The 30th Annual Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival Will Feature Live Entertainment, Games, Mooncake Eating Contest & More
Now in its 30th year, the Mid-Autumn Festival will once again transform the streets of Philly’s Chinatown into a vibrant cultural celebration, welcoming thousands of families and visitors to gather under the glow of the Harvest Moon.
Organized by the Asian Americans United (AAU), this beloved public street festival honors centuries-old traditions while uplifting the next generation of community leaders. Each year, more than 300 youth volunteers join forces with local restaurants, artists, and businesses to produce this free family-friendly event, which now draws more than 7,500 attendees.
The festival will feature lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese opera performances, carnival games, arts and crafts activities, and the crowd-favorite mooncake eating contest. Youth leaders plan every aspect of the day—from the stage lineup and volunteer coordination to fundraising and art activities—continuing the tradition of empowering young community members to preserve and celebrate their heritage.
This year’s festival carries an even deeper resonance as Chinatown, designated in 2023 as one of the Most Endangered Historic Places in the U.S., faces ongoing threats of displacement and disruption. The festival stands as a powerful reminder of Chinatown’s cultural resilience, unity, and pride.
“The Mid-Autumn Festival has always been about gratitude and togetherness,” organizers shared. “It began as a way for homesick Chinese Americans in Philadelphia to celebrate a holiday they couldn’t return home for. Thirty years later, it’s become a cornerstone of our community’s identity and our commitment to passing traditions down to future generations.”
The Mid-Autumn Festival dates back to ancient China, when the moon was revered as a source of life and abundance. Families gathered to honor the harvest, share mooncakes, light lanterns, and admire the full moon. According to legend, Emperor Xuanzong’s visit to the mythical Moon Palace inspired formal celebrations of the holiday. Over centuries, it spread throughout Asia and became a cherished tradition of family, food, and festivity.
AAU launched Philadelphia’s Mid-Autumn Festival in 1996 with the help of middle school students. Today, it continues as a homegrown, youth-powered cultural event that connects generations and keeps cherished customs alive.
