Discover Diwali 2025 celebrations across America - from NYC's Times Square to SF's Festival of Lights. Complete guide to temple events, community melas, and public festivities in every major US city.

Here's something wild - last year, I drove 127 miles to attend a "nearby" Diwali celebration because Google told me it was the closest one. Turns out, there were three massive events happening within 20 minutes of my house that I completely missed. The problem? Finding accurate, up-to-date information about local Diwali celebrations in the US is like trying to find that one safety pin when you desperately need it for your saree - you know it exists somewhere, but where?!

This year, I've done the homework for all of us. I've compiled every major Diwali 2025 celebration happening across the United States, from the famous Times Square spectacle to hidden gem temple celebrations that locals gatekeep. Whether you're in a city with a thriving Indian community or somewhere where you're the only one who knows what a diya is, this guide will help you find your Diwali tribe for the five days of celebration from October 29 to November 2.

What makes 2025 special? With Diwali falling on Friday, October 31 (yes, Halloween!), many cities are planning bigger celebrations to take advantage of the weekend. Plus, after years of scaled-down pandemic celebrations, communities are going all out with in-person melas, fireworks, and festivities that'll make you feel like you've teleported to India for the night.

Three friends enjoying a traditional Indian Diwali dinner, sharing conversation and festive dishes.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels

Find Your Local Diwali Celebration:

Northeast Region: The Diwali Powerhouses

The Northeast hosts some of America's largest and most spectacular Diwali celebrations, with communities that have been organizing events for decades.

New York City & Metropolitan Area

🗽 Times Square Diwali 2025
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025 (pre-Diwali weekend)
Time: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Times Square, Manhattan
Highlights: Live performances, LED diya lighting ceremony, Bollywood flash mob
Admission: FREE
Expected Attendance: 50,000+
Diwali at South Street Seaport
Date: October 31, 2025 (Main Diwali)
Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Features: Floating lantern ceremony, food trucks, cultural performances
Pro Tip: Arrive early for the sunset floating lantern release at 6:30 PM - it's magical!
  • Queens Diwali Motorcade: October 26, starting from Diversity Plaza, featuring decorated cars and trucks
  • Brooklyn Museum Diwali: November 1, special exhibitions and family activities
  • Hindu Temple Society of North America (Flushing): October 29-31, traditional pujas and cultural programs
  • Ganesh Temple (Queens): All five days, authentic South Indian celebrations

    • New Jersey: The Diwali Capital of America

    With the highest concentration of Indian Americans, New Jersey goes BIG for Diwali!

    Event Location Date Special Features Admission
    Diwali Mela Woodbridge Community Center Oct 26 100+ vendors, rides, fireworks $5
    Edison Diwali Oak Tree Road Oct 29-31 Street celebrations, shop deals Free
    Jersey City Festival Exchange Place Oct 25 Waterfront celebration Free
    BAPS Temple Robbinsville Oct 29-Nov 2 Grand celebrations all 5 days Free
    Bridgewater Temple Bridgewater Oct 31 Maha Lakshmi Puja Free

    Boston & New England

    Boston City Hall Plaza Diwali
    Date: October 26, 2025
    Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Highlights: Mayor's diya lighting, cultural showcase, food festival
    Special: Free henna and rangoli workshops for kids
  • MIT Diwali Night: October 31, student performances and dinner
  • Harvard Square Celebration: October 25, street festival with local vendors
  • Burlington Mall Diwali: October 26-27, indoor mela with 50+ stalls
  • Sri Lakshmi Temple (Ashland): October 29-31, traditional celebrations

    • Philadelphia Region

    Penn's Landing Diwali Festival
    Date: November 1, 2025
    Time: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Features: Delaware River fireworks show (8 PM), food trucks, bazaar
    Transit: SEPTA special service for the event

    Never Miss a Local Diwali Event!

    Get our Ultimate Diwali Gift Guide with bonus local events tracker. Includes vendor lists, parking tips, and exclusive discount codes for major celebrations.

