BNZ Auckland Diwali 2026: What to see, how to get there and when to catch the fireworks
Auckland's city centre is preparing for the festival of lights. (Supplied photo)
A live Ramayana stage drama and Indian classical music concerts. This year’s festival promises new cultural experiences.
Auckland's biggest Diwali celebration will return to the city centre on October 31 and November 1, with hundreds of performers, Indian food, music, art and fireworks spread across Aotea Square and surrounding venues.
The free BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival will feature several new attractions this year, including Indian classical music concerts, a live Ramayana stage drama and an Indian art exhibition.
But visitors will need to plan their journeys, particularly on Sunday, when the Auckland Marathon will bring road closures and traffic restrictions across parts of the city.
Festival event manager Arnav Taode is encouraging Aucklanders to check the programme before heading into the city.
“Come hungry, explore some of the performances and activities you might not have experienced before, and stay into the evening when the lights come on and the festival takes on a whole new atmosphere.”
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What to see and do
The festival will run from midday to 9pm on Saturday, and midday to approximately 9.10pm on Sunday. Entry is free.
Auckland Town Hall's Concert Chamber will host three free 45-minute Indian classical music concerts, while a live Ramayana drama will bring the Hindu epic to the stage through acting, costumes and storytelling.
Aotea Centre will host a new Indian art exhibition, cultural workshops and free yoga, meditation and breathwork sessions led by Reha Kumar.
Festival favourites, including the Chalk It Up Rangoli Competition, henna artists, street performances and traditional and contemporary dance will also return.
Food stalls will serve Indian vegetarian dishes including samosas, vada pav, momos and curries. All food will be vegetarian and prepared without eggs.
The full programme is available on the festival website.
Fireworks and city lights
The fireworks display is scheduled for approximately 8.50pm on Sunday, followed by an audiovisual projection show on Auckland Town Hall.
Diwali lighting will begin earlier, with Auckland Town Hall illuminated from October 24 and a new projection-mapping experience at Te Waihorotiu Station.
Auckland Harbour Bridge will also light up in fuchsia and orange from October 26 to November 1.

Getting there and road closures
This will be the first Auckland Diwali festival with Te Waihorotiu Station operating nearby, bringing train passengers within a two-minute walk of Aotea Square.
Additional train capacity is planned over the weekend, while standard bus services will continue into the city centre.
The Auckland Marathon on Sunday will cause road closures and parking restrictions across the North Shore, waterfront and central Auckland. Some restrictions will begin on Saturday.
Auckland Harbour Bridge will remain open in both directions, although two southbound lanes will be closed during the marathon.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport and check Auckland Transport's festival travel information for Saturday and Sunday before leaving home.