Deepavali 2026 Brings Free Family Events to Singapore
Thirteen family-friendly events, many free, will run across Little India and other venues from October to November 2026.
Thirteen family-friendly Deepavali 2026 events are confirmed for Singapore, offering a range of free and paid activities. With Deepavali falling on 8 November 2026, families can access festive activities across Little India and beyond in the lead-up to the holiday.
Highlights of Free Activities
Families can enjoy complimentary experiences including the Festival Village, festive light displays, live music, and open house events at key cultural venues. The Deepavali Festive Village night market in Little India runs from 10 October to 8 November 2026, 7pm at Campbell Lane, and is free to attend.
Lights up at Little India runs from 3 October 2026 onwards along Serangoon Road and is free. Live music and concert Sangeetham Under the Stars runs on 17 and 31 October 2026, 8-10pm at Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane, and is free.
The Istana Open House: Deepavali allows Singapore residents and Permanent Residents free entry with early arrival recommended to avoid queues. The Deepavali Open House at The Indian Heritage Centre offers free henna art, festive outdoor performances, and free lobby activities on weekends.
Hands-On Workshops and Paid Experiences
Paid opportunities such as craft workshops, guided tours, and special demonstrations allow families to engage deeply with Deepavali traditions at modest costs. The Big Bus Tour through Little India runs every Saturday from 10 October to 28 November 2026, with pick-up at Orchard Hotel Singapore, 442 Orchard Road.
A series of crafting workshops will be held at Tekka Place, 2 Serangoon Road. The schedule and costs are as follows:
| Workshop | Dates | Cost per person |
|---|---|---|
| Brass lamp engraving | 10 and 24 October | $10 |
| Spice blending | 17 and 31 October | $8 |
| Clay diya painting | 17 and 31 October | Free |
Illam Aglow at Singapore Discovery Centre occurs over the Deepavali weekend with dance, music, henna, a garland workshop, and Pulli Kolam art drawing. A live cooking demonstration titled 60 Briyani in 60 minutes features Chef Arifin attempting to make 60 different types of briyani in 60 minutes at Tekka Place. A Deepavali treasure hunt also takes place at Tekka Place with clues and tasks to solve, offering a chance to win shopping vouchers.
Broader Festive Context
These events sit within a wider seasonal calendar of Deepavali-related activities, including donation drives and heritage walks that extend the celebration beyond the festival day. A heritage walk around Little India runs every Saturday from 10 October to 7 November 2026 and costs $15 per person, or $10 for students and seniors.
The Deepavali Drive by Its Raining Raincoats runs now till 13 November 2026, with donations accepted from wherever you are. Additional seasonal activities are scheduled for various dates between 21 August and 27 September 2026, and from 27 September to 9 October 2026.
Families can plan their Deepavali 2026 experience around the 13 listed family-friendly events, many of which are free or low-cost and located in accessible cultural precincts like Little India.
