DiwaliSA: Festival of Lights
Sat, Nov 7, 4:30 PM
Event details
- When
- Sat, Nov 7, 4:30 PM to 11:59 PM (Ends at midnight)
- Where
- Hemisfair
434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205 - Cost
- Varies. La Villita lists it as free to attend. Food and some activities may cost extra. The organizer page does not state a price.
- Ages
- All ages
- Tickets / info
- Official event page
About this event
DiwaliSA is Anuja SA's Festival of Lights, co-hosted with the City of San Antonio. On Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to midnight, Hemisfair and the Arneson River Theatre fill with diyas, marigolds, rangoli, Indian dance and music, and food. The evening also includes a river parade at the Arneson. It is held every year on the first Saturday of November. Go early with little kids; the festival runs late.
DiwaliSA, San Antonio's Festival of Lights, is Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to midnight at Hemisfair and the Arneson River Theatre. It's co-hosted by Anuja SA and the City of San Antonio. Families can see lights and rangoli, Indian dance and music, food and a river parade. Go early with little kids.
DiwaliSA with kids
- Kids usually love the lights, the colorful rangoli designs on the ground and the dancing.
- It runs until midnight. With little kids, plan on 4:30 to about 7:30 p.m.
- Yanaguana Garden's playground is inside Hemisfair, so kids can take a play break. Hemisfair's park hours are 5 a.m. to midnight daily.
- Bring a stroller or carrier. It is a walk between Hemisfair and the Arneson River Theatre in La Villita.
Tips for going
- Get there early for a seat near the river at the Arneson River Theatre.
- Bring cash and cards for food vendors.
- Downtown parking fills on Saturday nights. VIA buses and rideshare can be easier.
- Check the organizer's Instagram (@diwalisanantonio) the day of for weather updates.
Questions parents ask
When is DiwaliSA 2026?
DiwaliSA is Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to midnight at Hemisfair and the Arneson River Theatre in downtown San Antonio. It's held every year on the first Saturday of November.
Is DiwaliSA free?
La Villita, the City venue that hosts the Arneson River Theatre, lists DiwaliSA as a free event. Food and some activities may cost extra. The organizer page does not state a price.
Is DiwaliSA good for kids?
Yes. It's a family festival with lights, rangoli, dance, music and food. It runs late, so families with young kids often go at the start and leave by early evening.
What is Diwali?
Diwali is the Festival of Lights, one of the biggest holidays in India and South Asia. It celebrates light winning over darkness. Families light small lamps called diyas and make colorful rangoli designs.