Melbourne Diwali 26

Melbourne Diwali returns to Docklands.

Held annually since 2022, Melbourne Diwali brings the city together each October for a full day of culture, performance, food and celebration — a civic celebration welcoming Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and all Melburnians.

An eight-hour continuous main-stage program runs from the official welcome at 2pm through to close at 10pm: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Bollywood, Garba, Bhangra, folk and fusion, with live instrumental and vocal ensembles. At dusk, the Diwali lighting ceremony fills the square with lamplight.

The Inter-School Dance Competition brings Melbourne schools onto the main stage before an expert judging panel, with heats through the afternoon and finals and awards in the early evening.

Away from the stage, hands-on cultural stations run all day — henna, rangoli, saree draping and Rajasthani pagri tying — alongside a Kids Zone with diya painting, craft and storytelling. The food and artisan market brings chaat, dosa, biryani, mithai, lassi and sugarcane juice, plus jewellery, diyas, clothing, spices and books.

All food is pure vegetarian and the event is alcohol-free — a genuinely family-first festival. Entry is free and open to everyone, all ages.

The site is fully wheelchair accessible with no steps to any area, accessible parking, ramps, lifts and amenities, a sensory-friendly quiet zone, and trained volunteers throughout. Marvel Stadium Square has a full undercover option, so the program runs unchanged in any weather.

Southern Cross Station is a short walk, with Docklands trams along Bourke and Collins Streets. Paid parking is available around Docklands but limited on event day — public transport is strongly recommended.