Queanbeyan Diwali Mela 2026: a free evening of lanterns and community

New to the Queanbeyan area, or curious about celebrating Diwali with your neighbours? The free Diwali Mela Lantern Festival returns to Queanbeyan Showground on Saturday 14 November 2026, from 5pm to 10pm.

The council’s 30 October announcement welcomes first-time visitors as well as regular festival-goers. The event celebrates traditions of communities from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, with music, dancing, food and opportunities to meet people.

Make a lantern and join in

You do not need to arrive with a lantern. The regional visitor listing says Southern Tablelands Arts will offer free lantern-making from 5pm, with materials provided. People of all ages and backgrounds can join the procession around part of the showground.

Bring a battery-powered light or lantern if you prefer. The official event page says candles, oil lamps and other open flames are not allowed.

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Plan your evening

Entry is free, but allow a separate budget for shopping and refreshments. The council announcement lists more than a dozen food and drink stalls, alongside stalls selling items such as clothing, books and jewellery. It also describes dancing, music and a teacup ride. Individual performers had not been named on the event page when checked on 3 November.

Fireworks are scheduled for about 9.15pm to 9.30pm. If loud displays are not your thing, you could plan an earlier visit.

The venue is Queanbeyan Showground, Glebe Avenue, Queanbeyan. The council directs vehicles through the Glebe Avenue entrance and lists on-site parking, plus free parking at The Q. It warns of traffic delays around the showground between 5pm and 11pm.

Before you leave home

This is an outdoor, all-ages and alcohol-free event. Check the weather and bring suitable clothing. Pets are not permitted, although support animals are welcome.

Recheck the official event page before travelling: the council will announce weather-related postponements or cancellations on its website and Facebook page. You can also use it to look for the final performance programme.