The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years across China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia. Rooted in stories, traditions, and seasonal harvests, it remains one of the most important occasions for family and community gatherings.
This year, the City of Irvine and the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center co-hosted the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival at Great Park on September 26. Under the glow of the full moon, more than 20,000 residents — far surpassing the expected 15,000 to 17,000 — came together for a night of music, tradition, and celebration.
A Festival of Sights, Sounds, and Flavor
The event featured the full spectrum of cultural life: elected officials, community leaders, families, and sponsors all contributed to its success. Booths and sponsors included Marriott Bonvoy, local markets, Bread & Bakery with generous samples, and 1983 Bakery — which drew one of the longest lines of the evening for its famous mooncakes.
The festival quad came alive with glowing lantern tunnels, where families and couples paused to capture photos. In the Cultural Village, crowds enjoyed lantern painting, origami, and folk crafts. At the Center’s booth, children spun a lucky wheel to win books, playful headpieces, and mooncakes. Visitors lined up to try on Hanfu costumes, transforming into Tang-era ladies or Song scholars for unforgettable snapshots. Popular games such as “Hou Yi Shoots the Sun,” marble toss, and ring toss kept both children and adults entertained. Families and children stop by the H Mart booth, one of the many local sponsors supporting the Mid-Autumn Festival at Great Park, Irvine.
Tradition and Performance
The evening roared to life with six brightly colored lions, leaping to the thunder of gongs and drums. The South Coast Wushu Team followed with a breathtaking martial arts demonstration, setting the stage for an array of dazzling performances.
Highlights included the South Coast Chinese Orchestra, led by conductor Bin He, blending Chinese and Western instruments; the Chinese Dance Company of Southern California; and spectacular presentations of Asian traditional dance and ethnic costumes. Accompanied by beating drums, vivid lights, and enthusiastic applause, the performances created an immersive experience where tradition and modernity met in harmony.
Voices from the Community
In my interviews with participants and leaders, one message stood out: the festival was about more than tradition — it was about connection. Yulan Chung, CEO of the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, shared: “The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a celebration of tradition, but also a time for all generations to gather.” Vice Mayor James Mai expressed his hope for more cultural exchanges and even shared family photos in support of panda conservation, saying, “We would like to have more cultural events in the city.” Councilmember Melinda Liu reflected, “I’m so happy with the great turnout for this event.” Councilmember William Go added his enthusiasm, while noting interest in planning a future Panda Event in Irvine.
A Celebration Worthy of a Star
Having attended dozens of Chinese cultural and municipal events, I can say this was one of the most professionally organized and heartfelt community gatherings I have seen. It captured the essence of cultural celebration while showcasing Irvine’s welcoming spirit. The South Coast Chinese Cultural Center’s leadership, staff, and volunteers — along with the City of Irvine — deserve warm congratulations for bringing together such a successful evening. While it may not be a Michelin star, in my book this Mid-Autumn Festival more than earned a Modern Day Marco Polo Panda Star.
