It's Lit
Second annual Diwali festival brings light and joy to Dripping Springs
Diwali, the five-day Indian celebration of light and joy, is coming up right in between Austin City Limits Festival, Halloween, and all the end-of-year busyness. It’s time to get out of town and dance it out to some Bollywood hits.
Dreamland, an outdoor sports and entertainment venue in Dripping Springs, is inviting Central Texans from all walks of life to celebrate Diwali on October 23. All the same things that usually happen at Dreamland — mini golf, disc golf, pickleball, and more — will still be going on, plus music, dancing, and food for the revelers.
The most recognizable mark of Diwali in the United States is Rangoli, a colorful art form used mostly during festivals. Sand (or household ingredients like flour) mandalas are carefully assembled on the floor, where they embody the theme of Diwali: light conquering darkness. Dreamland will greet guests with these meditative artworks, and offer a similar art in the form of henna tattoos (which are great for kids, and fade in a week or two).
Most of the festivities will happen on the main lawn, where dancers will put on Garba and Dandiya dance performances, utilizing two traditional folk styles from the state of Gujarat. Then the DJ will turn it over to a Bollywood mix.
Dreamland’s first Diwali celebration was in 2021, so the tradition is still evolving. In 2022, the five days start on October 21 and end on October 25, with the main day falling on October 23. The Diwali festivities last from 3-7 pm, and are free to enter.
Next up at Dreamland is the Halloween Bash on October 29, which includes a three-tier costume contest for kids, adults, and the whole family, plus an outdoor movie showing and some spooky special cocktails.