The countdown is on for Diwali, the moment when people across the Midlands will come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Birmingham Diwali Mela has been a huge fixture in Birmingham for many years, filling the city streets with colour and music – and it’s free to enjoy!
But, it’s not the only free Diwali event happening in our region. We’ve pulled together a guide to others you may also want to explore.
READ MORE: Birmingham Diwali Mela 2026 – dates, times and what to expect
READ NEXT: Look back at Birmingham Diwali Mela in 14 joyful photos throughout the years
Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali falls on November 8 this year and is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, as well as some Buddhists around the world.
The date of the celebrations varies widely from mid October to mid November, making it possible to attend more than one event.
Watch our video of Diwali Mela 2018 in Handsworth:
Thousands of people across the Midlands are preparing to celebrate with a series of free light switch-ons, live entertainment and firework displays – take a look at some of them here:
Here are some of the free Diwali events happening this year.
Wolverhampton‘s free Diwali event
First up is Wolverhampton’s free Diwali celebration as it takes place early this year.
Hosted by the Shree Krishan Mandir, the event is happening on Saturday October 10 at Phoenix Park, on Dudley Road in Blakenhall.
Starting at 4pm, the festivities will run until 8.30pm and include a light switch-on at 8pm followed by a free fireworks display.
Councillor Sally Green, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “Diwali is a wonderful event in our city that brings families, friends and communities together for a cultural celebration.
“The event is free and features top quality entertainment and a fantastic firework display.
“We encourage everyone to plan early and come along to celebrate this important event in the city’s calendar.”
Find out more via the Wolverhampton Council website
Phoenix Park, Dudley Road, Wolverhampton WV2 3JU
The Dhol Blasters entertaining people at The Diwali Mela 2017 musical celebrations on Soho Road in Handsworth(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Stoke-on-Trent‘s free Diwali event
The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent is holding a special Diwali event on October 31.
Marking the Festival of Lights on Halloween, part of the venue will be transformed for the occasion to feature traditional music, dance and craft activities.
It is free to attend from 11am to 5.30pm.
A museum spokesman said: “Discover the story of Diwali as we celebrate the colourful and vibrant Hindu and Sikh Festival of Lights at the museum with traditional music, dance and craft activities.
“Please note that access to the museum will be via the café entrance by the Spitfire Gallery.”
Find out more via the Stoke Museums website
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Bethesda Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3DW
Leamington Spa‘s free Diwali event
Warwick District Council is hosting a free Diwali celebration at The Parade in Leamington Spa on November 1.
Running from 5pm to 8pm, there will be a performance by Dhol Tasha and a series of Bollywood songs and dances.
The Diwali light will be switched on at 7pm.
A council spokesman said: “Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, and is observed all over the world by the Indian diaspora.
“The event will feature a celebration of Indian heritage and culture, with an energetic Dhol Tasha performance and Bollywood songs and dance.”
Find out more via the Warwick District Council website
The Parade, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4AT
Diwali lights in Leamington Spa(Image: Warwick District Council)
Birmingham’s free Diwali event
Over the years, the Birmingham Diwali Mela has grown to cover more than two-and-a-half miles of bright lights plus lots of entertainment.
Free for all to attend, it attracts crowds in excess of 25,000 people each year, with people enjoying the food, shopping and live music ahead of the light switch-on.
Taking place on October 25, the Soho Road in Handsworth will be transformed for a huge celebration to mark 10 years of the event.
The event will start at midday and run until 7.30pm.
A spokesman for organisers Soho Road BID said: “Soho Road BID is delighted to bring back Birmingham’s biggest Diwali celebration for a very special 10th anniversary year!
“Join us on Sunday 25th October 2026, from 12 noon until 7:30pm, as Soho Road transforms into a vibrant street festival of lights, culture, and community.
“Ten years of bringing Soho Road together to celebrate the Festival of Lights — and this year we’re marking the occasion in style!
“Come down for a full day of music, dance, food, shopping and fun, all set against the sparkle of our iconic Diwali lights.”
Find out more via the Soho Road BID Facebook page
Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham B21 9DP
Solihull’s £5 Diwali event
Whilst it’s not free, this event is very reasonably priced.
A Bingo & Barfi Diwali Special is taking place at Birchmere House in Knowle, Solihull.
Join Solihull Seva CIC for an afternoon filled with ‘fun, laughter, friendship and a little friendly competition’ on Saturday November 7 from 1pm to 4pm.
There will be food and drinks and tickets are a ‘£5 contribution’.
Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull B93 9LQ
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