Moon Festival
04
Oct
05
Oct
CELEBRATE TRADITION

Moon Festival

Join us at the Chinese Garden of Friendship as we celebrate the enchanting Moon Festival with cultural activities, music, tradition and more.
When
Saturday,
04 Oct 2025
Sunday,
05 Oct 2025

The Moon Festival is also known as Mid-Autumn Festival is the second grandest festival in China after the Lunar New Year. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which is always in the middle of the autumn season in China. At this time of the year the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest. In Chinese culture the full moon symbolises reunion so families reunite for celebrations to worship and appreciate the moon together, and share mooncakes to celebrate. 

Join creative workshops to make lanterns or badges to take home. Watch a traditional tea ceremony and sample mini mooncakes. And delight in a vibrant music program all weekend. Check out what's on below. 

All activity is FREE with your entry to The Chinese Garden of Friendship - ($12 for adults and $8 for children).

Sat 4 October

11am - 2pm
Lantern decorating workshop

Inspired by the theme “Illuminate your Moon”, the Lantern Decorating Workshop will celebrate the spirit of family, reunion, and moonlight with our hands-on Lantern Decorating Workshop! Inspired by centuries-old Mid-Autumn Festival traditions, this relaxed, drop-in session invites you to craft your own beautifully decorated lantern — a timeless symbol of light guiding loved ones home.

1pm - 3pm
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Watch a traditional tea ceremony presented by Topotea. The master will explain how to boil, pour, wash etc for around 10 minutes, rest of time they are offering tea tasting. Plus, sample mini mooncakes with your tea!
2pm - 4pm
Contemporary Chinese Music
Get ready for something special on the Saturday of Moon Festival. Iris (Xinyang) Li and her Amazonite Fusion Music Ensemble are hitting the stage with a program blending traditional Chinese music with Hip Hop - with a fresh, contemporary twist. Iris is a total visionary—she's a Pipa soloist, composer, and educator who's amazing at bringing Eastern tradition and Western innovation together. She even made history as the first student to major in a Chinese instrument (the Pipa!) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, really opening doors for Chinese music in Western schools. And with her Amazonite ensemble, Iris is leading the charge in creating awesome East-meets-West soundscapes, mixing Chinese instruments with everything from classical to jazz and modern experimental vibes.

Sun 5 October

11am - 2pm
Badge making workshop

Discover the legends and symbols of the Moon Festival in this creative badge making workshop and take home a personalised keepsake of the festival! Drop in with family and friends to design your own colourful badge inspired by themes of mooncakes, the Jade Rabbit, the legendary archer Hou Yi and the Moon Goddess Chang’e. 

1pm - 3pm
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Watch a traditional tea ceremony presented by Topotea. The master will explain how to boil, pour, wash etc for around 10 minutes, rest of time they are offering tea tasting. Plus, sample mini mooncakes with your tea!
2pm - 4pm
Traditional Chinese Music

Sunday's music program brings a harmonious blend of nature and melody to the Chinese Garden of Friendship - with tranquil tunes curated by Dr Nicolas Ng. This serene ambiant program is curated by the acclaimed Dr. Nicholas Ng (Sydney Conservatorium of Music Chinese Music Ensemble).

Celebrate with a feast at One Dining

Nestled within the iconic Chinese Garden of Friendship, One Dining reimagines Chinese culinary traditions in a serene garden setting. Treat yourself to yum cha, indulge in a set menu feast or get fancy with their high tea option. 

What's On at Darling Square

Want more? Discover more glowing fun just around the corner at Darling Square.
Illuminated lanterns installation
Stroll through the vibrant lantern installation illuminating Darling Square every night from 27 September to 12 October.
Free illuminated lantern giveaway
Spend $30 or more at any Darling Square retailer on weekdays and receive a free illuminated lantern. To redeem, visit Lillianna Gifts and show your receipt to the staff to claim your free illuminated lantern. This offer is available on Mon 29 Sep to Fri 3 Oct and Mon 6 Oct to Fri 10 Oct. T&Cs apply.
LED lion dancing
Witness the mesmerising LED lion dancing that will light up the night with energy and tradition on Saturday 27 September, 4 October and 11 October at 6:30pm.
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Clay mooncake making workshop
Let the kids get creative as they mould and decorate a clay mooncake masterpiece to take home. This workshop runs on 27 September, 28 September, 4 October and 5 October 12pm to 3pm. Note: The mooncakes are not edible and made using air drying clay. Limited quantities per day. 
Scavenger hunt
Celebrate the Moon Festival with a fun filled scavenger hunt for the whole family. Explore Darling Square, find the clues and enjoy a sweet treat at the finish line. This scavenger hunt runs on Monday 6 October to Friday 10 October 12pm to 3pm.

How to participate:
1.    Pick up a map from the Hunt Station located in front of The Exchange Building.
2.    Find the clues at the designated locations on the map.
3.    Use the clues to complete the worksheet.
4.    Return to the Hunt Station with the completed worksheet to collect your sweet prize.
Fan painting workshop
Join in on the hands-on workshop and paint and decorate your own fan to take home on Saturday 11 October and Sunday 12 October 12pm to 3pm. Perfect for all ages and the perfect DIY souvenir. 
Live music
Enjoy live music by talented singers as you dine and explore Darling Square on Saturdays and Sundays from 6pm to 9pm.