Moon Festival 2025

Mooncakes, Lanterns and a Whole Lotta Glow

Where to Celebrate the Moon Festival in Sydney

Spring is here, the kids are still buzzing at bedtime, and Sydney is about to light up like a giant lantern. The Moon Festival (aka Mid-Autumn Festival) might mark harvest season in the northern hemisphere, but down here it lands right in the middle of our spring – perfect weather for staying out late, eating all the snacks, and soaking up the full moon.

For Inner West mums, it’s basically a free pass to keep the kids up past bedtime and call it “education.” Win-win 🙌

Chocolate fudge mooncake recipe. Image courtesy of Eat, Little Bird.

So, what’s the deal?

Think twinkling lanterns, lion dances, mooncakes (yes, the kids will either love them or spit them straight out), plus a whole lot of community good vibes. It’s one of the biggest cultural festivals in Sydney — and there are plenty of ways to get in on the action without leaving the Inner West bubble.

Cabramatta Moon Festival. Image courtesy of Destination NSW.

Where to find the magic

Moon Festival. Image courtesy of Time Out.

🏮 Sydney Observatory Moon Festival (30 Sept – 2 Oct)
Lantern-making, lion dances, Mumma Le’s Vietnamese eats, and actual stargazing. Perfect if your kid is in their “space phase.” Warning: prams + Observatory hills = cardio.

More info: Sydney Observatory Moon Festival

Cabramatta Moon Festival. Credit: Amanda James www.jamesphoto.com.au

🏮 Cabramatta Moon Festival (28 Sept)
The Beyoncé of Moon Festivals — huge, loud, and guaranteed to impress. Expect 90,000 people, a lion dance comp, fireworks and more food than your kids’ tuckshop dreams. Go early if your crew doesn’t do crowds.

More info: Cabramatta Moon Festival

Darling Square Moon Festival. Image courtesy of Darling Square.

🏮 Darling Square Moon Festival (27 Sept – 12 Oct)
A two-week lantern wonderland with food specials, weekend music and crafty workshops. Perfect for a city night out — grab dumplings, see the lights, call it a “cultural excursion.”

More info: Darling Square Moon Festival 2025

Chinese Gardens of Friendship. Image courtesy of the Chinese Gardens of Friendship.

🏮 Chinese Garden of Friendship (4–5 Oct)
Tea ceremonies, crafts, and mooncake tastings in one of Sydney’s prettiest gardens. Chill, calm, and toddler-friendly if the big crowds sound like your idea of punishment.

Keep it local (and easy)

Inner West libraries and community centres often sneak in lantern or craft workshops — keep an eye on Council’s What’s On.
Local Asian bakeries = mooncake jackpot. Ashfield, Burwood, Haberfield — you’ll find them.
DIY backyard lantern parade: cheap paper lanterns + battery candles + excited kids = sorted.

Interior of shop, Moon Festival Market City. Image courtesy of Market City.

Pro mum hacks

Go early with the little ones; save fireworks for older kids who can handle the chaos.
Pack snacks anyway (you know why).
Agree on a family meeting spot — or just stick an AirTag in the school bag.
It’s spring but nights can still be chilly — throw in a hoodie.
Limit yourself to one “main thing” per outing, or you’ll have overtired meltdowns on the train ride home.

About Author

Francesca Millena

Writer, foodie and ideas-sponge, Francesca grew up in the Inner West and loves writing about all things IW related from playgrounds and podcasts, restaurants and retail, bubble tea and basketball courts. Mum to an active child, she also knows a thing or two about keeping a little one entertained on a rainy day.

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Moon Festival 2025

Mooncakes, Lanterns and a Whole Lotta Glow