Arts & Culturevia Smithsonian National Museum of Asian ArtRegister in advance (recommended)

Asia After Dark | Diwali Festival

Friday, November 6, 2026

10:00 PM UTC – Saturday, November 7, 2026, 2:30 AM UTC

Asian Art Museum

Asian Art Museum, Washington, DC

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Hosted by Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

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About this event

Celebrate Diwali: https://asia.si.edu/whats-on/events/celebrations/diwali/, the festival of lights, with an evening of food, music, dance, and activities! Learn how different regions celebrate this Hindu holiday, create crafts to take home, and see the museum lit up once the sun goes down.

Register in advance : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/asia-after-dark-diwali-festival-tickets-2001238735931?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=truefor the best experience. Some activities have a limited capacity, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis.

Food Vendors

  • Cuisine from the Indian Diaspora 5-9 p.m. West Building, Plaza Crafts & Coloring
  • Family Fun Activities 5-7 p.m. West Building, North Corridor and Galleries 1 and 2
  • Color a Diya 5-9 p.m. East Building, Level B2, ImaginAsia
  • Decorate a Rangoli with Kulture Khazana East Building, Level B1, Gallery 27 5-9 p.m. Performances
  • Strings for the Festival of Lights: Classical Sarod Recital by Swarnendu 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. West Building, Meyer Auditorium
  • Dance Performances by Vishious Vicinity 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7 p.m. West Building, Plaza
  • Afterhours Dance Party with DJ MAIYA 7:30-9:30 p.m. West Building, Plaza Tours & Talks
  • Conservation Cart Talk 6-7 p.m. West Building, South Corridor
  • Curator Tours | Arts of the Indian Subcontinent 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. West Building, Galleries 1-2
  • Spotlight Talks | The Peacock Room 7-9 p.m. West Building, Gallery 12
  • Spotlight Talks | The Art of Knowing 6-9 p.m. East Building, Gallery 22 Special Decorations
  • See the museum lit up to celebrate Diwali 5-9:30 p.m. West Building, Plaza and Courtyard

Image credit: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Sonya Pencheva

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Asia After Dark | Diwali Festival in Washington | EventPrism