The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival 2026 takes place on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, from 12pm to 9pm on both days, in Aotea Square, Queen Street and Rutland Street in central Auckland. Entry is free.
First held in 2002, the festival is organised by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and organisers say it attracts more than 65,000 people each year. Here are the dates, times, location, food and everything confirmed so far for 2026.
Auckland Diwali Festival 2026: quick facts
| Event | BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival |
| Dates | Saturday 31 October – Sunday 1 November 2026 |
| Times | 12pm – 9pm each day |
| Where | Aotea Square, Queen Street and Rutland Street, Auckland CBD |
| Entry | Free (some ticketed performances) |
| Organiser | Auckland Council event delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, presented by BNZ |
| First held | 2002 |
| Crowd | More than 65,000 people a year (organisers’ figure) |
Dates and times
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Saturday 31 October 2026 | 12pm – 9pm |
| Sunday 1 November 2026 | 12pm – 9pm |
The festival is held in the week before Diwali itself. In 2026, Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) falls on Sunday 8 November in New Zealand.
Where it is and how to get there
The festival fills Aotea Square and the surrounding stretch of Queen Street and Rutland Street, with the Auckland Live listing giving the address as 291–297 Queen Street. Aotea Square is about a 15-minute walk from Britomart train station and the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
If you are driving, Auckland Transport’s carparks at The Civic and on Victoria Street are the closest. Public transport is the easier option on a busy festival day; check Auckland Transport’s journey planner before you travel.
What’s on
Across both days there are traditional and contemporary Indian performances on multiple stages, plus:
- A festival marketplace
- Street performances and art installations
- Creative workshops and family activities
- Yoga and wellness sessions
- Projection shows
- The Living Arts Lounge
- Some ticketed performances alongside the free programme
As of late September 2026, the organisers have not published a performer line-up or stage times. The festival is family-friendly and open to all ages, with accessible seating available.
Food at the festival
Auckland Unlimited bills the event as the largest vegetarian festival in New Zealand. Food stalls serve Indian favourites such as pakora, pav bhaji and kulfi. The whole festival is vegetarian, alcohol-free and smoke-free.
Fireworks
The organisers describe the fireworks display as the highlight of the night. As of September 2026, the day and time of the 2026 display have not been announced.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Auckland Diwali Festival 2026?
Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026, 12pm to 9pm each day.
Is the Auckland Diwali Festival free?
Yes, entry is free. A small number of performances are ticketed.
Where is the Auckland Diwali Festival held?
In Aotea Square, Queen Street and Rutland Street in central Auckland.
What time are the Diwali fireworks in Auckland?
The 2026 fireworks time has not been announced yet. The festival runs until 9pm on both days.
Can you drink alcohol at the festival?
No. The festival is alcohol-free, smoke-free and fully vegetarian.
When did the Auckland Diwali Festival start?
It was first held in 2002.
