Celebrate Diwali: Festival of Lights events in South Florida

South Florida offers events with vibrant entertainment and activities for Diwali – Festival of Lights. Some are free. Fees apply for others, and deals are also offered.

Events are in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

The Square. Photo/Van Richardson

Diwali, or Dipawali, is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that’s also enjoyed by non-Hindu communities. Buddhists in India celebrate Diwali as well.

Please return to this feature as other events are added.

Fort Lauderdale

Diwali festival of lights is from noon – 10 p.m. on November 12, 2022; and includes displays and vendors, including jewelry, apparel and Indian and other food items. The event includes hundreds of kids and adults performing. Dance & music includes Indian folk, Bhangra and Bollywood fusion.

Prior to the event, tickets are $12 online. At the event, it’s $15.

This Diwali festival is at the Broward Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.

West Palm Beach

Diwali Festival of Lights is 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. on October 22, 2022 at The Square, 700 S. Rosemary Avenue, West Palm, FL 33401. Entry is free. Events include:

dances, workshops and other performances
FAU Aatish Dance Team
3 p.m. Readery Storytime and Activity
Resource Depot activity, making lanterns
vendors
henna

Library, West Palm Beach

Diwali art project for ages 8 and older 11 a.m. October 22 at Okeechobee Boulevard branch library, 5689 West Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach 33417. Registration is required, 561-233-1880

Las Olas Oceanside Park, Fort Lauderdale

Entry is free for Diwali festival is 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. October 21 at Las Olas Oceanside Park, or LOOP, 3000 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale 33316. The event includes vendors, dance and other live entertainment, and food for purchase. Parking fees at Fort Lauderdale beach are usually $4 an hour.