Moon Festival will return to Darling Square this September for a two week celebration of family, gratitude and the Autumn full moon. From Saturday 19 September until Sunday 4 October, the precinct will come alive with an exciting program of illuminated installations, live entertainment, free activities and food and drink offerings.
Historically, the Mid-Autumn festival (or Moon Festival) celebrates the autumn harvest and the notion of giving thanks. One of the most significant holidays for Asian cultures, Moon Festival was derived from the custom of worshipping the moon in thanks for the harvest. This is a time to honour love, happiness, family and friends. Originating in China, Moon Festival is now celebrated across many countries including Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia and Japan, signifying family near and far, personal connection and reunions, and quality time spent with loved ones.
This Moon Festival, guests can walk through the illuminated lantern installation, enjoy free lantern decorating sessions, free dancing workshops, DJs and live entertainment, including Emperor Guan and the Moon Goddess roaming through the precinct. Right in time for the school holidays, Moon Festival is the perfect place to bring the kids for free holiday entertainment.
Food retailers across Darling Square are getting involved once again with Moon Festival themed menu items including:
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Ilko Mazesoba is celebrating the full harvest moon inspired by the Japanese tradition of Tsukimi. The seasonal menu features Tsukimi Mazesoba, Tsukimi Don, Pomelo Chicken Mazesoba, Mont Blanc Mazesoba, Sweet Potato Chips, and more. All available from now till September 30.
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Bengong Black is introducing its newest range of mooncakes. Visitors can enjoy a puff pastry meat mooncake, lava custard mooncake, or their classic salted egg yolk and lotus paste mooncake. Bengong also offers Bengong’s moonlight treasure box featuring 8 lava custard mooncakes in a gift box with a light–up moon.
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Lilong by Taste of Shanghai is offering limited edition Su-style mooncakes including their signature pork, radish and ham, purple sweet potato and mochi or their classic red bean mooncakes.
During the Moon Festival, Darling Square is the perfect place to soak up the celebrations while indulging in a range of culinary delights. Food lovers can head to YAYOI for a taste of contemporary Japanese flavours, or stop by XOPP by Golden Century to pick up traditional mooncakes in celebration of the festive season. For those after something more social, Kwang Jang Pocha brings the vibrant energy of a Korean pojangmacha to the heart of Darling Square, while Dragon Hot Pot offers a warming, communal dining experience perfect for gathering with friends and family.
With free entry and a full program of lantern displays, live performances, activities and limited-edition menus, Darling Square is the perfect place to celebrate the festivities these school holidays. For more information on the program, including activity and session times, please visit the website.
