Diwali, India's most internationally known holiday, is right around the corner. The multi-day celebrations champion light overcoming darkness, so it's time to step into the light with other locals — maybe in a place Austinites could use some more time exploring.

Round Rock's eighth annual Diwali Festival is inviting the public to come and experience the spirit of Diwali on October 28 at Centennial Plaza (301 W. Bagdad Avenue). From 2-10 pm, this family friendly festival will feature more than 50 performances for visitors, a drawing and painting competition, a rangoli (sand art) competition, a fashion show, and much more.

Beautiful lights and decorations will color the plaza for the evening, while attendees partake in dance workshops and try traditional (and less well-known) Indian food from different vendors. Festival-goers can also visit the India bazaar and shop for clothing, jewelry, home decor, and more from hundreds of local vendors.

Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan will lead the Diya Lighting Ceremony from 6:50-7:15 pm. The diya (most commonly an oil lamp) is believed to bring prosperity, knowledge, and positivity in Hinduism. Lighting the diya signifies a person's spiritual uplifting and banishment over their negativity — represented as the oil in the lamp.

The Round Rock Diwali Festival is free to the public. More information can be found on rrdiwalifest.com.