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    Southeast: Southern Hospitality Meets Diwali

    Atlanta: The South's Diwali Hub

    🍑 Global Mall Diwali Mela
    Location: 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross
    Date: October 25-26, 2025
    Scale: Southeast's LARGEST - 200+ vendors
    Parking: Free but arrives before 11 AM!
    Must-See: Saturday night grand fireworks (9 PM)
    Atlanta Area Events Date Location Highlights
    BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Oct 29-Nov 2 Lilburn Annakut display with 1,500+ dishes
    Hindu Temple of Atlanta Oct 31 Riverdale Maha Lakshmi Puja
    Chinmaya Mission Oct 31 Alpharetta Family celebrations
    Gas South Arena Diwali Nov 1 Duluth Concert featuring Bollywood stars

    Florida Celebrations

    Miami-Dade Diwali Festival
    Date: October 26, 2025
    Location: Bayfront Park
    Special: Beach diya lighting ceremony at sunset
    Features: Caribbean-Indian fusion performances
  • Orlando Diwali (Lake Eola): October 25, family festival with swan boat rides
  • Tampa Bay Diwali: November 1, Curtis Hixon Park, waterfront celebration
  • Jacksonville Temple: October 31, traditional celebrations at Hindu Society
  • Ft. Lauderdale Beach Diwali: October 26, unique beach celebration with bonfire

    • North Carolina Triangle

    Cary Diwali Festival
    Date: October 18, 2025 (early celebration)
    Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
    Scale: NC's largest with 15,000+ attendees
    Special: Professional fireworks show included in admission

    Midwest: Heartland Diwali Celebrations

    Chicago: Midwest's Diwali Central

    🏙️ Chicago Diwali Celebrations 2025
    Navy Pier Fireworks: October 31, 9:00 PM (FREE)
    Daley Plaza Festival: October 26, 11 AM - 4 PM
    Devon Avenue: October 29-31, street celebrations
    Special: City lights up buildings in Diwali colors!
    Chicago Area Location Date Unique Feature
    BAPS Temple Bartlett Oct 29-Nov 2 Carved marble temple setting
    Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago Lemont Oct 31 Rama Temple celebrations
    Schaumburg Diwali Convention Center Nov 1 Indoor mela with 100+ vendors
    Naperville Festival Downtown Oct 25 Riverwalk illumination

    Detroit & Michigan

    Canton Diwali Mela
    One of the Midwest's largest celebrations
    Date: October 11, 2025 (early celebration)
    Location: Canton Summit
    Features: 80+ vendors, cultural performances, kids zone
  • Novi Diwali: October 25, Novi Civic Center, metro Detroit's biggest
  • Troy Somerset Mall: October 26-27, indoor celebration with shopping
  • Ann Arbor Temple: October 31, University of Michigan area celebration

    • Ohio Celebrations

    Columbus Diwali at Ohio Expo Center
    Date: November 8, 2025 (post-Diwali celebration)
    Scale: Ohio's largest with 10,000+ attendees
    Special: Bollywood celebrity performances

    Southern States: Growing Diwali Traditions

    Texas: Everything's Bigger, Including Diwali

    🤠 Houston Diwali Celebrations
    City Hall Diwali: October 30, official ceremony
    Diwali Fest at Traders Village: November 1-2
    BAPS Mandir (Stafford): October 29-November 2
    Sugar Land Diwali: October 25, Town Square Park
    Texas City Major Event Date Expected Attendance
    Dallas Cotton Bowl Diwali Mela Nov 1 30,000+
    Austin Palmer Events Center Oct 26 15,000+
    San Antonio Hemisfair Park Oct 25 8,000+
    Plano Plano Diwali Mela Nov 8 20,000+

    Tennessee

    Nashville Diwali at Centennial Park
    Date: October 26, 2025
    Features: Parthenon illumination, cultural village
    Special: Country music meets Bollywood fusion performance!

    Louisiana

  • New Orleans City Park: November 1, unique jazz-Indian fusion celebration
  • Baton Rouge Temple: October 31, traditional celebrations with Cajun twist

    • West Coast: Pacific Diwali Spectacular

    San Francisco Bay Area

    🌉 Bay Area Diwali Guide 2025
    San Francisco City Hall: Illuminated in Diwali colors Oct 29-31
    Fremont Festival of Lights: October 19, Central Park (earliest major celebration)
    Cupertino Diwali: October 12, Memorial Park
    San Jose Diwali: November 1, Plaza de Cesar Chavez
    Bay Area Temples City Special Programs
    Livermore Temple Livermore 24-hour celebrations Oct 31
    Fremont Temple Fremont Grand Annakut Nov 1
    Sunnyvale Temple Sunnyvale Tech community gathering
    BAPS Milpitas Milpitas All 5 days celebration

    Los Angeles & Southern California

    LA Diwali Festival
    Location: Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
    Date: November 2, 2025
    Scale: West Coast's largest - 40,000+ attendees
    Features: Bollywood concerts, 150+ vendors, carnival rides
  • Malibu Hindu Temple: October 31, oceanside celebrations
  • Irvine Diwali: October 25, Great Park with hot air balloon rides
  • San Diego Balboa Park: October 26, cultural showcase
  • BAPS Chino Hills: October 29-November 2, full traditional celebrations

    • Seattle & Pacific Northwest

    Seattle Center Diwali
    Date: November 9, 2025 (post-Diwali celebration)
    Location: Seattle Center Armory
    Features: Indoor celebration (weather-proof!), tech community gathering
    Special: Microsoft and Amazon employee performances
  • Bellevue Diwali: October 25, Crossroads Park
  • Redmond Lights: October 31, downtown illumination
  • Portland Diwali: November 1, Pioneer Courthouse Square

    • Planning Your Diwali Celebration Route?

