Times Square is not where you would expect to find bharatanatyam and Gujarati garba, which is exactly what makes this work: for one day the Broadway plazas between 46th and 48th are given over to dance troupes, live music, food stalls and a crowd that comes dressed for the occasion. It is entirely free and entirely outdoors, so you can drop in for twenty minutes or stay for the whole programme. If you want a festival that puts a diaspora tradition in the loudest possible setting, this is it.
What to expect
Open pedestrian plazas with a stage, rows of stalls, and performances running through the day rather than a single headline slot. The crowd is standing, family-heavy and photographic. There is no gate and no bag check for the plazas themselves.
Good to know
- Take the N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, 3 or 7 to Times Square-42nd Street and walk north
- Entirely free and entirely outdoors - there is no ticket and no entry line
- Midday is quieter than the afternoon if you want to actually see the stage
- Bring cash for the food and craft stalls
- Step-free throughout, on the pedestrianised Broadway plazas
- Note that the Hindu festival of Diwali itself falls in November 2026 - this celebration is held in October
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Common questions
Is there an admission charge?
No. Diwali at Times Square is a free outdoor event on the public Broadway plazas, with no ticket or registration required.
Where exactly does it take place?
On Broadway between 46th and 48th Streets, on the pedestrian plazas in the middle of Times Square.
Is this on the actual date of Diwali?
No. The festival is staged on its own October date; the Hindu festival of Diwali itself falls in November 2026.
More this weekend
