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Celebrate the moon and the harvest at the Mid-Autumn Festival. This special event, which is the second most important festival in China and other Asian countries after the Lunar New Year, has a history stretching back over 3,000 years. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. This puts it right in the middle of autumn for the northern hemisphere, which is why here in Melbourne, we’re celebrating it during spring. This harvest festival is also celebrated in other countries, like Vietnam (Tết Trung Thu), South Korea (Chuseok) and Japan (Tsukimi). This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival will take place on Tuesday September 17, and there’s plenty of fun events for you to check out around Melbourne.
1. Explore the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at Queen Victoria Market
Head to Queen Victoria Market for the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Feast on traditional mooncakes and mouth-watering street food, then check out some live music, cultural performances and activities. The festival will run from 9am to 4pm on September 21 and 22. Learn more here.
📍C-D Shed, Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. Celebrate at Chinese Traditional Cultural Festival in Fed Square
The 4th Chinese Traditional Cultural Festival is coming to Fed Square. Feel captivated by stage performances, then browse through the market for traditional foods, crafts, Hanfu clothing and more. While you’re there, take part in activities like lantern-making and calligraphy. The festival will take place on September 21 and 22. Find out more here.
📍Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Have fun at the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown
Head to the Golden Square Car Park in Chinatown and join the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Expect plenty of cultural performances, including a lion dance, as well as a Hanfu parade, mooncakes and lanterns. Check it out on Saturday September 14, from 2pm to 9pm. See more here.
📍217 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
4. Join the festivities in Box Hill
The Melbourne Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce (MTCC) is celebrating with the Melbourne Moon Festival in Box Hill. Check out 45 stalls, showcasing a variety of delicious food, arts and crafts. There will also be a stacked entertainment program, with lion dancing, traditional and modern dance performances, live demonstrations and games. Find it at Box Hill Town Hall from 10am to 6pm on Saturday September 7. Learn more here.
If you miss it, head to the same venue on Sunday September 8 for the Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration. There will be traditional performances and vegetarian dishes for you to enjoy. This event is on from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Learn more here.
1022 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill VIC 3128
5. Feast on mooncakes
If you can’t make it to any of the celebrations, you can at least feast on some delicious mooncakes. Look forward to traditional bites, luxurious creations and interesting flavours. See our list of recommendations here.
6. Get out of town and see the Harvest Moon Festival in Bendigo
Bendigo is celebrating this time of year with a multicultural Harvest Moon Festival in the Dai Gum San Precinct. At this free festival, you’ll find plenty of food and entertainment. Check it out from 3pm to 7pm on Friday September 27. More info here.
📍1/11 Bridge St, Bendigo VIC 3550