    Download our Diwali 2025 Calendar & Planner with all event dates, parking tips, and celebration schedules organized by city. Never double-book or miss an event!

    Get Complete Event Calendar

    Mountain States: High-Altitude Diwali

    Colorado

    Denver Diwali Fest
    Date: October 18-19, 2025
    Location: Infinity Park, Glendale
    Unique: Mountain backdrop for evening celebrations
    Features: 5K Diwali Run on Saturday morning!
  • Boulder Diwali: October 31, Pearl Street Mall
  • Colorado Springs: November 1, Acacia Park
  • Hindu Temple of Colorado: October 29-31, Littleton

    • Arizona

    Phoenix Diwali Festival
    Date: November 1, 2025
    Location: Steele Indian School Park
    Special: Desert sunset diya lighting ceremony
    Note: Evening celebration due to daytime heat
  • Scottsdale Diwali: October 25, Civic Center Plaza
  • Tucson Festival: November 2, Reid Park
  • BAPS Temple Phoenix: October 29-November 2

    • Utah

    Salt Lake City Diwali
    Date: November 8, 2025
    Location: Utah State Fair Park
    Features: Indoor/outdoor hybrid event
    Special: Krishna Temple feast for all attendees

    Temple Celebrations Nationwide

    Temples offer the most authentic Diwali experience. Here's how to find celebrations at temples near you:

    Major Temple Networks with Diwali Programs

    Temple Network US Locations Diwali Programs Special Features
    BAPS 20+ temples All 5 days Grand Annakut displays
    ISKCON 40+ centers Oct 31 focus Free feast for all
    Chinmaya Mission 30+ centers Family programs Children's activities
    Hindu Temple Society Various Traditional pujas Regional variations
    Siva Vishnu Temples 15+ temples South Indian style Multiple deity pujas

    Finding Your Nearest Temple

    Temple Finder Tips: 1. Search "[Your City] Hindu Temple" or "Mandir near me" 2. Check temple websites for Diwali schedules by October 15 3. Call ahead - smaller temples may have limited parking 4. Most temples welcome everyone regardless of faith 5. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering

    Virtual & Hybrid Diwali Events 2025

    Can't make it to a physical celebration? These virtual options bring Diwali to you!

    Major Virtual Celebrations

    Global Virtual Diwali by CRY America
    Date: October 31, 2025
    Time: 8:00 PM ET (YouTube/Facebook Live)
    Features: Celebrity performances, cooking demos, kids activities
    Special: Interactive rangoli competition
  • Times Square Virtual Stream: October 25, watch the NYC celebration online
  • NASA Diwali: October 31, special program on "Lights in Space"
  • Yoga International: 5-day Diwali practice series online
  • MasterClass Style: Diwali cooking classes by celebrity chefs

    • Making the Most of Local Diwali Celebrations

    Insider Tips for First-Time Attendees

    Diwali Celebration Survival Guide: • Arrive early - parking fills up FAST (aim for 30 min before start) • Bring cash - many vendors don't accept cards • Dress in layers - outdoor events can get chilly after sunset • Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be walking and standing a lot • Bring hand sanitizer - you'll be eating lots of street food! • Download Uber/Lyft early - surge pricing is real during events

    What to Expect at Different Types of Celebrations

    Event Type Best For What to Expect Pro Tips
    Temple Celebrations Authentic experience Pujas, prasad, cultural programs Arrive for evening aarti
    City Festivals Family fun Stages, vendors, fireworks Bring picnic blankets
    Indoor Melas Shopping & food Vendors, performances, food court Bring reusable bags
    University Events Young crowd Student performances, DJ Often free for public
    Restaurant Celebrations Intimate groups Special menus, decor Reserve in advance

    Creating Your Own Celebration

    No major celebration in your area? Here's how to create your own Diwali magic:

