Sydney Moon Festival 2026: Chinese Garden programme, times and entry

Sydney’s Moon Festival runs from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September 2026 at the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour. The three-day programme includes lion dance, traditional Chinese music and dance, tea and mooncake tasting, calligraphy, Suzhou crafts, kung fu demonstrations and family-friendly workshops.

The event is organised with the China Cultural Centre in Sydney, the Chinese Garden of Friendship and the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. Festival activities do not carry a separate event charge: they are included with normal Garden admission, currently A$12 for adults and A$8 for children under 12. Children under five enter free. Last verified: 21 September 2026.

When is the Sydney Moon Festival 2026?

The Chinese Garden of Friendship programme runs from 25 to 27 September. The opening celebration is on Friday 25 September from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, beginning with a lion dance and followed by traditional music, singing, dance, tea tasting and mooncake tasting.

On Friday and Saturday, the lower section of the Garden stays open until 9:00 pm, with last entry at 8:30 pm. The Garden’s usual daily opening hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

What is happening on Saturday and Sunday?

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September have the broadest daytime programme. Activities run through the Garden from around 10:30 am and include:

• Kung fu demonstrations at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm.
• Suzhou embroidery and fan-art activities.
• Xipi lacquer bead making and Taohuawu woodblock printing.
• Traditional Chinese tea tasting and calligraphy.
• Mooncake-making demonstrations.
• Touhu, the traditional Chinese pitch-pot game.

Live Chinese cultural performances are scheduled on Saturday at 11:00–11:30 am, 2:00–2:30 pm and 7:00–8:30 pm, and on Sunday at 11:00–11:30 am and 2:00–2:30 pm.

How much does the Moon Festival cost?

All festival activities are free once you have entered the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Standard Garden admission is currently A$12 adult, A$8 child under 12, A$30 family for two adults and three children, and A$8 for eligible concession or student card holders. Children under five enter free.

Adult, child and family tickets can be pre-purchased online. Concession tickets are bought at the venue after showing eligible Australian concession identification. There is no separate Moon Festival ticket listed by the organiser.

Where is the Chinese Garden of Friendship?

The Garden is at Pier Street, corner of Harbour Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney, with its entrance on Tumbalong Boulevard. The official venue guide says it is accessible by train and light rail, while paid parking is available at ICC Sydney.

Is the event accessible?

The lower Garden has wheelchair-, buggy- and pram-accessible pathways and pavilions, as well as an accessible toilet and baby-change facilities. The upper Garden has steps and rocky paths and is more difficult to access. The closest passenger drop-off point is on Harbour Street.

Why this is a good event for international residents

The Moon Festival is a useful introduction to one of the most important traditional Chinese celebrations without needing specialist cultural knowledge. It combines live performance with food traditions and hands-on workshops, making it especially suitable for newcomers, international families and anyone interested in Sydney’s multicultural communities.

If you are new to the country and looking for ways to build a social circle, see Babylon’s guide to meeting people in Australia. For broader relocation context, our living in Australia guide covers the major cities and day-to-day life.

Sydney Moon Festival 2026: quick answers

What dates is the Moon Festival at the Chinese Garden?

Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September 2026.

Do I need a separate festival ticket?

No separate event charge is listed. Festival activities are included with normal Chinese Garden of Friendship admission.

What is the best time to go?

Friday evening is best for the opening lion dance and night atmosphere. Saturday and Sunday have the widest daytime choice of workshops and demonstrations.

Where can I book?

Adult, child and family Garden admission can be pre-purchased through the official Chinese Garden of Friendship page.

Official sources: Darling Harbour Moon Festival programme and Chinese Garden of Friendship visitor information. Details checked 21 September 2026.