Federation Square hosts Victorian Festival of Diwali on 31 October
Published on 10/18/2026 at 03:33 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Federation Square and the Victorian Festival of Diwali bring a public celebration to Melbourne on 31 October 2026. The event takes place at the Main Square and Birrarung Marr Walk from 11.30am to 10pm, with the programme presented by Celebrate India Inc.
Victorian Festival of Diwali brings culture to the square
The organiser's listing sets out a full-day programme for Saturday 31 October 2026. It names live music, classical, folk and Bollywood dance performances, kirtan, yoga and meditation workshops, and craft activities for children.
The festival also includes a bazaar with handcrafted goods and jewellery, alongside Indian street food at Birrarung Marr Walk. The listing describes evening fireworks as part of the celebration and says that all visitors are welcome. Festival details for 31 October place the programme across two named areas of the precinct.
Federation Square connects Diwali with Melbourne's civic centre
The event is presented by Celebrate India Inc. with support from Fed Square. Its setting links the festival's cultural programme with one of Melbourne's principal public spaces, where outdoor performances, workshops and food activities can use both the central square and the riverside walk.
Federation Square opened in 2002 and is home to ACMI, the Koorie Heritage Trust and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. The precinct stands opposite Flinders St Station and was listed on the Victorian Heritage Register in 2019. Fed Square's civic role places the festival within a site that combines cultural institutions, public space and access to the Yarra River.
Melbourne's Diwali programme has a named public venue
The Victorian Festival of Diwali is one of several Diwali events taking place in Melbourne during the period. The City of Melbourne's listing identifies this celebration specifically with Fed Square, rather than leaving the venue open. The city listing for Diwali gives 31 October 2026 as the event date and Fed Square as its location.
Visiting Federation Square: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The Victorian Festival of Diwali takes place on 31 October 2026 from 11.30am to 10pm at the Main Square and Birrarung Marr Walk.
- The event is a public celebration, and the organiser says all visitors are welcome. Its named programme includes performances, workshops, craft activities, a bazaar, food and fireworks.
- Federation Square is opposite Flinders St Station in central Melbourne. The precinct's named venues include the Main Square and Birrarung Marr Walk.
- The site combines open public areas with cultural institutions including ACMI, the Koorie Heritage Trust and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Federation Square on social platforms
These links open searches for Federation Square on each platform.
Frequently asked questions about Federation Square
When does the Victorian Festival of Diwali take place at Federation Square?
The festival takes place on 31 October 2026 from 11.30am to 10pm.
Where is Federation Square and how do you get there?
Federation Square is opposite Flinders St Station in central Melbourne. The festival venues are the Main Square and Birrarung Marr Walk.
What is Federation Square?
It is a public square and cultural precinct that opened in 2002. It is home to ACMI, the Koorie Heritage Trust and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.