  • Check local Indian restaurants for special Diwali dinners
  • Visit Indian grocery stores - they often have small celebrations
  • Connect with university Indian student associations
  • Join local Facebook groups: "[Your City] Indians" or "Desis in [City]"
  • Host your own - even 5-6 families can create amazing celebrations
  • Contact your city council about organizing future events

    • State-by-State Quick Reference

    For those in smaller cities or looking for the nearest major celebration:

    States with Major Celebrations (20,000+ attendees): California, New Jersey, Texas, Illinois, New York, Georgia, Florida, Michigan States with Growing Celebrations (5,000-20,000): Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington, Arizona, Colorado States with Emerging Celebrations (1,000-5,000): Tennessee, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Connecticut, Missouri, Indiana States with Temple-Based Celebrations: All other states typically have at least one temple organizing Diwali events

    Frequently Asked Questions About US Diwali Celebrations

    Are Diwali celebrations free to attend?
    Most outdoor city celebrations and temple events are free. Indoor melas typically charge $5-15 for entry. Concerts and special performances may cost $20-75. Always check event websites for current pricing.
    Can non-Indians attend Diwali celebrations?
    Absolutely! Diwali celebrations in the US are inclusive and welcoming to all. It's a great opportunity to experience Indian culture. Just dress modestly for temple visits and be respectful of religious customs.
    What should I wear to a Diwali celebration?
    Indian attire is encouraged but not required. Many wear kurtas, sarees, or lehengas, but nice casual clothes are perfectly acceptable. For temples, avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Comfortable shoes are essential as you'll be walking.
    Are Diwali fireworks legal in my city?
    Firework regulations vary by city and state. Most organized events have permitted displays. Personal fireworks are banned in many cities. Check your local regulations before purchasing. Sparklers are usually allowed but verify local rules.
    How do I find last-minute Diwali events?
    Check Facebook Events, Eventbrite, and Instagram for "[Your City] Diwali 2025." Local Indian restaurants and grocery stores often have flyers. WhatsApp and Telegram groups for local Indian communities share real-time updates.
    What's the best day to attend if I can only go once?
    October 31 (main Diwali day) or the nearest weekend celebration offers the most activities. Most cities hold their biggest public events on the weekend before or after Diwali for maximum attendance.
    Do I need tickets in advance?
    Free outdoor events don't require tickets. Indoor melas sometimes offer discounted advance tickets. Concerts and special performances often sell out, so book early. Temple events never require tickets but appreciate donations.

    Special Considerations for 2025

    The Halloween-Diwali Overlap

    With Diwali falling on Halloween (October 31), expect unique celebrations:

    Many cities are planning combined celebrations or staggering times. Afternoon events may cater to families wanting to do both Halloween and Diwali. Check event times carefully - some traditionally evening events may start earlier to avoid Halloween trick-or-treat hours.

    Post-Pandemic Celebration Changes

  • Many events now offer hybrid (in-person + streaming) options
  • Pre-registration is becoming common even for free events
  • Food sampling may be individually packaged vs. buffet style
  • Some venues maintain capacity limits - arrive early

    • Planning Your Diwali Celebration Tour

    Want to attend multiple celebrations? Here's how to plan your Diwali week:

    The Ultimate Diwali Week Plan: • Weekend Before (Oct 25-26): Attend major city festival • Dhanteras (Oct 29): Shop and attend temple evening prayer • Choti Diwali (Oct 30): Prep day, local restaurant dinner • Main Diwali (Oct 31): Temple for puja, then community celebration • Weekend After (Nov 1-2): Family gatherings, additional festivals

    Conclusion: Your Diwali Adventure Awaits

    From Times Square to small temple gatherings, America celebrates Diwali with incredible diversity and enthusiasm. Whether you're looking for the spectacle of 50,000 people celebrating together or the intimacy of a local temple puja, there's a Diwali celebration waiting for you in 2025.

    The best part? You don't need to stick to just one celebration. With five days of Diwali and events spread across weekends, you can experience multiple flavors of this beautiful festival. Start with this guide, but don't be surprised if you discover hidden gem celebrations through local connections.

    Remember, the essence of Diwali isn't in the size of the celebration but in the spirit of coming together, spreading light, and creating joy. Whether you're at a massive mela or lighting a single diya at home, you're part of a celebration that connects millions across the globe. Ready to find the perfect Diwali celebration near you? Save this guide, mark your calendar, and get ready for an unforgettable Festival of Lights!

    Create Your Perfect Diwali 2025 Celebration Plan!

    Get our Ultimate Diwali Gift Guide with bonus event tracker, parking maps for major celebrations, vendor lists, and exclusive discount codes for popular Diwali festivals across the US.

    Download Complete Guide

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