Diwali, the Festival of Lights, lasts five days. This year the main day is Sunday, Nov. 8, KQED reports. Last year California became the third state to recognize Diwali as an official state holiday.
The big free one in San Francisco
The San Francisco Diwali Festival takes over Yerba Buena Gardens on Nov. 8. It's free and open to all ages, with contemporary and traditional South Asian performances, local makers, artisan vendors and food. Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy presents it with Creative Collective SF.
More around San Francisco
- Indian Restaurant Week runs Nov. 1 to 13 at restaurants around the city.
- The Crissy Field Center holds a combined Día de los Muertos and Diwali festival Nov. 7 (free).
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir hosts a Diwali and New Year celebration Nov. 8 (free).
- The Bhangra & Beats Night Market returns to Yerba Buena Gardens Nov. 13 (free).
East Bay, South Bay and North Bay
- Nov. 4: stories, dance and light at the Oakland Public Library's Golden Gate Branch.
- Nov. 21: a family Diwali with NonStop Bhangra at Rhythmix Cultural Works in Alameda (from $19).
- Nov. 1: a Bollywood Diwali night at Cupertino Community Hall.
- Nov. 7: Diwali: Festival of Lights at the Children's Discovery Museum in San José ($22; infants free).
- Nov. 14: the Bay Area Desi Diwali Celebration at Pavalkis Hall in Milpitas.
- Nov. 7: a free Diwali festival at Anubhuti Retreat Center in Novato.
- Nov. 14: Diwali at Cliff Lede Vineyards in Yountville (from $375).
KQED advises checking times and RSVP requirements before you go, since ticket prices tend to rise closer to Diwali.