Diwali Lights! Festival: Houston's Festival of Lights

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with traditional performances, authentic cuisine, and cultural education highlighting Houston's diversity.

Festival Information

Sunday, October 26, 2025, 3pm-7pm (Ramayana performance at ~5pm; ticketed)
4 hours
Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Blvd.
Free with RSVP (performance tickets extra; often sell out)
Museum district street parking is tight
Best time: GA RSVPs hit capacity - grab performance tickets early

Festival Highlights

Family festival of lights

Crafts, food & fashion

Music & dance performances

Ramayana performance (ticketed)

Festival Activities

* Schedule and activities subject to change. Please check with event organizers for current details and exact timing.

Festival Opening & Welcome

Traditional opening ceremony welcoming families to the Festival of Lights celebration.

Craft Workshops & Activities

Hands-on workshops teaching traditional Indian crafts, rangoli art, and Diwali decorations.

Fashion & Cultural Displays

Traditional Indian fashion shows and cultural exhibits showcasing regional diversity.

Music & Dance Performances

Live performances of classical Indian music and dance by local artists and cultural groups.

Ramayana Performance

Special ticketed performance of the Ramayana epic at approximately 5pm (tickets often sell out).

Community Feast & Celebration

Traditional vegetarian Diwali feast with authentic Indian cuisine and community celebration.

Cultural Context & History

Houston's Diwali celebration reflects the city's significant South Asian population, which has grown dramatically since the 1960s. The Asia Society Texas Center serves as a cultural bridge between Houston's diverse Asian communities and the broader population. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In Houston, this ancient tradition takes on new meaning as immigrant families share their heritage with neighbors from around the world. The festival demonstrates how Houston's cultural institutions help preserve traditions while fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Food & Drink Guide

* Food vendors and availability may vary. Check with event organizers for current vendor list.

Traditional Indian Sweets

Authentic Diwali sweets including gulab jamun, barfi, and laddu

Samosas & Savory Snacks

Crispy pastries and traditional savory snacks with chutneys

Vegetarian Feast

Traditional vegetarian dishes representing various regions of India

Masala Chai

Traditional spiced tea served hot with milk and sugar

Festival Treats

Special Diwali treats and seasonal specialties

Getting There

* Please verify current location and parking information with event organizers before attending.

Driving

Museum district street parking is tight

Public Transit

Check METRO routes to the venue

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft available