A free Diwali celebration fills Huntersville Veterans Park on Saturday, Oct. 17, with cultural performances, Indian street food and a grand diya lighting ceremony and light show.

Lake Norman Diwali 2026 runs from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the park, located at 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd. Huntersville Parks and Recreation and the nonprofit Heart2Harmony Inc are hosting the event, according to the festival's Eventbrite page. Admission and parking are free.

The afternoon includes dance performances, a fashion walk showcasing attire from different parts of India and a storytelling segment. Kids can ride the Diwali Express train through the park and bounce in a free inflatable house. Families can also try on traditional Indian clothing, including sarees, sherwanis and turbans.

Food vendors will serve authentic Indian street food, snacks and sweets. A separate banana leaf feast, prepared in partnership with Anjappar Restaurant, offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus with more than 25 items each. That meal requires a pre-booked ticket through the festival website. A shopping bazaar with clothing, jewelry, handicrafts and festive décor rounds out the offerings.

The festival held its first edition in 2025 at the same park, according to the event website.

Birkdale Restaurant Week starts Saturday

Across town, Birkdale Village Restaurant Week also launches Saturday, Oct. 17, and runs through Friday, Oct. 23, Cornelius Today reported.

Seven restaurants are listed on the Birkdale Village events page with limited-time dishes and drink specials. Red Rocks is offering a three-course dinner for $50, with options including twin medallions, slow-roasted short ribs and pumpkin cheesecake. North Italia has refreshed its happy hour with shareable bites starting at $10. Bonefish Grill added new social hour items, including Ahi Tuna Wontons and a Mango Bourbon Sour.

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza is running a buy-one-get-one deal on pizza and appetizers from 9 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Midwood Smokehouse, eeZ and bartaco are also participating with daily drink specials throughout the week.

Diners who scan a QR code at participating restaurants can enter to win prizes, including free tickets to Taste of Birkdale Village on Saturday, Oct. 24, Birkdale Village gift cards and merchandise, according to the Birkdale Village events page.

Weekend calendar

  • Saturday, Oct. 17, 1:30-6:30 p.m.: Lake Norman Diwali, Huntersville Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd. Free.
  • Saturday, Oct. 17, through Friday, Oct. 23: Birkdale Village Restaurant Week, multiple restaurants. Hours vary by location.
  • Saturday, Oct. 24, 1-4 p.m.: Taste of Birkdale Village, The Plaza at Birkdale Village. Tickets $75 through Freshtix. Ages 21 and older.