Every year, as summer gives way to autumn, communities across East Asia and the diaspora come together to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Traditionally held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the holiday celebrates harvest, gratitude, and reunion under the full moon. Families share mooncakes, light lanterns, and come together to reflect on themes of unity and hope.
In New York City, the Mid-Autumn Festival has grown into a vibrant cultural celebration, blending centuries-old traditions with the city’s dynamic diversity. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities, cultural performances, or late-night festivities, here are the key events happening across NYC in 2025.
Manhattan Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations
China Institute Mid-Autumn Festival
Step into an afternoon of culture and imagination at the China Institute. Highlights include a lively Uyghur dance, a shadow-puppet retelling of The Legend of White Snake, and hands-on activities like mooncake making, rice dough bunny crafting, and sugar painting. Guests can also enjoy family gallery tours of the exhibit Metamorphosis: Chinese Imagination and Transformation.
- Time: October 5, 2025. 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
- Location: China Institute in America. 100 Washington Street, New York, NY 10006
- Admission: $15 adults, $5 children under 12, free for members. Buy tickets.
Moon Festival Tea Party
Raise your cup to the moon at Tea Drunk’s annual celebration. Guests will enjoy a curated tea experience that blends tradition with a modern sense of connection and abundance.
- Time: October 4, 2025. 1:30 to 5:00 pm.
- Location: Tea Drunk. 240 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
- Admission: $39. Buy tickets.
MOCA Mid-Autumn Family Festival
The Museum of Chinese in America invites families to a festive afternoon. Activities include shadow puppetry, dancing, lantern-making, scavenger hunts, and hands-on mooncake workshops.
- Time: October 4, 2025. 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
- Location: Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA). 215 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013
- Admission: $8 per person; free for kids under 2 and MOCA members. Buy tickets.
Brooklyn Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations
Moonlite NYC Mid-Autumn Fest
The NYC Mid-Autumn Fest is an all-day, all-night celebration of culture, creativity, and community at Hana House. From live music, dance, and workshops to street food, mooncakes, and artisan markets, the festival is packed with flavor and fun — all while supporting Meals for Unity to support the elderly Asian-American community.
- Time: October 4, 2025. 12:00 pm to 12:00 am (with late-night program until 4:00 am)
- Location: Hana House. 345 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Admission: $12.51 to $28.52. Free for kids under 10 and seniors above 65. Buy tickets.
Tết Trung Thu Mid-Autumn Festival
Hosted by the Vietnam Heritage Center, this vibrant gathering features Vietnamese food, lively plays, songs, and cultural performances. Children can join a paper lantern contest, while families roll up their sleeves for mooncake-making classes (first come, first served). Vendors will offer festive food, drinks, and crafts — making this celebration a rich mix of tradition, creativity, and community warmth.
- Time: October 5, 2025. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Location: The Chocolate Factory. 70 Scott Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237
- Admission: $11 to $50. Free for kids under 2. Buy tickets.
Queens Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations
Annual Fall Festival
Queens’ Annual Fall Festival returns with a Mid-Autumn twist! Hosted by Glow Cultural Center and Council Member Sandra Ung, this free community celebration features multicultural performances, cultural exhibits, family games, crafts, and thousands of giveaways. It’s one of Flushing’s most beloved seasonal traditions — open to all and not to be missed.
- Time: October 5, 2025. 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Kissena Corridor Park. 45th Ave & Colden Street, Flushing NY
- Admission: Free and open to public. No RSVP required.
2025 Flushing YMCA Annual Chuseok Celebration
Flushing YMCA invites the community to gather for a joyful Annual Chuseok Celebration filled with Korean culture, flavors, and tradition! On this cherished holiday of gratitude and harvest, guests will enjoy cultural performances, fun games and crafts, tasty Korean snacks, and free giveaways — all while connecting with neighbors and celebrating under the harvest moon.
- Time: October 17, 2025. 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm
- Location: Flushing YMCA. 138-46 Northern Boulevard Flushing, NY 11354
- Admission: Free. Registration is required.
