Diwali Play Date 2026

Spark curiosity about Diwali with an afternoon of hands-on cultural play for ages 1-7. Back in its 5th year. Limited capacity.
About this Event

The Diwali Play Date is the brainchild of two moms-turned-entrepreneurs who wanted to take their little kids to an event just like this one. There were options galore for fancy parties for grown-ups and outdoor melas filled with vendors, but nothing quite like this. So, as typical entrepreneurs, they turned their challenge into an idea. And just like that, Diwali Play Date was born in 2022 in Los Angeles.

Five years, three cities, and every single one sold out. This year we're bringing it home - back to New Jersey, back to the Park Villa - for an afternoon of masti, music, mehndi, and the mess (yes, there will be that) of all things Diwali. If you've caught glimpses of our past events, then you know we take fun pretty seriously around here.

Come dressed in your favorite comfortable cultural festive wear for a jam-packed afternoon of delights for all your senses. Kids will make rangoli with colored rice and lentils, paint their own diyas, get mehndi, let loose in the Bollywood dance workshop, curl up for storytime, and so, SO, SO much more.

If you've been wondering what to do with the kids for Diwali this year, or where to take them, or what's even happening near you - this is it. This is the thing you're searching for. Grab your tickets before they're gone... because they WILL go.

It's designed for ages 2 through 7, though the grown-ups tend to have just as much fun.

One note: every guest needs a ticket, adults included, and the venue has a limited capacity. Little ones under 1 are free, but still need a ticket so we can plan for them.

Kick off the Diwali season with us and create core memories with your family.

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Guests will also be in for a treat as they experience the goods and services these businesses offer. Each family will receive a gift bag with items worth over $100.

• - authentic South Asian ingredients, trusted since 1972, helping families eat better, together. This event wouldn't be possible without the generous support.
• - Neurologist-led stroke care, delivered directly to hospitals. Their children's book empowers kids to spot stroke symptoms because there's a superhero inside each one of us.
• - Fitness and nutrition coaching built specifically for South Asian women, with real-life habits, cultural foods, and coaches who understand PCOS, postpartum, and everything in between.
• - The world's first high-protein roti, with 10g of protein per roti and the soft, familiar taste your family already loves.
• - Founded by an aunt and niece between Meerut and Chicago, offering size-inclusive Indo-Western and traditional wear, including custom and hand-painted pieces made to fit.
• - A screen-free audio player and story cards bringing South Asian stories to life, built by diaspora parents who wanted their kids to hear themselves in every kahani.
• - Handcrafted deity statues, brass urlis, and pure copper kitchenware that bring Indian artistry and a sense of calm into everyday spaces at home.
• - Handcrafted 18k gold-plated earrings, necklaces, and rings, where traditional artisan techniques meet everyday, wearable design.
• - A five-generation family business, renowned for its crafted boxes of authentic Indian sweets, perfect for gifting or savoring.
• - Interactive board books in Indian languages, made so parents raising kids abroad can read to their little ones in their mother tongue.
• - Pediatrician-designed stainless steel dishes for kids in colors they'll love, free of BPA and other harmful chemicals, and built to last generations.
• - a modern hair wellness brand rooted in ancient Indian rituals, blending natural Ayurvedic ingredients to nourish hair.
• - Canned water made for kids, by kids, with zero sugar and color-changing cans that make hydration something they actually ask for.

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