2025 San Francisco Bay Area Mid-Autumn Festival Guide

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional celebrations in the Chinese community, symbolizing reunion, harvest, and family warmth. As the Asian American population continues to grow in the Bay Area, the Mid-Autumn Festival has evolved into a vibrant blend of cultural and community festivities. From San Francisco Chinatown to San Jose, Oakland to Foster City, each city is preparing a wide range of events — from lion and dragon dances to mooncake markets and floating lantern wishes — perfect for families, students, and visitors alike. Here’s your full guide to the must-see Mid-Autumn celebrations across the Bay Area in 2025.

San Francisco

San Francisco Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival

Date: September 27–28, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Location: Grant Avenue (between California St and Broadway)

This is the largest and most iconic Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in the Bay Area. Streets will be closed to traffic for a full weekend of lion and dragon dances, kung fu demonstrations, mooncake and traditional food booths, art displays, and children's game zones. This year's theme centers around the legendary Monkey King, and will also feature a dumpling eating contest and a special White Crane Dragon parade. With its lively atmosphere and thousands of visitors, it’s one of the best ways to experience authentic Chinatown culture.

Sunset District Autumn Moon Festival

Date: October 4, 12:00–4:00 PM

Location: Irving Street (between 20th and 22nd Ave)

Organized by local community associations, this neighborhood festival has a cozy, family-oriented feel. Activities include music and dance performances, calligraphy and craft workshops, games for kids, and hands-on lantern-making. Unlike the grand Chinatown event, this one emphasizes community connection — ideal for neighbors and families to enjoy a relaxed holiday atmosphere.

Asian Art Museum Mid-Autumn Program

Date: Late September to early October (exact dates TBD)

The museum will host special themed exhibits and parent-child craft activities such as lantern making and traditional painting. Kids will learn about the meaning of the festival through arts, while parents can enjoy a blend of cultural education and artistic appreciation.

South Bay & Peninsula

Millbrae Mid-Autumn Street Fair

Date: September 27–28, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Location: Broadway Avenue, Downtown Millbrae

Known for its size and liveliness, this street fair will feature over 150 food and artisan booths, a children’s play zone, and a performance stage hosting kung fu, dance, and live music shows. From mooncakes to specialty snacks, this is a one-stop family destination to eat, play, and celebrate together.

Cupertino Mid-Autumn Carnival

Date: September 27, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Location: Stevens Creek Plaza

Combining tradition and modern fun, Cupertino’s event includes dragon and lion dances, an orchid showcase, giant mooncake-cutting ceremony, prize raffles (including flight tickets!), and a colorful lantern display. The festive vibe makes it a favorite for families with young children.

East Bay & Oakland

Oakland Little Saigon Mid-Autumn Festival

Date: September 28, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Location: Clinton Square Park

Hosted by the local Vietnamese community, this cultural celebration features lion dance, traditional Vietnamese food stalls, handmade lantern workshops, and parent-child games. It’s a unique chance to experience Southeast Asian cultural elements within the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Alameda Mid-Autumn Night Market

Date: Late September (exact date TBD)

Downtown Alameda will transform into a lively night market, with food vendors, handmade crafts, and live stage performances. After sunset, lanterns light up the streets, creating a romantic, festive atmosphere perfect for couples and photo lovers.

Hayward Community Mid-Autumn Celebration

Date: Late September

A smaller, locally-rooted event focused on cultural showcases, live performances, and interactive children's activities. Though not large in scale, it brings together the neighborhood with warmth and authenticity.

San Jose & Surrounding Area

San Jose Children’s Discovery Museum Mid-Autumn Day

Date: September 27, 9:30 AM–4:30 PM

The museum will offer a special program including lion dances, mooncake crafts with clay, festival storytimes, and short cultural videos. It’s an engaging and educational experience, ideal for families looking to blend fun and tradition.

San Jose Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Celebration

Date: Late September

The Vietnamese community in San Jose will hold lantern parades, traditional song and dance performances, and a mooncake and street food fair. The relaxed vibe makes it a family-friendly event for cultural exchange and celebration.

Sunnyvale Lantern Festival

Date: Late September

This nighttime festival features glowing lantern displays throughout the neighborhood, accompanied by cultural shows and craft exhibits. It creates a dreamy atmosphere perfect for couples, families, and photography lovers.

North Bay & Special Events

Foster City Water Lantern Festival

Date: Evening of September 28

Location: Leo Ryan Park

This symbolic and serene event allows participants to release floating lanterns onto the lake, each carrying wishes or messages of hope. Under the candlelight glow, the water turns into a magical mirror of lights — ideal for families and couples seeking a reflective, meaningful celebration.

San Mateo Central Park Lantern Festival

Date: Late September

San Mateo’s Central Park will be beautifully decorated with giant lanterns and themed displays. At night, the park glows, offering the perfect backdrop for leisurely walks, family photos, and festive appreciation.

Berkeley Campus Mid-Autumn Festival

Date: Late September

Hosted by university student clubs, this event includes cultural lectures, live stage performances, lantern exhibitions, and mooncake sharing. It’s youthful, vibrant, and great for students and cultural enthusiasts.

Tips for Attending Mid-Autumn Festival

Transportation: Popular locations like Chinatown and Millbrae can get crowded — take public transportation or carpool when possible.

What to Bring: Lanterns, snacks, mooncakes, and a change of clothes for kids can help your family enjoy the event stress-free.

Safety: At nighttime or lakeside events, watch over young children closely and avoid heavy crowds.

Check for Updates: Some events are subject to weather or organizer changes — always check the official website or event page before heading out.

In 2025, Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations will be happening across San Francisco, the Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, and North Bay — each with its own unique charm. From large-scale parades in Chinatown to romantic lantern festivals in Foster City, these gatherings reflect the spirit of reunion and celebration.

Mid-Autumn Festival isn’t just about mooncakes and full moons — it’s a time for connecting with family, embracing tradition, and sharing joy with the community. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this guide will help you find the best way to celebrate and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.