Tacoma will host its first-ever Festival of Light on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Eastside Community Center, 1721 E. 56th Street. Inspired by Diwali, South Asia’s beloved festival of light, togetherness, and renewal, this new community event will feature music, dance, food, workshops, and cultural performances that highlight Tacoma’s growing diversity and creativity. Admission and parking are free.
A Day of Performances and Traditions
The festival will open with a welcome by the Tacorama Band, followed by a lighting ceremony featuring the dhol, a traditional Indian drum. Throughout the day, audiences can enjoy an array of performances that bring classical and contemporary traditions together.
Highlights include:
- Bharatanatyam and American tap dance presented by Project Convergence
- Three styles of Indian classical dance performed by Anu Samrat and Group
- Tabla and sitar recital by Ravi Albright and Sampadaji
- Garba and Dhandiya dance performed by Indian American Community Services (IACS) Group
- Kathak dance with tabla and sitar
- Bhangra and Giddha dance by IACS Group
- Ensemble performance with narration and three voices by Srivani Jade and Group
The day will conclude with a community fashion show, where Tacoma residents will model dazzling South Asian attire, followed by a floating lamp ceremony at the pool to close the event.
Workshops and Cultural Experiences
In addition to stage performances, the Festival of Light will feature opportunities to learn and participate.
- Social Hall A will host Bollywood film screenings, a saree-draping workshop, storytelling on the theme of Homecoming, and a wellbeing session with yoga and chanting.
- Social Hall B will offer hands-on workshops in Bollywood dance, sitar, tabla, and Kathak.
- A children’s area will include activities presented by Greentrike, Innov8social, and LaNae’s Lounge, ensuring that families with young attendees can participate in the celebration.
Festival Highlights
The program also includes an educational panel, Tacoma Perspectives: Being a Global and Creative City, which will bring together local voices to discuss Tacoma’s role as a hub for cultural exchange and creative energy.
In addition, festivalgoers can experience a wide range of South Asian artistic traditions. From Kathak, one of the eight major classical Indian dance forms, to Bharatanatyam, known for its sculptural poses, the performances reflect centuries-old practices carried forward into Tacoma’s contemporary arts scene. Traditional music, including the sitar and tabla, will anchor many of the performances, while the lively sounds of dhol, garba, and bhangra will energize the audience.
Vendors and Community Partners
Dozens of vendors and organizations will have booths at the event, offering food, art, services, and community resources. Participants include the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Big Dawgs Hot Dogs, Blue Cactus Press, Tacoma Public Library, Sweet Bee Lemonade, Trini Plate, Seattle Credit Union, The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, and many more.
Major sponsors include Pierce Transit, Parks Tacoma, Pierce College, Palmer Scholars, PBS KBTC, the Foundation for Tacoma Students, and Tacoma Creates, among others.
A Celebration of Togetherness
The Festival of Light is organized by the Tacoma-Kochi Committee of Tacoma Sister Cities and community partners. According to organizers, the event is intended to be more than a cultural festival—it is a celebration of Tacoma’s growing role as a creative and inclusive city.
“Today is not just about music, dance, food, and joy—it’s about what this gathering represents: Tacoma’s growing creative heartbeat,” wrote Syed K. Jamal, chair of the Tacoma-Kochi Committee, in his festival welcome. “This is not just a dream—it’s a movement already underway.”
Event Details
- What: Tacoma Festival of Light
- When: Saturday, October 4, 2025, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Where: Eastside Community Center, 1721 E. 56th Street, Tacoma
- Cost: Free admission and parking
From traditional Indian classical dance and music to cross-cultural collaborations and family-friendly activities, the inaugural Tacoma Festival of Light aims to bring the community together under the themes of renewal, connection, and celebration.
