Where to Take Kids for Diwali This Weekend in the East Bay and South Bay
Diwali fell on November 8, but Alameda Free Library and San José's Berryessa Branch still have free Sunday family programs on November 15. No booking in Alameda; Berryessa looks like a walk-in too.
Diwali was November 8 this year. If the fairgrounds weekend already happened and you still want a craft hour for the kids, two library listings are still on for Sunday, November 15.
Alameda Free Library's Main Library runs a family celebration at 2 p.m. San José Public Library's Berryessa Branch starts at 3 p.m. Both are free.
Do not plan on Yerba Buena Gardens for Friday. Yerba Buena Gardens Festival canceled the Diwali edition of Bhangra & Beats Night Market for weather and said to watch for 2027.
These are short, free indoor hours after the main Diwali date, and they are still on the calendar after the downtown SF Friday night market got rained out.
East Bay: Alameda Free Library, Sunday 2 p.m.
The program is in the Stafford Room at the Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, from 2 to 3 p.m.
A guest from Indian Americans of Alameda starts with a story and a short Q&A. Crafts follow for children, teens, and adults. Light refreshments are part of the hour.
It is free and open to all. The library says you do not need to book a spot. Questions about children's or family programs can go to children@alamedaca.gov.
South Bay: Berryessa Branch, Sunday 3 p.m.
Berryessa Branch puts the Diwali Celebration in the Community Room at 3355 Noble Avenue from 3 to 4 p.m.
SJPL describes a story, a short presentation, arts and crafts, dance, and snacks. The page tags ages from young children through teens and adults.
There is no registration button on the event listing, so arrive a little early. The branch is open noon to 5 p.m. that Sunday.
How to choose between them
Alameda starts at 2. Berryessa starts at 3. With parking and traffic, most households should pick the closer one.
If Saturday is freer than Sunday in the South Bay, SJPL Almaden lists a Sounds of South Asia student performance at 12:30 p.m. on November 14 for ages 5 and up. That is a music-exhibit kickoff, not another Diwali craft slot.
The Alameda and Berryessa hours are also on our Bay Area City Life events board, with the canceled Yerba Buena night market removed from the live list.
What to do tonight
Text the Alameda or Berryessa link to whoever drives on Sunday. Pack wipes for craft glue and sticky snacks.
If Friday night at Yerba Buena was still on your calendar, take it off. Sunday's library hours are the ones that remain.