Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival Events 2025, from lantern-making to music and food, there are events around the UK.
As the UK‘s final 7 pm sunset slips by on 20th September, this year’s autumn steps in. The brisk air and longer nights are a perfect excuse to gaze at the moon. Bring a friend, wear a jumper, and enjoy the beauty of the moon at these Mid-Autumn Festival events.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is rooted in China’s agricultural history. It is steeped in rich traditions of reunion, mooncakes, and the legend of Chang’e. This year, it falls on 6th October, with most UK celebrations landing in the first week of October. Below are the best events across the UK, including markets, hands-on workshops and community performances. If you are heading to London for the Mid-Autumn Festival, see our list of events in the capital here. If you’re in London, then see our London events article instead.
Family-friendly Event in Sheffield
This event blends traditional aspects of the Mid-Autumn Festival with contemporary activities for all ages. Think lanterns, crafty workshops, playful light displays, and a fresh spin on mooncakes. This event is free to join and no booking is required.
When: 11 am – 3 pm, Sat 4 Oct
Where: Weston Park Museum, Sheffield, S10 2TP
Website: https://www.sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/mid-autumn-festival-2025
HelloArt Asian-Led Market in Edinburgh
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with HelloArt’s vibrant Asian-led market, where tradition meets creativity. Hosted by HelloArt—an art platform that brings together Eastern and Western influences to spark cultural exchange—the market showcases hand-painted ceramics, contemporary design pieces, and unique crafts from both local and Asian artists. Visitors can also join immersive workshops, from lacquered fan making to jewellery crafting, led by local artists to encourage people to get involved.
When: 12 am – 5 pm Saturday, October 4
Where: The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/helloart-asian-led-market-celebrating-the-mid-autumn-festival-tickets-1668662236669
Mid-autumn Festival Celebration in Cardiff
This free event is open to all ages. A highlight is the chance to try on traditional Chinese costumes, complete with flowing long sleeves, and explore a lively mini-Chinese marketplace. With more details still to come, expect a day of hands-on activities, festive treats, and plenty of community spirit.
When: 11 am – 3 pm Sunday, September 28
Where: National Museum Cardiff, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mid-autumn-festival-celebration-in-cardiff-tickets-1491622947389
Birmingham Mid-Autumn Festival 2025
Birmingham’s biggest Mid-Autumn Festival returns this year. Last year, over 700 attendees celebrated at this festival together. Visitors can personalise a traditional Chinese fan, get creative with their own designs, and take part in a variety of cultural activities. Expect live performances, family-friendly workshops, and plenty of festive treats to celebrate the season together.
When: 10:30 am – 4 pm Sun, 28 Sep 2025
Where：The Birmingham Conference & Events Centre Hill Street Birmingham B5 4EW
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/birmingham-mid-autumn-festival-2025-tickets-1653922720379
Manchester Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
This is a more culture-focused event, offering a chance to explore the Mid-Autumn Festival from diverse perspectives through food, art, stories, and a special gallery tour. You’ll discover how Chinese communities in the UK have carried the cultural and emotional significance of the festival through personal stories collected across different regions. A mixed-media art installation will highlight these elements, while hands-on workshops add an interactive element to the day.
When: 10 am – 4 pm, October 5
Where: Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery, Manchester Museum, Manchester, M13 9PL
Website: https://www.museum.manchester.ac.uk/event/mid-autumn-festival/
Free Family Fun Event in Drayton
How much do you really know about mooncakes? How many fillings can you imagine? At this free family event, you’ll have the chance to make your own mooncake, as a symbol of reunion, harmony, and good fortune. There will also be craft workshops to enjoy throughout the day.
When: 11 am – 4 pm Saturday, September 27
Where: St Mary’s Church Parish rooms, Church Street Market, Drayton, TF9 1AF
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mid-autumn-festival-free-family-fun-event-tickets-1652661257309
Moon Festival Bristol
Moon Fest Bristol is hosted by ESEA, a non-profit creative and cultural agency. Beyond China, many East and Southeast Asian communities also celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. This event offers an opportunity to bring those traditions and cultures together. Expect a lively mix of live music and DJ sets, short film screenings, plus arts, crafts, and food stalls led by the ESEA community. It’s a chance to experience Mid-Autumn culture across different regions in one vibrant festival!
When: Sat, 4 Oct 2025 12:30 – 17:30
Where: Sparks Bristol 78 Broadmead, Broadmead, BS1 3DS
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moon-fest-bristol-tickets-1644924937769
If you like this article, why not read: Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 London Events
