From street food to fireworks: Your guide to Auckland BNZ  Diwali Festival

Two days of Indian culture, music, dance, art and vegetarian food will take over central Auckland as the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival returns on October 31 and November 1.

Auckland is getting ready to light up with the colours, flavours and rhythms of India, as the free BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival brings two days of celebration to the heart of the city.

From the aroma of sizzling street food and intricate rangoli designs to classical music, energetic dance performances and a spectacular fireworks display, the festival promises something for everyone, with activities spread across Aotea Square, Queen Street, Rutland Street and nearby cultural venues.

Organisers are encouraging visitors to plan ahead, with hundreds of performers, workshops, exhibitions and wellbeing experiences scheduled throughout the weekend.

This year, getting to the festivities could also be easier for public transport users, with Te Waihorotiu Station just a two-minute walk from Aotea Square.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Festival Event Manager Arnav Taode said visitors could make the most of the experience by exploring the programme before arriving.

“There is so much to experience, so I’d encourage people to look at the programme before they come and make a day of it. 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.”

A celebration of culture, creativity and tradition

Multiple stages across the festival will showcase traditional and contemporary Indian and South Asian music and dance, alongside street performances and cultural activities.

At Auckland Town Hall, the Concert Chamber will host three free 45-minute performances introducing audiences to Indian classical music, one of the world's oldest musical traditions.

The programme will also feature Ramayan Live Stage Drama, bringing the epic story to life through acting, costumes, characters and storytelling.

Art lovers can explore a new Indian art exhibition at Aotea Centre, alongside workshops celebrating Indian art, design and creative traditions.

Popular attractions will return, including the Chalk It Up Rangoli Competition, henna artists, the festival marketplace and activities for children and families.

The celebrations will extend beyond the main festival grounds, with exhibitions, workshops and Diwali experiences at Central City Library, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Come hungry for Indian flavours

For many visitors, the food will be a highlight.

Festival stalls will serve a range of vegetarian Indian dishes and sweet treats, including samosas, curry with roti, vada pav, a potato fritter served inside a soft bread bun, and momo dumplings.

All food stalls at this year's festival will serve vegetarian food prepared without eggs, giving visitors the chance to sample a variety of dishes as they explore the celebrations.

A quieter corner amid the festivities

Those looking for a break from the music and crowds can head to the free Living Arts Centre at Aotea Centre, open from midday to 9 pm on both days.

The space will offer calming visuals, headphones, culturally focused workshops and talks, creating a quieter environment for visitors to pause and recharge.

Five free 45-minute wellbeing sessions will also run each day, led by Reha Kumar. The sessions will feature yoga, meditation and breathwork, alongside insights into the history of these Indian practices.

Auckland lights up for Diwali

The celebrations will begin before the main festival weekend, with illuminated landmarks and projections bringing Diwali colours to central Auckland.

From October 24, Auckland Town Hall will feature vibrant Diwali artwork, while Te Waihorotiu Station will host a projection-mapping experience combining sound, imagery and storytelling.

The Auckland Harbour Bridge will glow in fuchsia and orange through Vector Lights from October 26 to November 1, with other city landmarks and spaces also illuminated in the lead-up to the festival.

On Sunday evening, fireworks are expected at approximately 8.50 pm, followed by an audiovisual projection show on Auckland Town Hall, bringing the celebrations to a colourful close at around 9.10 pm.

Plan your journey before heading out

With limited parking and city-centre road closures expected across the weekend, visitors are encouraged to use public transport and check travel updates before leaving home.

Regular bus services will operate into the city centre, while trains will stop at Te Waihorotiu Station, close to Aotea Square. Additional capacity is planned through six-carriage trains on both the South and East West train lines.

Visitors should also account for the Auckland Marathon on Sunday, November 1, which will bring road closures and parking restrictions to parts of the North Shore, waterfront and city centre. Some restrictions will begin on Saturday.

The Auckland Harbour Bridge will remain open in both directions, although two southbound lanes will be closed during the marathon and delays are expected.

Travellers can check Auckland Transport's dedicated Day One and Day Two event travel pages, or use the AT Journey Planner and AT mobile app for the latest bus, train and ferry information.

The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival will run from noon to 9pm on Saturday, October 31, and noon to 9.10pm on Sunday, November 1, across Aotea Square, Queen Street, Rutland Street and surrounding venues.

Entry is free, and the festival is family-friendly, smoke-free, alcohol-free and vegetarian.

For the full programme and visitor information, go to the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival website.