Ninth annual free community celebration features live music, dance, Indian food, shopping, kids’ activities and a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony
MAPLEWOOD, NJ – October 2026 – Diwali Fest NJ returns to Maplewood on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Memorial Park Amphitheater, 145 Dunnell Road, Maplewood, NJ.
Presented by SOMA Cross-Cultural Works, in partnership with the Township of Maplewood and Maplewood Arts & Culture, the free, family-friendly festival brings the community together to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, through music, dance, food and cultural traditions.
First held in 2017, Diwali Fest NJ returns in 2026 for its ninth annual festival, after pausing in 2020. Approximately 1,500 people attended last year’s festival.
“Diwali Fest NJ is about bringing people together and sharing the richness of South Asian culture with the entire community,” said Deepak Jhalani, Festival Director and Board Member of SOMA Cross-Cultural Works. “Whether you celebrate Diwali every year or are experiencing it for the first time, everyone is welcome.”
This year’s performance lineup includes Samarth Nagarkar, Bansari, Rutgers Raag, SOMA Dance Mob, local dance academies and youth performers. Festival-goers can also enjoy Indian food and refreshments, shopping from local and regional vendors, henna, face painting, children’s activities, dhol and other cultural experiences.
The celebration will conclude with a community lamp-lighting ceremony at approximately 5:45 p.m., followed by a sparkler celebration at 6:00 p.m. South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum is expected to join the celebration.
Admission is free and open to everyone. The rain date is Sunday, October 18, 2026.
For more information visit www.somaccw.org/diwalifestnj.