Where to Celebrate Diwali in Austin With Food
Diwali, the festival of lights for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, takes place this month. The holiday celebrates the idea of good winning over evil through partaking in food and sweets, lighting lamps, and going all out with marigold decorations.
The five-day celebration begins on Tuesday, October 29, with the actual Diwali taking place on Thursday, October 31, and ends on Wednesday, November 5.
Everything below is listed in chronological order.
Diwali at the Domain
The South Asians’ International Volunteer Association (SAIVA) is hosting a big kid-friendly Diwali event ahead of the holiday up in the shopping center. Along with food, there will be dancing (showcase and a competition), henna, markets, and raffles.
Where: iPic Theater, 3225 Amy Donovan Plaza, Domain Time: noon to 9 p.m. How to Attend: It’s free to attend.
Austin Diwali Bash
South Asian party company Desi Vibe Tribe is throwing a Diwali party for people 18 years and older at event space Pershing. The party includes dancing, music (both live bands and DJs), fire dancers, a bhangra dance workshop, cocktails, shisha, henna, a market, etc., and food from Austin Indian restaurant Claypit.
Where: Pershing, 2415B East Fifth Street, Holly Time: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. How to Attend: General admission tickets are $30; VIP tickets are $65 with access to exclusive areas.
RR Diwali Fest
The City of Round Rock hosts an annual Diwali festival full of performances, competitions (best dressed, sand art, drawing, painting), ceremonies, a Bollywood dance class, and lots of food (including places like Indian restaurants Bayleaf and Desilicious), along with kid-friendly activities.
Where: Centennial Plaza, 301 West Bagdad Avenue, Round Rock Time: 2 to 10 p.m. How to Attend: It’s free to attend.
Grand Diwali Celebration
Hindu temple Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani is hosting a big Diwali event with lots of food, dancing, ceremonies, performances, and fireworks, with indoor and outdoor areas. Food will be served from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: JKP Radha Madhav Dham, 400 Barsana Road, Far West Austin Time: 6 to 10:30 p.m. How to Attend: It’s free to attend; parking is $10.
Diwali Bazaar
Brewery Meanwhile Brewing is throwing a Diwali-pegged event with themed food from its on-site trucks — rice and curry by Distant Relatives pitmaster Raj Yadav, pizza topped with paneer butter masala and butter chicken masala from Side Eye Pizza, Sri Lankan chicken curry tacos from Pueblo Viejo, and fried chicken tikka sandwiches from Songbird — along with a market, a performance DJ Gabru and the Purple Dholi, a dance lesson, henna tattoos, and more.
Where: Meanwhile Brewing, 3901 Promontory Drive, McKinney Time: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. How to Attend: Free RSVPs.
Diwali Dinners
Hill Country winery Kalasi Cellars is teaming up with chef Roshni Gurnani to present a two-night dinner for the holiday. The four-course meal includes dishes like marinated roasted chicken and tamarind-agave-spiced ribs. There are vegan options. Also, say hello to the llama.
Where: Kalasi Cellars, 414 Goehmann Lane, Fredericksburg Times: The dinners begin at 6:30 p.m.
