Moon Festival at Darling Square 2025

The Moon Festival — aka Mid-Autumn Festival — is normally an autumn harvest ritual across China and Asia, but Darling Square flips it into a spring spectacle. From Saturday, September 27 to Sunday, October 12, 2025, the precinct turns into a lantern-lit playground where heritage collides with hype. Think LED lion dancers, clay mooncake workshops, fan painting for the kids, scavenger hunts across the square, and Messina’s “Over the Moon” gelato dripping red dates and lava custard. All of it free to enter, and all of it happening in the heart of Haymarket.

The BioHax Take

Forget Netflix — this is your two-week binge watch IRL. Darling Square’s Moon Festival is part neon fever dream, part culinary safari, and part family carnival. Kids get clay under their nails, adults get mooncake highs and seafood towers the size of a spaceship, and everyone walks away glowing under hundreds of lanterns. This isn’t just tradition; it’s Sydney’s unofficial handover from winter into summer vibes.

Who It’s For

Families chasing school holiday gold
Foodies who think dumplings deserve their own postcode
Date-night duos who look better under lantern light
Culture chasers ticking off every Sydney festival
Anyone who believes dessert is a religion

What’s On Offer

Illuminated Lanterns Installation
Every night, Darling Square floods with lantern light from Sep 27–Oct 12.

Free Lantern Giveaway
Spend $30+ at any Darling Square retailer (weekdays only) and pick up your free lantern at Lillianna Gifts.

LED Lion Dancing
Catch the high-voltage LED lions at 6:30pm on Sat Sep 27, Oct 4, and Oct 11.

Clay Mooncake Workshop
Hands-on kids’ activity, Sep 27–28 & Oct 4–5, from 12pm–3pm. Non-edible, but definitely Insta-edible.

Scavenger Hunt
Oct 6–10, 12pm–3pm. Maps from The Exchange Building, sweet prize at the finish.

Fan Painting Workshop
DIY keepsake for all ages, Oct 11–12, 12pm–3pm.

Live Music
Saturday & Sunday nights, 6pm–9pm — the square goes lounge mode.

Photo Credit: Darling Square - LED lion dancers light up Darling Square during the Moon Festival, dazzling crowds with colour, tradition and night-time spectacle.

Moon Festival Specials

XOPP by Golden Century – modern mooncakes with salted egg custard & red bean.
Lilong by Taste of Shanghai – house-made puff pastry mooncakes, from sweet to savoury.
15cenchi – Salted Egg Mochi Moon Cheesecake, limited stock.
Gelato Messina – “Over the Moon” festival-only gelato.
Auvers Dining – XO seafood tower Wednesdays & Thursdays ($88), plus Kids Eat Free every Sunday.
789 Korean BBQ – free chicken thighs with $150 spend.
Hello Auntie – curated Vietnamese banquet menus for sharing.

When

Sat, Sep 27, 2025 – Sun, Oct 12, 2025

Where

Darling Square
35 Tumbalong Boulevard
Haymarket NSW 2000

Price

FREE entry. Workshops & food specials vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dates is the Moon Festival at Darling Square in 2025?
From Saturday, September 27 to Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Is the Moon Festival free to attend?
Yes, the festival is free entry. Food and some specials cost extra.

Where is the festival held?
At Darling Square, 35 Tumbalong Boulevard, Haymarket NSW.

What time do the lanterns light up?
Lanterns glow every evening from dusk.

Are there activities for kids?
Yes, including clay mooncake workshops, fan painting, scavenger hunts, and lantern giveaways.

Do I need to book for workshops?
Most activities are walk-in with limited daily capacity. Arrive early.

What nights is LED lion dancing on?
Saturday September 27, October 4, and October 11 at 6:30pm.

Are mooncakes available to buy?
Yes, from venues like XOPP, Lilong by Taste of Shanghai, and 15cenchi.

Which restaurants have special menus?
Hello Auntie, Auvers Dining, 789 Korean BBQ, Gelato Messina, and more.

Is it family-friendly during the evenings?
Yes, evenings feature lanterns and live music in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.