Diwali 2026 in Chicago: Events, Food, and Festivities

Chicago is getting ready to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with cultural performances, community gatherings, traditional festivities, and delicious Indian food across the city and surrounding suburbs.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in South Asia. Symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, the festival brings families and communities together through traditions such as lighting diyas (oil lamps), creating colorful rangoli designs, exchanging sweets, and sharing festive meals.

Primarily celebrated by Hindus, Diwali also holds distinct religious and cultural significance for Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhist communities. In 2026, the main Diwali celebration falls on Sunday, November 8.

To help you join the festivities, here are three ways to celebrate Diwali in Chicago:

• Diwali celebrations and events in Chicago
• Explore South Asian art and culture
• Celebrate Diwali with Indian food and sweets

Diwali celebrations and events in Chicago

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with family-friendly activities, cultural performances, spiritual gatherings, and community celebrations happening throughout Chicagoland this November.

Diwali Satsang at MA Center Chicago
November 7, 2026 | 2–9 p.m.

Join MA Center Chicago in Elburn for a spiritual Diwali celebration featuring lamp lighting, devotional singing, meditation, fireworks, and a community dinner.

Kalapriya Diwali Celebration
November 7, 2026 | 4–6 p.m.

Celebrate Diwali with Kalapriya at Chicago Women's Park and Gardens. Enjoy Indian food, music, dancing, Diwali-inspired arts and crafts, and an outdoor sparkler celebration. The family-friendly event welcomes guests of all ages.

Diwali Fireworks and Sound Show at BAPS Chicago
November 7, 2026 | 7:45–8:30 p.m.

Experience a dazzling celebration of light, music, and culture at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett. Food stalls open at 5 p.m., followed by an evening fireworks and sound show.

Chicago Diwali After Dark 2026 at Lore Nightclub
November 7, 2026 | 10 p.m.–3 a.m.

Celebrate Diwali after dark at Lore Nightclub in River North. Dance to Bollywood hits, desi remixes, and disco classics with DJ Rahull from Washington, D.C., during this festive nightlife celebration. The event is for guests ages 21 and older.

Chicago Diwali Party 2026 at Experience 868
November 7, 2026 | 10 p.m. onwards

Get ready for a night of Bollywood music and festive celebrations at Experience 868 in Chicago. Hosted by Desi Crown, the Diwali party brings together Bollywood hits, desi anthems, and a lively dance floor. Guests must be 21 or older.

Diwali and Annakut at Haridham Chicago
November 7–10, 2026

Haridham Chicago in Schaumburg will mark Diwali and Annakut with celebrations at its mandir. Visitors interested in participating can check the temple's official announcements for the complete program and visitor information.

Chai and Clay: Diyas for Diwali
November 8, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Get creative with Azadi Folk School in Uptown. Learn to hand-sculpt traditional clay oil lamps, discover the history and symbolism of diyas, and enjoy chai and snacks during this hands-on workshop.

Diwali Celebrations at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
November 8, 2026

Celebrate Diwali at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont with religious and cultural activities. Festivities include a Diwali bazaar, children's devotional programming, cultural performances, and an evening fireworks celebration.

Diwali and Govardhan Puja at ISKCON Naperville
November 8, 2026 | From 4:30 p.m.

Join ISKCON Naperville for a traditional celebration of Diwali and Govardhan Puja. The gathering features devotional observances, lamp offerings, and Annakut, a ceremonial offering of food.

Diwali Celebration with Indian Idol Ashish Kulkarni
November 13, 2026 | 5:30–11 p.m.

Celebrate Diwali with music, food, and community at this special event presented by Aarush Entertainment. Featuring Indian Idol performer Ashish Kulkarni, the celebration includes dinner and an evening of entertainment at Ashyana Banquets & Events in Downers Grove.

Jalsa Social: A Festival of Lights November 14, 2026 | 4–6 p.m.

