San Mateo County residents can celebrate Diwali at free events across the Peninsula this weekend, with live music, dance, crafts and food planned in Burlingame, Belmont and Foster City.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, falls on Sunday, Nov. 8. The holiday celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It holds cultural and religious significance in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism, according to Patch. Traditions include illuminating homes with small oil lamps called diyas, exchanging sweets and spending time with loved ones.

Here’s where to join the festivities.

Bhangra Night in Burlingame — Friday, Nov. 6

The weekend kicks off Friday with “Sounds on the Square: Bhangra Night!” at Burlingame Town Square, 265 Lorton Ave. The Bay Area dance group Non Stop Bhangra will bring live dhol drums, DJs and dance performances to the square, according to the city of Burlingame’s events calendar.

The evening includes an interactive bhangra dance lesson and a dance party open to all. No experience is needed. The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and is free and open to all ages.

Belmont Diwali Celebration — Saturday, Nov. 7

Belmont hosts its annual Diwali celebration Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Twin Pines Senior Center and Meadow. Plans include musical and dance performances, poetry, crafts, opportunities to dance, henna designs and refreshments, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The free event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. The city and Belmont Library are co-hosts, according to Belmont’s community newsletter.

BayBasi Festival of Light — Saturday, Nov. 7

BayBasi, a Bengali and Indian cultural nonprofit in Foster City, is hosting a Diwali celebration Saturday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 7 p.m. in the Wind Room at Foster City Community Center, 1000 E. Hillsdale Blvd., according to a Facebook post from the organization.

The announcement lists performances, shopping, food and diya lighting. Admission and parking are free.

San Mateo County Libraries

San Mateo County Libraries are running Diwali programs at branches across the county. Activities include henna designs by artist Swati and diya decorating. Laya Arts Collective’s “Stories of Light” performances use dance, music and stories from Indian mythology. Author and illustrator Nidhi Chanani will lead storytimes and drawing demonstrations. Chanani will also host a comics workshop for tweens and teens.

Rangoli art events, where participants create floor patterns with colored powders, are also in the works. Library programming continues beyond this weekend, and some workshops require registration. Residents can check the library system’s events calendar for branch-specific dates and times.

Upcoming Diwali events:

  • Friday, Nov. 6: Bhangra Night, 5 to 8 p.m., Burlingame Town Square, 265 Lorton Ave., Burlingame. Free.
  • Saturday, Nov. 7: Belmont Diwali Celebration, 1 to 4 p.m., Twin Pines Senior Center and Meadow, Belmont. Free.
  • Saturday, Nov. 7: BayBasi Festival of Light, 2 to 7 p.m., Foster City Community Center, Wind Room, 1000 E. Hillsdale Blvd. Free admission.
  • November: San Mateo County Libraries Diwali programs at multiple branches. Free. Check the events calendar for dates and registration requirements.