Sydney gets set to celebrate the Moon Festival

Sydney is getting ready to celebrate the Moon Festival later this month.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is a harvest festival in Chinese culture and celebrations will return to Darling Square this September for two weeks of celebrating family, gratitude and the autumn full moon.

From Saturday, September 19, until Sunday, October 4, the precinct will showcase a program of illuminated installations, live entertainment, free activities and food and drink offerings.

Originating in China, Moon Festival is now celebrated across many countries including Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia and Japan.

At Darling Square, guests can walk through the illuminated lantern installation, enjoy free lantern decorating sessions, free dancing workshops, DJs and live entertainment, including Emperor Guan and the Moon Goddess roaming through the precinct.

Food retailers across Darling Square are getting involved once again with Moon Festival-themed menu items.



For more information on the program, including activity and session times, please visit the website.

How to add some spice to your weekend

So you like it a little hot? 

The Herb and Chilli Festival 2025 is set to ignite Wandin, Victoria, with a celebration of international flavours, live music, and culinary delights on the weekend of March 15-16. 

The weekend will combine innovative food offerings, spirited and spicy competitions, and non-stop entertainment to celebrates the much-loved spice.

Festival-goers will embark on a global culinary adventure under one roof, as this year's festival promises a hot mix of vendors. 

Be among the first to savour a bold, spicy twist on Vegemite with the debut of the festival’s new Vegemite Chilli by Chooks Hot Sauces. 

Or discover an Indian-accented South African hit at Durbalicious’ South African pickle stall, offering zesty pickles that bring a tangy kick to your palate. 

There will be  over 70 vendors peppering the festival grounds. 

To add to the vibrant atmosphere, six-piece band, Harmaniax will return this year to create a fun soundtrack to the fiery celebration. 

There will be cooking demos and beverages to wash down the tasty morsels. 

There will be a dedicated Chilli Express bus service from Lilydale Station to and from the event. 

Early bird ticket purchases made on the official Herb + Chilli Festival website come with a bonus - a free chilli hat on arrival. 

For more info, or to purchase a day pass or bus ticket, visit https://herbchillifestival.com.au/