Atlanta weekend guide: Diwali, chili, Hawks and more
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Fireworks at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn. Photo: Courtesy of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Diwali, the multi-day Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil with fireworks, food, and music, falls on Sunday.
- Metro Atlanta communities have events throughout the weekend to mark the holiday.
Sanatan Mandir Atlanta, which describes itself as Atlanta's oldest Hindu mandir, holds four days of celebration and reflection in Smyrna. (Fri.-Mon.)
Johns Creek's Boardwalk at Town Center hosts a free Diwali celebration with Indian food, music and family activities. (Sat.)
The Dunwoody Nature Center features dance, rangoli art and Stage Door Theater's presentation of the story of Diwali. (Sat.)
Live Bollywood music, free henna and fireworks await at Chai Pani's Diwali party in Decatur. (Sun.)
In Cumming, the Nandan Bengali Association of Atlanta combines Diwali and Kali Puja, which honors Kali, a Hindu goddess associated with destruction and transformation. (Sat.)
A Bengali Kali Puja celebration in Lawrenceville features the theatrical production "Raja Sajar Pala." (Sat.)
A huge Diwali celebration and fireworks show takes place at the must-see-to-be-believed BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn. (Sun.)
Also on the agenda
🎷 WCLK combines jazz, art, and HBCU history at the Clark Atlanta University Art Museum. Free admission, registration required. (Thurs.)
🏀 The Atlanta Hawks host the Washington Wizards (and former teammate Trae Young) at State Farm Arena. (Fri.)
🎵 The Woggles, The Lost Continentals and other bands from Atlanta's 1990s and early 2000s music scene reunite at Star Community Bar for two nights of garage rock, rockabilly, and more. (Fri.-Sat.)
🌶️ The 23rd annual Chomp and Stomp brings a chili cookoff, live music, a 5K run, and an artisan market to Cabbagetown. (Sat.)
📚 The Atlanta Black Child Book Fair at the Evelyn G. Lowery Library at Cascade celebrates African-American children's literature. (Sat.)
🎄 The Wren's Nest hosts a Victorian holiday house tour featuring period games, festive treats and holiday portraits. (Sat.)
🚶 The Westside Stride and Atlanta Streets Alive turn Howell Mill Road from 8th Street to 17th Street into a car-free space with live music, DJs, local vendors, food trucks, and family activities. (Sun.)