Plan your visit
Melbourne Diwali 2026
Saturday 31 October.
Melbourne Diwali is a free, weatherproof, family-friendly celebration at Marvel Stadium Square. Here's how to get there, what to expect, and everything in between.
Date
Saturday 31 October 2026
Time
2pm to 10pm
Venue
Marvel Stadium Square
Entry
Free
Getting here
Marvel Stadium Square
The festival takes place at Marvel Stadium Square, the outdoor, undercover precinct beside the stadium (not inside the seating bowl). Right on the city's doorstep in Docklands and superbly connected by public transport.
740 Bourke St, Docklands VIC 3008, AustraliaOpen in Google MapsBy train
Southern Cross Station is a 5-minute walk away, served by V/Line regional services and most metropolitan lines.
By tram
Routes 70, 75 and 86 stop nearby via Harbour Esplanade and Bourke Street. The Docklands stops are inside the Free Tram Zone.
By car
Marvel Stadium Car Park sits under the venue, with entrances from Bourke Street and Wurundjeri Way and a 2.1 m height limit. Public transport is strongly recommended on the day.
Good to know
What to expect on the day
Weatherproof
Marvel Stadium Square is Melbourne's largest undercover event space, so the celebration goes ahead rain or shine.
Family-friendly
All ages welcome. Kids' activities, cultural workshops and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere for everyone.
Accessible
Step-free access throughout, accessible amenities, and companion-card friendly. Contact us for specific needs.
Food & market
60+ stalls serving authentic South Asian cuisine, sweets, chai and a vibrant festival marketplace.
Your guide to Melbourne Diwali 2026
Melbourne Diwali is a free community celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Saturday 31 October 2026 from 2pm to 10pm at Marvel Stadium Square in Docklands. It is managed by SarasCare, a not-for-profit community organisation, and no ticket is needed. The main stage carries the Melbourne Diwali dance competition through the afternoon, the lighting ceremony at dusk and an evening showcase to close. Meet the groups on the performers page.
Getting there
Southern Cross Station is a five-minute walk, served by V/Line regional trains and most metro lines; Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham services now run through the Metro Tunnel instead. Trams 70, 75 and 86 stop nearby on Harbour Esplanade and Bourke Street, inside the Free Tram Zone. 31 October is also Derby Day, so allow extra time. There are step-by-step directions in how to get to Marvel Stadium Square.
Accessibility
The square is at street level with step-free access and accessible amenities in the precinct. Companion Card holders and assistance dogs are welcome, and prams move easily around the undercover site. Read the accessible visitor guide for more.
Food and stalls
All food on site is vegetarian, satvik and cruelty free, and the whole festival is alcohol-free. Expect chaat, dosa, mithai, lassi and masala chai from family-run stalls, with an artisan market selling diyas, jewellery, clothing, spices and gifts. Browse the stalls as they are confirmed.
Bringing the family
There is a supervised Kids Zone and hands-on cultural stations for henna, rangoli and saree draping, and the afternoon is the calmer time to visit with young children. Agree a meeting point when you arrive. The family guide and the FAQs cover what to bring and what to leave at home.
Quick answers
When is Melbourne Diwali 2026?
Saturday 31 October 2026, from 2pm to 10pm, at Marvel Stadium Square in Docklands. Entry is free and no ticket is required.
Diwali itself falls on Sunday 8 November in 2026, so the festival runs on the weekend before the day. The market is a good place to pick up diyas and sweets for your own celebration at home.
Do I need a ticket?
Melbourne Diwali is a free event. No ticket is required to enter.
How do I get there on public transport?
Southern Cross Station is a five-minute walk, served by V/Line regional trains and most metro lines. Since the Metro Tunnel opened, Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham services run through the tunnel instead, so check your line if you are coming from those directions.
Trams 70, 75 and 86 stop nearby on Harbour Esplanade and Bourke Street, and the Docklands stops are inside the Free Tram Zone. Allow extra time on the day: 31 October is also Derby Day, so trains into the city will be full.
Where can I park?
There is a car park directly underneath Marvel Stadium at 740 Bourke Street, with entrances from Bourke Street and Wurundjeri Way and a 2.1 metre height limit. Booking online before you come is cheaper than driving up on the day, and event-day rates change depending on what else is on at the stadium, so check the stadium's parking page for current prices and to pre-book.
We would suggest the train instead. Southern Cross Station is a five-minute walk, and 31 October is also Derby Day, so both the city and the car park will be busy.
Is there accessible parking and step-free access?
Yes. Marvel Stadium Square is at street level with step-free access, and there are accessible amenities in the precinct.
If you need an accessible parking bay, tell the car park staff as you come in. The car park is underneath the stadium and has a 2.1 metre height limit.
Companion Card holders are welcome. Entry is free for everyone, so nobody needs a card to get in.
Is Melbourne Diwali pram-friendly?
Yes. Marvel Stadium Square is at street level with step-free access, the site is undercover, and there is room to move a pram around it.
The afternoon is the easiest time to visit with very young children, before the evening crowds build.
More in the full FAQs.
Ready to join us?
Entry is free. Registering simply helps us plan and keeps you in the loop for programme announcements, giveaways and more.