Philadelphia’s Chinatown will come alive on September 26. The Mid-Autumn Festival is returning to Chinatown for its 31st annual celebration. Thousands of people are slated to come together for an afternoon and evening of food, performances, games, and cultural festivities.
Presented by Asian Americans United, the free outdoor street festival will take place Saturday, September 26, from noon to 8 p.m. The festival will stretch from the iconic Chinatown Friendship Arch at 10th and Arch Streets towards Vine and 10th Street.
The Mid-Autumn festival will bring lion dances and more to Chinatown
Beginning at noon, festival goers can catch a packed lineup of live entertainment and activities.
According to organizers, attendees can expect a packed schedule of events including:
- live dance and musical performances
- singing
- kung fu demonstrations
- Beijing opera
- Cantonese opera
- taiko drumming
- and more
Additionally, there will be carnival games, free art activities, and a community wellness space, making this a family-friendly way to spend part of the weekend in Chinatown.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Mid-Autumn Festival without mooncakes. The traditional treats will be part of the day’s festivities, including the highly anticipated mooncake-eating contest.
Organizers noted hundreds of youth volunteers, restaurants, artists, and local businesses help make the annual celebration possible each year. Their support keeps the festival rooted in Chinatown and accessible to Philly families.
End the night with a dazzling lantern parade
The celebration gets even more festive at 7 p.m. when a dragon dance, lion dance, and lantern parade make their way through Chinatown. Lanterns will be available for purchase for anyone who wants to join the glowing procession.
So grab your family and friends and head to Chinatown for an afternoon of Asian American culture and community spirit. The Mid-Autumn Festival is free to attend and offers plenty of reasons to stop in Chinatown on September 26.
For more information and the full event schedule, visit Asian Americans United’s website.
📅 Date: Saturday, September 26
🕒 Time: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
📍 Location: Chinatown Friendship Arch to Vine & 10th Street
🎟️ Admission: Free*
Important to note, while admission to the festival is free, carnival games require the purchase of tickets. Food, drink, and vendor items will also be available for purchase.
