Diwali, the Festival of Lights, fills Ottawa with joy, colour, and celebration each year. Families and communities across the capital come together to mark the triumph of light over darkness through grand melas, music performances, cultural galas, and traditional rituals.
In 2025, the Ottawa Diwali festival promises a radiant lineup of events, featuring drone shows, community bazaars, and dazzling gala nights, all bringing the city’s vibrant South Asian heritage to life.
Whether you’re attending temple prayers, cultural showcases, or outdoor fairs, Diwali celebrations in Ottawa this year will blend tradition, art, and entertainment into an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Ottawa Diwali 2025.
Ottawa Diwali – Festival of Lights
Venue: Tony Graham Recreation Complex, Ottawa, ON
Date & Time: Friday, October 17 · 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Doors at 5:30 PM)
Tickets: From CA$22.63
Description: A community-led celebration showcasing vibrant dance performances, live music, cultural displays, and delicious Indian food stalls. Perfect for families and groups looking to experience the true essence of Diwali in a festive, inclusive environment.
Organizer: Ottawa Indo-Canadians Association
Event Info: Link
ArohaFest: Diwali Dhamaka
Venue: Peter A. Herrndorf Palace, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON
Date & Time: October 15–18, 2025 | 1:00 PM onwards
Tickets: Free
Description: Canada’s only bilingual (English–French) Indian arts festival celebrates Diwali with classical and Bollywood dance, music, visual arts, rangoli murals, and workshops. Highlights include a special “Sufi Soirée” performance and interactive cultural experiences for all ages.
Organizer: Aroha Fine Arts
Event Info: Link
GCA Diwali Celebration 2025
Venue: EY Centre, Ottawa
Date & Time: November 1, 2025
Tickets: To be announced
Description: Hosted by the Gujarati Cultural Association of Ottawa, this event features traditional garba, live music, festive food, and family-friendly activities.
Organizer: Gujarati Cultural Association of Ottawa
Event Info: Link
Deepavali 2025 Ottawa
Venue: St. Paul High School, 2675 Draper Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2H 7A1
Date & Time: October 25, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tickets: From CA$11.14
Description: Celebrate the Festival of Lights with the Ottawa Telugu Association! Enjoy an evening filled with cultural performances, traditional food, and vibrant festivities that bring the Telugu community together for a joyful Deepavali celebration.
Organizer: Ottawa Telugu Association
Event Info: Link
Diwali Party at Ek Bar Ottawa
Venue: Ek Bar, 225 Preston Street, Unit 3, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1
Date & Time: October 18–19, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tickets: From CA$73.45
Description: Celebrate Diwali in style at Ek Bar with a night of mysticism, music, and festive indulgence. Enjoy tarot readings, henna tattoos, a live DJ, and a delicious 4-course meal with a welcome drink. It’s where tradition meets nightlife—reserve your table for an unforgettable celebration!
Organizer: Ek Bar
Event Info: Link
Deepa Thirunaal 2025 Ottawa
Venue: St. Paul High School, 2675 Draper Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2H 7A1
Date & Time: November 8, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tickets: From CA$16 – CA$80
Description: Join the Ottawa Tamil Sangam for Deepa Thirunaal, a vibrant Diwali Kondattam celebration featuring cultural performances, traditional food, and community festivities. Experience Tamil heritage and the spirit of Diwali in a joyful gathering for all ages.
Organizer: Ottawa Tamil Sangam
Event Info: Link
OICA Diwali Celebration 2025 Ottawa
Venue: Kanata Recreation Centre, 100 Charlie Rogers Drive, Kanata, ON K2V 1A2
Date & Time: October 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM onwards
Tickets: $35, Kids: $20 (5-12 yrs)
Description: Enjoy an evening of traditional music, dance performances, delicious food, and community festivities that bring together families and friends for a joyous Diwali celebration.
Organizer: Ottawa Indian Community Association (OICA)
Contact: kanataindocans@gmail.com
Event Info: Link
Grand Diwali Celebration
Venue: Blu Legacy Convention Centre, 3750 N Bowesville Road, Ottawa, ON K1V 1B8
Date & Time: October 18, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Tickets: Limited individual tickets available (premium tables sold out)
Description: Celebrate Diwali with the India Canada Association at a night full of music, dance, festive lights, and cultural performances. Experience an evening of joy, community, and togetherness with friends and family at this grand celebration.
Organizer: India Canada Association
Contacts:
- Harpreet Chhabra: +1 (613) 897-247
- Mandeep Basra: +1 (613) 890-8868
- Priyanka Gandhi: +1 (343) 989-7492
- Vandana Sharma: +1 (613) 867-8570
Event Info: Link
Diwali Fiesta – The Traditional Club Night Ottawa
Venue: Nuvo Lounge, Ottawa, ON
Date & Time: October 17, 2025 | 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Tickets: Early Bird from CA$11.99 | Regular from CA$20.99 | VIP Booths available
Description: Celebrate Diwali on the club floor with The Desi Troop Events! Dance the night away in traditional desi outfits while enjoying high-energy Bollywood, Punjabi, and EDM beats from DJ JAS. Experience Ottawa’s best crowd, packed floors, and festive nightlife vibes in a unique Diwali Fiesta.
Organizer: The Desi Troop Events
Contacts: +1 (613) 981-9291 | info@desitroop.com
Event Info: Link
Final Thoughts
Ottawa lights up with the true spirit of Diwali through its diverse cultural programs, gala nights, and community gatherings.
From grand melas and lively Bollywood parties to elegant dinners and family-friendly festivities, every moment of the Ottawa Diwali festival 2025 reflects the unity and energy that define this season.
Join the city’s joyful rhythm and explore Diwali celebrations in Ottawa that make the capital sparkle with warmth and togetherness.
Celebrate Diwali 2025 with your loved ones and experience the magic of Diwali events in Ottawa, a celebration where music, lights, and tradition unite to make Ottawa shine brighter than ever.
Author: Inder
Surinder Singh is the founder and voice behind DesiDines.com. Originally from India and now based in Canada, he is passionate about showcasing authentic Indian restaurants and cultural events across North America. With a deep love for food and community, Surinder created DesiDines.com to connect people with flavors and traditions that feel like home.
