Diwali, India’s famous festival of lights, is celebrated across the Bay Area, too, with festivals and events that include Bollywood and classic dancing, tasty food and plenty of fun. Here’s just a sampling to explore.
Diwali — Festival of Lights: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 12, Memorial Park, 10185 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino. Browse the arts and crafts booths, sample food and enjoy the kids zone, a fashion show, and Bollywood and classical dance performances. Free admission. https://bit.ly/2mjfXWP
Festival of Globe Diwali Mela: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 19, NewPark Mall parking lot, 2086 NewPark Mall, Newark. Check out the vendor booths, kids carnival, food festival and dance competition. $5-$7. https://bit.ly/2mqIk5D
Diwali Dhamaka: Noon-11 p.m. Oct. 19, Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. The festivities include dance, food, games and rides, and a fancy dress competition. $2-$4. www.aiaevents.org
Festival of Lights Celebration: 5:30-10 p.m. Oct, 19, Pleasanton Middle School, 5001 Case Ave., Pleasanton. The event includes dance, Indian bazaar, food, drums/dhol performances, and an Amador Valley Choir performance of Indian music. $5-$20. https://bit.ly/2m77F4l
Diwali 2019 Bay Area Bollywood/Desi-Fusion Dance Showcase: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19, Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th St., San Francisco. This Bay Area-wide Bollywood/desi dance showcase includes both instructor and student performances. $5. https://bit.ly/2m8Qhfz
Diwali Festival of Lights: Noon-4 p.m. Oct. 19-20, Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. This celebration includes Rangoli art activities, lantern workshops, music and dance performances and other activities. $0-$15. https://bit.ly/2mxYmKS
Diwali: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 20, Bankhead Theater plaza, 2400 First St., Livermore. Activities include diya decorations, henna, Rangoli art and classic Indian songs and dancing, as well as storytelling. Free craft projects for children. Food and jewelry will be available for sale. Free admission. https://bit.ly/2mi8ZkM
Festival of Lights — Diwali Celebration: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 26, Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center, 401 Baker St., San Francisco. Artistic performances, live music, meditation, vegetarian dinner and more. Free admission. https://bit.ly/2mcCmFg
Diwali Celebration: 6 p.m. Nov. 16, Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda. Featuring dance lessons and performances, live drums, open floor music, henna, Indian food and more. $12-$25. https://bit.ly/2mhGL9O