Haymarket’s bustling dining and shopping destination, Market City is gearing up to celebrate Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival. From 24 August to 22 September, this joyous occasion, the second most celebrated event in the Chinese calendar, will come to life with a series of exciting activities.
The Moon Festival is a time of unity, gratitude, and abundance, where families and friends gather to share delicious meals, savour delicious mooncakes, and enjoy the beauty of the full moon. Rooted in ancient traditions, this festival symbolises harmony and togetherness. While it began in China, it has now transcended borders, embraced by communities in Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and beyond.
Central to the festivities is the mooncake, a traditional Chinese pastry with intricate designs and a variety of sweet and savoury fillings. At Market City, Australia’s largest mooncake sale will take place, alongside a lineup of other thrilling events:
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Jin Wu Koon’s High Pole Lion Dance: Watch in awe as skilled acrobats perform lion dances on 3-metre-high poles, bringing this ancient tradition to life on September 14 and 15 at 2 pm.
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Australia’s Largest Mooncake Sale: From 4 to 21 September, Thai Kee IGA will host Australia’s largest mooncake sale at Centre Court on Level 1, featuring an exclusive selection of brands and products rarely found outside of China.
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Massive Mooncake Giveaway (4–21 September): Get ready for a delicious treat! From 4 to 21 September, we’re giving away 4,500 mooncakes to customers who spend $15 or more. Don’t miss your chance to indulge in this festival favourite! Available 10am – 5pm Wednesday to Sunday each week.
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Park and Dine Promotion: Enjoy complimentary parking when you dine at any of Market City’s Level 3 Restaurant Collection, including the deluxe 1909 dining precinct with seven outstanding Asian eateries. Enter the car park after 6pm and exit before 1am daily to enjoy free parking when you dine.
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The 1909 Dining Precinct, a renowned destination for Asian cuisine on Level 3, is a vibrant hub attracting food lovers with its lineup of ten top-tier eateries, open daily from 10 am until late. Highlights include The Eight’s extensive Yum Cha menu, Dolar Shop’s hot pot expertise, and Mr Meng’s signature spicy Chongqing noodles. YAYOI offers authentic Japanese Teishoku, while Kogi serves premium wagyu and Galbi. Fugetsu’s sushi train, Beijing Impression’s traditional dishes, and new retailer Fu Ji’s Chaoshan-style seafood round out the offerings, making the 1909 Dining Precinct a must-visit for diverse and delicious dining in Sydney.
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Madam Tot’s Traditional Chinese Art Workshops: Immerse yourself in Chinese culture with half-hour drawing and painting sessions for adults and children, running daily from 9 to 21 September, 10 am to 6 pm. Workshops are priced between $12 and $15 per person.
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Moon Festival decor: Market City will transform with captivating Moon Festival decorations. Experience beautiful displays featuring custom perspex clouds, a towering 3-metre 3D moon with dynamic lighting and colourful lanterns that adorn all three retail levels.
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Moon Festival Day: Celebrate the day itself on 17 September with special events and activities across Market City
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Sydney Streets Festival Event (Haymarket): Join the festivities in and around Market City on 21 September from 11am to 9pm, featuring cultural entertainment, food and community fun.
Ray Khoury, Centre Manager, Market City said “We are thrilled to celebrate the Moon Festival and bring its vibrant traditions to Market City. This festival is an opportunity for families and friends to come together, enjoy unique cultural experiences, and create lasting memories. ”