delights, from South Asian food to dynamic dancing, and everything in between!
More Information >

Diwali Mela, Dublin

When: Saturday, November 7 (11 am-8 pm)
Where: Emerald Glen Park, 4201 Central Parkway, Dublin
What’s great for families: Families get an entire day of celebrations filled with traditional food and fun activities for FREE.
View complete event details >

Diwali: Festival of Lights, San Jose

When: Saturday, November 7 (10 am-2 pm)
Where: Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose
What’s great for families: Learn about the grand traditions of Diwali with dance, music, and activities that bring the Festival of Lights to life. As part of the museum’s Cultural Celebration Series, it is included with Museum admission. Members do not need to purchase tickets in advance.
Find out more >

Diwali: Bhangra & Beats Night Market, San Francisco

When: Friday, November 13 (4-9 pm)
Where: Yerba Buena Gardens (Mission Street between 3rd & 4th)
What’s great for families: Experience the vibrant sights, sounds, and spirit of South Asian culture as Bhangra & Beats returns to Yerba Buena Gardens for a special, family-friendly Diwali celebration.
Find out more >

Diwali: The Festival of Lights with Non-Stop Bhangra, Alameda

When: Saturday, November 21 (4:30-7 pm)
Where: 2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda
What’s great for families: This one-of-a-kind, highly energetic celebration by Rhythmix Cultural Works features an evening of dance lessons, a live DJ, henna, a photo booth, food, drinks, arts & crafts for kids, and so much more. Before the event, practice your dancing and bhangra!
Ticket & Event Information >

Remember to RSVP in advance, and let us know which celebrations you loved!

Crafts and Art at Home

Some of the most treasured Diwali memories were made at home for many of us. Here are some of the ways you can light up your own homes with a blend of tradition and creativity.

• Make your own rangoli powder and use stencils to create designs.
• Print out Diwali coloring sheets.
• Make these very cute paper diyas.
• Read books or do storytelling about Diwali.
• Hang lights and decorate.
• Cook festive sweets with your littles
• Host a Diwali party (even virtually) to dress up, share crafts, do henna, have a dance off, and eat.

Diwali Food and Sweets

No celebration is complete without food, especially when it comes to Diwali! Here are some of our favorite local places to shop for sweets, quick bites, and Diwali essentials.

Favorite Diwali Grocery Stops

• Viks Chaat (Berkeley): Vik’s is the one-stop shop to grab a delectable lunch or dinner while picking up your Indian groceries. They also have a nice selection of Diwali gifts and sweets. The gulab jamun here is our favorite!
• Bombay Spice House (Berkeley): Pick up all your groceries, shop for Diwali, and grab some samosas to-go.
• New India Supermarket (El Cerrito): A one-stop shop for all of your Diwali (and everyday) staples.
• India Cash and Carry (Fremont): From a wide range of produce and groceries to specialty gifts and meals cooked on site, this shop does carry it all! Delivery is also available.

Favorite Indian Cuisines

If you want a feast without cooking, our team enjoys these family-friendly places for delicious Indian food in the {510}.

• Annapurna (Oakland): an Oakland staple of Nepalese & Indian classics.
• Udupi Palace (Berkeley): the idli sambar is one of the best in the East Bay.
• India Palace (Alameda): flavorful curries with meat or vegetarian dishes.
• Chaat Bhavan (Fremont): choose from a variety of tasty Indian street food.
• ID Company (Newark): dosa lovers can get their dosa fix right here.

Navratri events for families

Diwali follows the vibrant season of Navratri, a time filled with energy, devotion, and unity. The nine nights of Navratri are among the most cherished traditions, honoring Goddess Durga. The Bay is filled with celebrations to join the circle (literally) through raas garba (folk dance), live music, prayer, colorful attire, and joyful gatherings.

Navratri 2026 officially begins on Sunday, October 11, and ends on Tuesday, October 20 (event dates vary). 

10th Annual East Bay Family Garba, Oakland

When: Saturday, October 3rd
Time: 4-7 pm
Where: Charles Porter Golden Gate Recreation Center, 1075 62nd Street, Oakland
Ticket info >

Gujarati Cultural Association (GCA) Raas Garba, Fremont

Dates: Friday, Oct. 9; Saturday, Oct. 10; Friday, Oct. 16; Saturday, Oct. 17; Friday, Oct. 23
Time: 7:30-11:30 pm
Where: Washington High School, 38442 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont
Website to RSVP >

SEF Dandia, Santa Clara

When: Friday, October 9th
Time: 7:30 pm-midnight (free lessons 6:30-7:30 pm)
Where: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara
Kids 5 & under, FREE
Find out more >

Did we miss one? Send us any events happening in your community.