Description
- When: Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K2
- Cost: Ticketed; annual passholders receive 10% off
- Hosted by: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Now in its 40th year, the Mid-Autumn Festival: Moon Palace marks a milestone celebration for the Garden itself, which also turns 40 in 2026. The weekend brings lanterns, traditional performances, hands-on activities, and cultural storytelling to one of the Garden's longest-running traditions, set against the backdrop of the Jade Pond as evening falls.
What to Expect
Make a Wish, Light a Lantern
Write a wish, hope, or message and place a lantern by the Jade Pond, watching the glow and reflections dance across the water as evening arrives.
Follow the Moon's Stories
Explore the Garden and search for Mid-Autumn riddles hidden throughout the space, uncovering stories, symbols, and traditions tied to the festival.
A Taste of the Moon
A live mooncake-making demonstration explains the tradition behind the iconic treat and how it became central to Mid-Autumn celebrations.
Create Your Own Festival Keepsake
Hands-on crafts inspired by the moon, the Jade Rabbit, and other Mid-Autumn traditions, with a keepsake to take home.
Festival Fun for Everyone
Creative activities and face painting keep younger visitors entertained, with glowing designs adding extra magic as the evening progresses.
Lion Dance
Drums and lions make their way through the Garden in a lively celebration of good fortune, joy, and community.
Cultural Performances
Traditional arts, music, and performances run throughout the weekend in the Garden's courtyards and pavilions.
Under the Full Moon
Stay into the evening as lanterns illuminate the Jade Pond and music fills the courtyards, turning the Garden into a gathering place for family and friends.
Early Bird Promotion
The first 100 ticket orders receive a complimentary traditional bamboo hand fan to commemorate the evening — limited to one fan per order, while supplies last.
Annual Passholders
Passholders are eligible for an additional 10% off admission. To redeem, contact communications@vancouverchinesegarden.com — the timestamp of your message also counts toward Early Bird promotion eligibility.
Plan Your Visit
- Event: 40th Annual Mid-Autumn Festival: Moon Palace
- Date: September 26–27, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC
- Admission: Ticketed; annual passholders save 10%
- Website: vancouverchinesegarden.com/events
Forty years of lanterns, mooncakes, and lion dances — the Garden's milestone Mid-Autumn Festival turns a weekend by the Jade Pond into one of Vancouver's most enduring cultural traditions, with a little extra sparkle for its 40th anniversary year.