2025 South Pasadena Moon Festival (Photo – spcc-web.org)
Once again, South Pasadena’s popular Moon Festival returns with delicious treats and cultural fun this Saturday, September 19, from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm at South Pasadena Public Library Park, 1100 Oxley Street.
By Melanie Hooks
Co-sponsored by the City and the South Pasadena Chinese American Club, the festival begins outdoors and features live entertainment, a chalk-drawing contest, outdoor activities, and more. Then head indoors for arts and crafts from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm in the Library Community Room. The full schedule is available on the event website.
Be among the first 100 guests to enter for a chance to win a mooncake gift box. Mooncakes are an essential part of the Mid-Autumn Festival, which celebrates the Harvest Moon and the bounty of the season. According to the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project of Santa Clara, these special cakes are often stored in ornate lacquer boxes and can be shaped to honor animals associated with the season. Some versions are arranged in 13 layers to represent the 13 lunar months in the Chinese calendar year. They can be made with grey, moon-colored flour and are often elaborate and expensive.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the festival, and they’re popular: last year, the volunteer-provided food sold out in just 90 minutes.
Enjoy exploring the varied traditions on offer, and perhaps go home with a little piece of the moon to honor the harvest under midnight skies.
South Pasadena Moon Festival Saturday, September 19, 2026 11:00 am - 2:30 pm Location South Pasadena Public Library Park and Community Room 1100 Oxley Street South Pasadena 91030 Free with food & drink for purchase.
Sidewalk Chalk contest entry from 2025 South Pasadena Moon Festival (Photo – spcc-web.org)
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