Residents in both Parramatta and Cumberland will be able to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival this year with night markets, traditional lion dances and of course – mooncakes.
This year, events will be held in both the City of Parramatta and Cumberland City Council areas to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.
Also known as Moon or Mooncake Festival, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is considered a significant holiday, equal to Lunar New Year. It’s observed in many Asian countries and everywhere in the world that people from these countries live, including Australia.
Falling on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, where the moon is at its brightest and fullest, families traditionally gather to celebrate gratitude and connection, and enjoy mooncakes together during this holiday.
In Parramatta, the inaugural Parramatta Moon Markets will be held on the Lennox Bridge, overlooking the Parramatta River, on Saturday, September 10, from 5pm to 9pm, to coincide with the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival holiday.
Visitors to the Moon Markets can expect street food stalls, entertainment, traditional lion dances and family fun throughout the evening.
GM2i will be serving up mooncakes, there will be grilled snacks on a stick by Firepop, a variety of Asian dishes by CoBe Kitchen, fresh sugarcane juice from Tebu Sugarcane and dumplings by Yummy Time Dumpling. Guests will also be able to enjoy food from Egyptian Grillers and Parilla Argenchino.
A lighting installation will be designed for each location, featuring traditional lanterns and an array of colourful lights to bring the Moon Markets to life.
“Parramatta’s diversity is what makes our city so vibrant and unique, I’m proud we are adding another wonderful community event to our cultural calendar,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis said.
Cr Davis believes the festival is a great way to bring people together.
“The Moon Markets are a chance for families and friends to come together and give thanks,” she said.
“These markets are a perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike to share their gratitude and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with amazing food and entertainment.”
A second market will also be held in Epping town centre on Sunday, November 13, from 5pm to 9pm.
Over in Cumberland, celebrations will also be held on Saturday, September 10, from 6pm to 9pm in Auburn Central Forecourt.
Visitors can celebrate with a free evening of traditional music and dance, family friendly art and craft activities, food and more.
For more information, visit atparramatta.com/whats-on/moon-markets or cumberland.nsw.gov.au/mid-autumn-festival
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.