Deakin University's Waurn Ponds campus in Geelong will host its annual Diwali festival on Friday 6 November, with fireworks at 9pm. The free, family-friendly event runs from 6pm to 9pm and includes cultural performances, food, market stalls and henna art. The City of Greater Geelong supports the festival, which marks Diwali, the festival of lights. Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the celebration matters to many local community members. Registration is required to attend, and free parking is available on site.
Melbourne's Diwali celebrations return to Marvel Stadium Square in Docklands this Saturday, October 31. Organisers expect between 15,000 and 20,000 people to attend the free event, which runs from 2pm to 10pm. The program includes dance competitions, interactive workshops and cooking masterclasses. Organiser Gautam Gupta says this year places more emphasis on hands-on participation. Federal Member for Melbourne Sarah Witty and Bollywood actor Vishwajeet Pradhan will open the event at 2pm.
Melbourne's Immigration Museum will host a Diwali celebration on Saturday 9 November, running from 11am to 4pm on Flinders Street. The day includes a South Asian dance cypher, which organisers describe as the first of its kind in Australia, along with a collaborative 10-metre textile artwork that visitors can add to. Rangoli design activities, henna tattoos and traditional games are also planned. Most activities are free, while Indian embroidery workshops cost $15. The event is open to all ages and backgrounds.
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The Andhra Association of Queensland held its Dasara and Diwali celebrations at the Logan West Community Centre in Hillcrest on Sunday, 11 October. Around 900 people attended, including Logan City Mayor Jon Raven and Councillor Tim Frazer. Ninety-six performers presented a program of Telugu culture and traditions, with more than 14 performances featuring children and young people. The festivals mark the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The association plans to continue its cultural and community programs, focusing on Telugu traditions and community wellbeing.
Durga Utsav 2026 drew full houses on both days at Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing earlier this month. Bongosathi, the Bengali Cultural Association, organised the Hindu festival with sponsorship from Wyndham City Council. Founder Dr Rabindra Nath Shaw said more than 400 performers took part and thousands attended. The Diwali & Moon Festival will be held on 24 and 25 October at Overton Road, Williams Landing, with music, dance, food and markets.
Blacktown City residents can enter their own homes or nominate a neighbour's property in the Diwali Lights Competition. Up to $2,500 in cash prizes is available for the best decorated properties across the city's five wards. Nominations close on Friday 30 October. The competition, now in its 10th year, is run by Blacktown City Council. Diwali-themed displays are also installed at Max Webber Library and Blacktown Leisure Centre at Stanhope Gardens.
Whittlesea's Diwali festival returns this Friday, 31 October, for its ninth year. Organised by Mission Smile Inc with support from the Whittlesea council's community grants program, the event will feature a live DJ, fireworks, a marketplace with food stalls, traditional sweets and henna tattoo artists. Surprise acts are also planned. Bollywood dance workshops are free to join, and everyone of all ages is welcome, including first-time visitors. Diwali is a festival of light over darkness and good over evil, spanning five days and rooted in a centuries-old Indian tradition.
A sold-out Diwali Mela at Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane drew 5,500 people. Organised by DesiKanGroove, the 2026 event featured three stages, 20 cultural and food stalls, and more than 120 performers. Visitors enjoyed traditional and contemporary music and dance, DJ sets, and an Indian street market. Families took part in children's games, face painting and henna. DesiKanGroove founder Tejas Mokal said the turnout made the event special.
More than 1,300 people gathered at Arthur Wren Hall in Hampton Park on Saturday, 10 October, for the Casey Saathi Diwali Market. The event featured more than 40 stalls, children's activities and free entry. Organised by Saathi Multicultural Association of Australia Inc. with support from the City of Casey, it gave small business owners a chance to showcase their products. Saathi founder Chanchal Kumavat said the day brought families and entrepreneurs together. Three volunteers received the Saathi Empowerment Award for their service.
Residents across Blacktown City have until Friday 30 October to enter the tenth annual Diwali Lights Competition. Organised by Blacktown City Council, the contest invites households of all cultural backgrounds to decorate their homes with lights inspired by the festival. Prizes will be awarded across the council's five wards. Mayor Brad Bunting said the event lets residents share their traditions and learn about Diwali. Entry details and forms are available on the council website.
Melbourne artist Santosh Mahale will lead a Diwali-inspired painting workshop at Strathdon House and Orchard in Forest Hill on Sunday 8 November. The three-hour session runs from 1pm to 4pm and combines acrylic painting with a festive High Chai. Participants can paint subjects such as local birds, heritage buildings, seasonal plants or a memory map of a meaningful place. No previous experience is needed. The $75 ticket covers all materials, High Chai and refreshments. Bookings are made through the Creative Whitehorse website.
