The Moon Festival, a celebration deeply rooted in Asian culture, is upon us and Sydney is getting ready to honour this popular event. From August 24 to September 22, these venues will come alive with a series of events, offering mouth-watering delicacies, and cultural displays, marking the Moon Festival in style.
What is the Moon Festival?
The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a time for families and communities to come together, reflecting on unity, gratitude, and the bounties of the harvest. Traditionally celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is believed to be at its fullest, the festival has transcended its Chinese origins to be embraced by cultures across Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and Malaysia.
Central to the celebration is the sharing of mooncakes—delicate pastries that symbolise reunion and are often given as gifts to friends and family.
Market City’s Festivities
Located in the heart of Haymarket, Market City is set to be the epicentre of Sydney’s Moon Festival celebrations. Here's what you can expect:
- Australia’s Largest Mooncake Sale (September 4–21): Thai Kee IGA at Market City’s Centre Court will host Australia’s largest mooncake sale, offering a variety of traditional and modern mooncakes, some of which are rarely available outside of China.
- High Pole Lion Dance (September 14 & 15 at 2 pm): Experience the exhilarating Jin Wu Koon’s Lion Dance, where skilled performers balance on 3-metre-high poles, bringing this ancient tradition to life.
- Massive Mooncake Giveaway (September 4–21): Shoppers who spend $15 or more at participating stores will receive a free mooncake, with 4,500 up for grabs throughout the promotion period. Available Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am–5 pm.
- Madam Tot’s Traditional Chinese Art Workshops (September 9–21): Dive into Chinese culture with daily drawing and painting workshops. Priced between $12 and $15 per person, these sessions offer a hands-on experience for both adults and children.
- Moon Festival Day (September 17): Mark your calendar for a special day filled with activities and entertainment throughout Market City.
- Sydney Streets Festival Event (September 21, 11 am–9 pm): Join the street party around Market City, featuring cultural performances, food stalls, and community fun.
- Park and Dine Promotion: Enjoy complimentary parking when you dine at any of the restaurants in Market City’s Level 3 Restaurant Collection. The offer is valid daily for those who enter after 6 pm and exit before 1 am.
A Culinary Journey at the 1909 Dining Precinct
The 1909 Dining Precinct on Level 3 of Market City is a culinary haven for those who love Asian cuisine. With a lineup of ten restaurants, food lovers can indulge in everything from Yum Cha at The Eight to spicy Chongqing noodles at Mr Meng. Don’t miss Dolar Shop’s hot pot, YAYOI’s authentic Japanese dishes, and the sushi train at Fugetsu. The new Chaoshan-style seafood from Fu Ji adds even more variety to this vibrant dining destination, making it a must-visit during the festival.
Darling Square’s Moon Festival Celebrations
Just a short stroll from Market City, Darling Square is hosting its own Moon Festival festivities from September 6 to 22. This bustling precinct, known for its cultural diversity, will be adorned with colorful lanterns, creating a picturesque setting for the celebrations.
What’s on at Darling Square
- XOPP’s Mooncakes: A modern twist on the traditional mooncake, XOPP offers options like egg custard with yolk and red bean with lily bulb.
- IIKO Mazesoba’s Tsukimi-Inspired Menu: Enjoy dishes that resemble the full harvest moon, including tsukimi mazesoba and golden round ingredients.
- Gelato Messina’s Mooncake Gelato: This limited-edition gelato features red dates, caramel, lava custard, and mooncake crumbs, available from September 17 while stocks last.
- Lilong by Taste of Shanghai: Indulge in golden puff pastry mooncakes with fillings like white lotus seed paste and abalone and pork.
- Auvers Dining’s Limited-Edition Menu: Offering dishes like duck and wagyu fried rice, along with a deconstructed mooncake toast. Plus, kids eat free on Sunday nights!
- Matcha-ya’s Jiggly Bunny Pudding: A fun addition to the menu, available in milk or strawberry flavor.
- 15cenchi’s Salted Egg Mochi Moon Cheesecake: A dessert inspired by traditional mooncakes, available for a limited time only.
- Dopa by Devon’s Free Mochi Offer: Receive a free mochi dessert with any main meal purchase.
- Bubble Nini’s Luxury Mooncakes: Available in a gift box of 8 for $129, featuring flavors like custard lava and lotus seed paste.
- Ume Burger and Batch Brewing’s Burger Box: A special combo of a burger, fries, and beer for $25, available during happy hour.
Breadtop’s Snoopy Mooncakes
Breadtop stores around the country will also offer mooncakes to gift to friends and family. This is a playful collaboration with Peanuts, featuring lava custard mooncakes in a 6-piece gift set, complete with a free tote bag. Find out more here about pricing and availability.