Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. Also known as Deepavali, named for the lighting of clay diyas (deepa) in a row (avali) outside the home for spiritual protection, it is considered the most celebrated holiday in India.
Celebrated over five days — two days before the holiday and two days after with meals, decorations, and gift giving — Diwali is a celebration for families.
With bright colors and fireworks as holiday staples, there are so many ways to get the kids involved. One way is to go to a festival together. Here’s a list of nine Diwali events around DFW this year.
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1. October 17 – 21 :: Dallas Diwali 2025 in Allen
The Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas is the place to be for Diwali 2025. For five days, families can immerse themselves in the Diwali tradition of lighting over 11,000 diyas ($1 to sponsor), giving offerings in ritual poojas, eating authentic Indian cuisine, enjoying cultural skits and dances, and, of course, witnessing the spectacular fireworks show daily at 7:30 p.m. — kids receive sparklers. See the multi-day schedule of events here.
2. October 18 :: Grand Diwali Mela in McKinney
Spend the day at Collin County’s biggest Diwali celebration at Myers Park in McKinney. The festival of lights runs 12:00 – 10:00 p.m. for all ages. Get there early to win free mithai — Indian desserts — and stay for the fashion show, talent show, stilt walkers, Disney princesses, and live music and dance performances. For dinner, nosh on your favorite Indian dishes inside the food court. Tickets are $12 for ages 10 and older.
3. October 18 :: Diwali Celebrations with Dallas Public Library
- Park Forest branch :: Enjoy snacks, music, games, and crafts to celebrate Diwali at the library on Forest Lane in Northwest Dallas from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
- Dallas West branch :: Make a colorful paper lantern to celebrate Diwali! Head to the library on Singleton Boulevard in West Dallas to learn all about the traditions and stories of Diwali while making your own lantern to light from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
4. October 18 :: Explore Diwali in Plano
Spend the afternoon at Davis Library in Plano to celebrate Diwali with your family. Head to the children’s program room for stories and activities from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
5. October 19 :: GO DFW Diwali & New Year 2025 in Frisco
Frisco’s Diwali celebration features kids activities, games, and henna tattoos in addition to the Diwali to-dos taking place at Memorial High School. The event costs $22 per guest and runs 4:00 – 8:30 p.m. Guests are asked to donate clothes and shoes upon arrival. Donations will go to local veterans and families in need.
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6. October 25 :: Celebrate Diwali with Dance in Dallas
See a Diwali dance performance at the Vickery Park branch library on Park Lane. Dance performers will teach attendees traditional and contemporary dances from India, too! This free event is from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
7. October 25 :: Diwali Fest in Southlake
Celebrate Diwali Fest at Southlake Town Square from 12:00 – 10:00 p.m. The fest lights up the night with a laser show, fashion show, live performances, dances, food, and art vendors, capped off by the traditional fireworks show. Admission and parking are free.
8. October 29 :: Diwali Family Fun Night in Coppell
All ages are invited to Cozby Library for crafts and stories that celebrate the Festival of Lights in Coppell. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m.
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: A Guide to Fall Fun in Collin County :: Events, Farms, Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, and More <<
9. November 9 :: The Great Indian Diwali Festival of Lights in The Colony
Bring a lawn chair to enjoy the show at Grandscape in The Colony. This free Diwali celebration for all ages features all the typical festivities plus ancient arts and crafts and a grand finale by world-renowned South Asian Dancer Adrija Datta. Of course, stay for the dazzling fireworks show at sundown. This festival runs 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Tell us, what’s your favorite way to celebrate Diwali?
