Cabramatta doesn’t do subtle, and its Moon Festival is proof. Every September, the heart of Sydney’s south-west erupts into a sensory overload of lion dances, sizzling street food, and crowds so thick they feel like a living river. It’s not just Cabramatta’s biggest day of the year — it’s one of Australia’s largest Southeast Asian cultural celebrations. Think dragon firecrackers rattling down John Street, kids elbow-deep in pho and mooncake eating contests, lanterns glowing as the moon goddess takes her parade, and a fireworks finale that lights up the whole southwest sky. If you’ve ever wondered what a true community street party looks like, this is it — proudly multicultural, and fully immersive.
Location
Address: John Street, Cabramatta NSW 2166
Website: Fairfield City Council – Cabramatta Moon Festival
Dates
Next Event: Sunday 28 September 2025, 11am–8pm
Frequency: Annual
Duration: 1 day
Price
Free entry
Walk-ins welcome
The BioHax Take
This isn’t Darling Harbour with a polite lantern installation — this is Cabramatta in full cultural roar. The Moon Festival here is sweaty, chaotic, and better for it. The crowds are wild but welcoming, the lion dances pound through every laneway, and the food queues? Worth every second. The vibe is equal parts family-friendly carnival and street-level block party, capped off with a fireworks finale that feels like Cabra’s mic drop moment. It’s the kind of festival that reminds you Sydney isn’t just beaches and cocktails — it’s dumplings at dusk, taekwondo demos on the street, and K-pop dancers shaking the asphalt.
Who It’s For
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Foodies chasing the city’s best Southeast Asian eats in one place
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Families looking for free entertainment and kids’ activities
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Culture seekers who want lion dances, martial arts, and live music up close
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Photographers chasing colour, lanterns, and smoke trails from firecrackers
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Anyone curious about Sydney’s real multicultural heartland
What’s On Offer
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Lion Dancing & Martial Arts — from the Australian National Lion Dance Competition to kung fu, taekwondo, and firecracker finales.
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Cultural Performances — traditional Southeast Asian dance troupes, Vietnamese school groups, Cambodian arts collectives, and more.
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Live Music — multiple stages across John Street, Arthur Street, and Dutton Lane, with everything from K-pop crews to Brazilian drummers.
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Street Food & Market Stalls — pho, banh mi, BBQ skewers, dumplings, sweets, and the famous mooncakes.
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Family Activities — kids’ rides, free workshops, chopstick challenges, lantern-making, and face painting.
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Lantern Parade — led by the moon goddess, one of the most photographed spectacles of the festival.
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Fireworks — 8pm finale, best viewed from John Street, Park Road, or Railway Parade.
Photo Credit: Fairfield City Council - Crowds, culture, and colour fill Cabramatta Town Centre for the annual Moon Festival street party.
Sustainability Snapshot
The festival supports local businesses, producers, and cultural schools. Much of the food is prepared by Cabramatta-based restaurants and families, keeping the event hyper-local and community-first.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Cabramatta Moon Festival 2025?
Sunday 28 September 2025 from 11am to 8pm.
Is the Cabramatta Moon Festival free?
Yes, it’s completely free to attend.
Where is the Moon Festival held in Sydney?
In Cabramatta Town Centre, centred around John Street.
What time are the fireworks?
The fireworks finale is scheduled for 8pm.
What food is at the Cabramatta Moon Festival?
Expect Vietnamese, Chinese, Cambodian, Thai, and global street eats plus mooncakes, pho, and sweets.
Is there live entertainment?
Yes — multiple stages feature music, cultural performances, martial arts, and K-pop dance crews.
Is the Moon Festival family-friendly?
Yes, with free kids’ rides, activities, and cultural shows suitable for all ages.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are best left at home due to large crowds and fireworks.
How do I get there?
Take the train to Cabramatta Station (T2, T3, T5 lines). Parking is very limited — public transport is recommended.
What’s special in 2025?
The Australian-first National Lion Dance Competition, plus a huge 25th anniversary program.
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Article originally published: 18 September 2025, by Editor
