Quick Info
- Event: Diwali Fest 2026, a free South Asian arts and culture festival run by the Diwali Celebration Society
- Festival run: October 24 to November 15, 2026
- Upcoming dates: November 1, 5, 7, 9 and 15
- Where: Tsawwassen Mills, Coquitlam, Vancouver, New Westminster and Surrey
- Admission: Free, with online registration
- Diwali day: Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Official site: diwalifest.ca
Diwali Fest is a free series of South Asian arts and culture events across Metro Vancouver. It runs from October 24 to November 15, 2026, and the Diwali Celebration Society organizes it.
The festival has already started. The Marine Gateway event on October 24 is over, but five more dates are still ahead, from Tsawwassen Mills to Surrey City Hall. This guide covers where each one is, when it starts and what to expect.
Diwali Fest 2026 Dates at a Glance
Here are the five remaining events in date order. Every one is free, and most need online registration.
| Date | Event | Venue | Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, November 1 | Diwali at Tsawwassen Mills | Tsawwassen Mills | 2:00 pm |
| Thursday, November 5 | Diwali in Coquitlam | Evergreen Cultural Centre | 6:00 pm |
| Saturday, November 7 | Diwali in Vancouver | Roundhouse Community Centre | 2:00 pm |
| Monday, November 9 | Diwali in New Westminster | Anvil Centre | 5:30 pm |
| Sunday, November 15 | Diwali in Surrey (finale) | Surrey City Hall | 2:00 pm |
Dates, venues and times can change, so check the official Diwali Fest events page before you go.
When Is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. It is known as the Festival of Lights, and people mark it with lit lamps called diyas, colourful rangoli designs, sweets and gifts, music and dance.
Diwali Fest events happen on the days around that date, so you can celebrate before, on or after the day itself.
Diwali at Tsawwassen Mills: Sunday, November 1
Where: Tsawwassen Mills, 5000 Canoe Pass Way, in Delta
When: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
This is a mall-based celebration, so it is an easy stop if you are already out shopping. Expect live music and dance performances, treats to buy and complimentary henna.
Admission is free. Registration is recommended, and it makes you eligible for gift cards and on-site prizes. Each person needs their own registration.
Diwali in Coquitlam: Thursday, November 5
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
When: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
This is the one weekday evening show in the series, and it has a relaxed, intimate feel. The organizers describe it as a gathering inspired by a traditional baithak, with a mix of musical styles, dance and cultural performances.
Admission is free, but registration is required because space is limited. Each person registers separately.
Diwali in Vancouver: Saturday, November 7
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
When: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
This is the Vancouver stop, and it falls the day before Diwali itself. The program is built around live music and dance in a contemporary mehfil style.
It also has live rangoli, a Diwali market and henna. Admission is free, but registration is required because of venue capacity.
Diwali in New Westminster: Monday, November 9
Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster
When: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
The festival runs this evening with the City of New Westminster, and it is the most family-focused date on the list. The program includes complimentary chai, an art workshop, author-led story time for children and a sari-draping demonstration.
Admission is free. Registration is recommended because spaces are limited.
Diwali in Surrey Finale: Sunday, November 15
Where: Surrey City Hall, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
When: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
The series ends here. The afternoon mixes classical and contemporary music with traditional and modern dance and other artistic performances, in a mehfil-inspired setting.
There is a Diwali market, and you can paint a diya and take it home. Admission is free, but registration is required because of venue capacity.
Already Happened: Marine Gateway on October 24
The first event of the 2026 festival was held at Marine Gateway in South Vancouver on October 24. If you missed it, the five dates above are still ahead.
Tips for Visiting Diwali Fest
- Register online through the official event page. Each person needs a separate registration.
- Expect no instant confirmation. The organizers send an email a few days before the event.
- Check the official page the day before you go, since dates and venues can change.
- Food, market items and henna are part of several events, so check the event page for what is on offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diwali Fest 2026 free?
Yes. Every Diwali Fest event in 2026 is free to attend. Most need online registration, and the event pages explain how to sign up.
Do I need to register for Diwali Fest?
Registration is required for the Coquitlam, Vancouver and Surrey events because of venue capacity. It is recommended for Tsawwassen Mills and New Westminster. Each person registers separately.
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali is on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Where is the Diwali Fest finale?
The finale is at Surrey City Hall, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey, on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
Is there a Diwali event in Vancouver itself?
Yes. Diwali in Vancouver is at the Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
More Festivals and Events in Vancouver
Looking for more to do around the festival dates? Browse our festivals and events page, or see what to do in Vancouver in November.
