Diwali events Vancouver 2016

Get your candles and fireworks ready, Diwali is almost here.

Diwali (also known as the festival of light) originates from India but is celebrated across the world.

This year, the Diwali takes place on October 30, but the festivities stretch over several days.

Want a taste of Diwali in Vancouver? Take a look below for our guide to five Vancouver Diwali events to get you in the celebratory spirit.

Piya Behrupiuya (Twelfth Night)

The Company Theatre, one of Mumbai’s most well-known theatre groups, brings a Bollywood mashup of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The play has been performed nearly 100 times across India and around the globe, and now the Company Theatre is bringing it to Vancouver. The play will be performed with English subtitles.

When: Tuesday, October 11 to Saturday, October 22

Where: York Theatre- 639 Commercial Drive

Tickets: $25 on sale now at The Cultch’s Box Office, by phone at 604-251-1363, or online

The Stories of Diwali 

Lakshmi performing a traditional classical Bharatnatyam piece as part of our VPL lunchtime performances presented by @7elevencanada. #df2015

A video posted by Diwali Fest (@diwalifest) on Nov 4, 2015 at 12:36pm PST

This multicultural celebration brings together the different ways various cultural and religious groups around the South Asian region celebrate Diwali.

When: Tuesday, October 18 and Thursday, October 20

Where: Central Library (October 18) and Vancouver Library South Hill Branch (October 20)

Admission: Free

Diwali at the Fraserview Branch Library

This event will feature colourful entertainment including dance performances from different South Asian cultural groups.

When: Saturday, October 22 from 1 pm to 2 pm

Where: Vancouver Library Fraserview Branch- 1950 Argyle Dr.

Admission: Free

Diwali Downtown Vancouver 

Diwali Downtown is the festival’s main event bringing together thousands of attendees from all over the Lower Mainland. With dance performances, music, an Indian style bazaar (marketplace), various entertainment and food, this is definitely the place to get your Diwali on.

When: Saturday, October 29 from 3 pm to 8 pm

Where: Roundhouse Community Centre- 181 Roundhouse Mews

Admission: Free

Diwali Downtown Surrey

If you can’t make it to Diwali Downtown the celebration is also coming to Surrey. Enjoy a day filled with dance, music, good food, activities, all highlighting the beauty of South Asia’s many cultural groups.

When: Saturday, November 5 from 3 pm to 7 pm

Where: Surrey City Hall- 13450 104 Ave., Surrey

Admission: Free