Diwali Celebration
17 October 2026
This Diwali, join us at Chiltern Open Air Museum as the Festival of Lights returns for its third year with an even brighter celebration!
Discover the stories and traditions behind Diwali through a lively programme of music, dance, crafts and family entertainment. Explore the Museum’s historic site, enjoy vibrant performances and take part in activities inspired by Diwali’s themes of light, hope and new beginnings.
Dance and Music Performances
Get moving and join in with an energetic Bollywood dance.
Listen, learn, and take part as you discover more about Indian musical traditions led by musicologist Dr Anjuli Sharma Tiwari.
Try on traditional Saris and Dhotis with Sejal and friends
Creative Arts and Crafts
Have a go at a range of colourful arts and crafts with Harsha Basu.
Activities will include:
Creating your own rangoli designs, inspired by the colourful patterns traditionally used to decorate homes and welcome visitors during Diwali
Decorating diyas, the small lamps lit during Diwali as a symbol of light overcoming darkness.
Captivating Storytelling Sessions Dr Geeta Ludhra
Mouthwatering Food
Enjoy Delicious Indian food.
Look Back at Last Year
Want to know what Diwali at COAM is all about, explore our highlights from last year.
Step Into the Past with Our Annual Memberships
Get unlimted daytime entry to the Museum for a whole year
Event Information
This is a Standard Admission Day
Free entry for COAM Annual Members
Activities take place between 11am and 4pm
This event is kindly funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. We would also like to thank our community partners for their support.
This is a multicultural and multigenerational event for everyone.
General Museum Information
With 45 acres at your disposal, there is plenty to explore, including woodlands and an exciting adventure playground
Dogs on short leads are welcome but must not go inside residential buildings
Light lunches, drinks, cakes and snacks are available to purchase from our Skippings Barn
Sensory backpacks are available to borrow (subject to availability)
Mobility scooters are available to borrow (subject to availability - pre-booking is advised)
Lots of free parking
Photography and filming may take place during this event for the Museum archives and publicity. These photographs and video footage may appear in promotional or educational materials including on our websites, social media pages, newsletters, or in newspapers and magazines. If you do not wish to be photographed, please speak to the photographer.