Celebrate Diwali with Mehal House in Chicago's West Humboldt Park neighborhood. Enjoy food, drinks, music, mehendi, and festive shopping while exploring original artwork and handcrafted products. Dress in your Diwali best for a chance to win a special prize in the event's fancy-dress competition.

Gandhi Samaj of Chicago Diwali Celebration
November 14, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.

Gandhi Samaj of Chicago will host its annual Diwali gathering at Ashton Place in Willowbrook. The community celebration offers an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and celebrate the Festival of Lights. Registration is available for members and nonmembers.

Celebrate Diwali at the Field Museum
November 15, 2026 | 12:30–5 p.m.

The Field Museum brings back its Diwali celebration with Indian classical dance, Bollywood performances, interactive cultural activities, henna, and a diya-decorating workshop. Programming is included with museum admission.

Ascend Midwest Diwali Celebration
November 18, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Celebrate Diwali while connecting with fellow professionals at Ascend Midwest's gathering hosted at CIBC in downtown Chicago. The event offers an opportunity to celebrate South Asian culture and build connections with the community.

Explore South Asian art and culture

Beyond Diwali celebrations, Chicago offers opportunities to discover South Asian heritage through exhibitions, storytelling, art, and cultural experiences.

Transforming Legacies: South Asian Story Painting Through December 12, 2026

Explore centuries of South Asian storytelling at the South Asia Institute in Chicago's South Loop. Featuring 36 paintings from the Hundal Collection, the exhibition examines how traditional stories, including the Ramayana, have been interpreted and transformed through visual art.

Unspoken Influence: The Legacy of Indus Gallery Through March 13, 2027

Also at the South Asia Institute, this exhibition features works by 30 artists from the Hundal Collection. Discover the legacy of Pakistan's Indus Gallery and the relationships, mentorship, and artistic exchanges that helped shape modern South Asian art.

Explore Devon Avenue's South Asian Community

Take a stroll along Devon Avenue in Chicago's West Ridge neighborhood, home to a vibrant collection of Indian and South Asian shops, markets, restaurants, and bakeries. Browse traditional clothing, discover festive decorations, shop for ingredients, and explore the neighborhood's cultural offerings.

For Diwali supplies and groceries, Patel Brothers at 2610 W. Devon Avenue is one place to start.

Celebrate Diwali with Indian food and sweets around Chicago

Food is an important part of Diwali celebrations, bringing families and friends together over festive meals and traditional sweets known as mithai. Chicago's Indian food scene offers plenty of delicious ways to join the celebration.

• Basant: Celebrate Diwali with festive dine-in specials available November 4–8. Located in North Center, Basant's holiday menu features Indian dishes and creative interpretations by chef Jeet Singh.
• Nadu: This Lincoln Park restaurant is hosting a special Diwali dinner on November 8, featuring a four-course tasting menu with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
• Annapurna Simply Vegetarian: A longtime Devon Avenue favorite serving vegetarian Indian cuisine, including dosas, chaat, thalis, and traditional sweets.
• Sukhadia's Sweets and Snacks: Celebrate the sweeter side of Diwali at this Devon Avenue shop. Discover traditional Indian sweets such as laddoo, jalebi, peda, barfi, and kaju katli, along with savory snacks and gift assortments.
• Tahoora Sweets & Bakery: A South Asian bakery on Devon Avenue offering an assortment of mithai and traditional desserts, including gulab jamun, ras malai, and barfi. Pick up a box of sweets to share with family and friends.

Diwali brings Chicago's South Asian communities together through traditions that celebrate light, hope, renewal, and togetherness. Throughout the festive season, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the Festival of Lights, discover South Asian art, and share traditional food with loved ones.

Before heading out, check event organizers' websites for the latest schedules, admission details, registration requirements, and event updates.

‍

For more exciting articles, keep in touch and stay connected by following us on our socials Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tiktok and we’ll make sure you’re updated!