Cooperstown Concerts is thrilled to announce its second annual Diwali Celebration on Sunday, November 8 from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Fenimore Farm & Country Village (5775 NY-80, Cooperstown). This all-inclusive, family-friendly experience returns this year after a very successful, sold-out event in 2025. Open to all, the afternoon event will feature an uplifting live concert, a flavorful Indian food buffet, and vibrant community dancing – all in the spirit of Diwali, the traditional Hindu Festival of Lights. Tickets include the entire experience and are available online now at cooperstownconcerts.org.
Returning this year to headline the celebration’s music is internationally acclaimed vocalist Kiran Ahluwalia, whose mesmerizing voice and genre-blending compositions bridge Indian song traditions with influences from West African blues and jazz. Kiran and her band will open the celebration with a live concert, setting the tone for an afternoon of joyful cultural exchange. Following the concert, guests will enjoy an Indian dinner buffet and dancing, celebrating the warmth, light, and community that define Diwali.
“After hosting our first sold-out Diwali Celebration in the fall of 2025 the overwhelming feedback from the community was ‘please do it again next year’,” said Randy Smith, Cooperstown Concerts President. “We’re so excited to once again bring the spirit of Diwali to the heart of Cooperstown through music, dance, food, and community connection as we welcome people from across our region to join us for this joyful Festival of Lights.”
About Diwali
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated cultural holidays in the world, marking the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. While it originated in India, Diwali is celebrated across the Indian subcontinent – including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and throughout Southeast Asia – as well as in global diasporic communities. The festival is a time for gathering, gift-giving, lighting lamps (diyas), and enjoying food, music, and dance with loved ones.
Cooperstown Concerts’ Diwali Celebration
Tickets for the event are all-inclusive, with a live concert to kick off the celebration, followed by an Indian dinner buffet, a brief talk about the history and traditions of Diwali, and then dancing to the sounds of Bollywood and modern Indian dance music.
Kiran Ahluwaila and her band will kick off the celebration. Kiran is a two-time JUNO (Canadian Grammy) winner whose open-hearted vocals have established her as one of global music’s most compelling cross-pollinators, bringing together the disparate traditions of Indian music, West African Blues and Jazz. Her band includes electric guitar, tabla, drums, accordion, and organ.
Following the concert, everyone is invited to enjoy a dinner buffet of Indian cuisine including vegetarian and meat curries, lentils, pakoras, rice, naan, raita, and chutneys. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. While patrons enjoy their food, the afternoon continues with a brief educational overview of the traditions and customs of the Diwali “Festival of Lights” holiday, presented by Dr. Namita Sugandhi, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Hartwick College.
Then…the dance floor will open to all for moving and grooving to the sounds of Bollywood and modern Indian dance music, served up by DJ Nataraja.
Ticket Information
Gather your friends and family and join in this special afternoon of cultural celebration. Ticket price includes the live concert, Indian food buffet, and dancing. Doors open at 2:30 PM, with the concert beginning at 3:00 PM. Tickets are available online and may be available at the door. Tickets are: Adult, $60; Students (with College ID), $20; Youth (6 to 18), $20; Under age 6, Free.
Special Hotel Offer: Extend the Magic, Stay the Night
Make it a mini getaway with an overnight stay at the area’s newest hotel, the Hampton Inn Cooperstown, which is offering concert guests an exclusive discounted rate for the nights of Saturday November 7 and Sunday November 8. Visit the Cooperstown Concerts show webpage for booking details.
This concert is sponsored by Glimmerglass Film Days, and by our season sponsors, Wayne Bank and Cooperstown Homegrown. This event is paid for in part by a grant from the Otsego County Government, and by the Scriven Foundation.
Stay tuned for more concert and event announcements in 2026-2027! Stay up to date on the latest shows by joining our mailing list.
Kiran Ahluwalia Live – Photo by Ryan Buchanan
Kiran and Rez Band
© The Photo Group 2016; courtesy of Western Arts Alliance
