Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 (8th-month full moon): date, meaning, offerings

Mid-Autumn 2026 falls on Friday, Sep 25, 2026 — the 8th-month full moon, the year's brightest.

Meaning

It is the festival of reunion and of children: families gather to view the moon, kids carry lanterns and share the feast. The full moon symbolizes togetherness.

Customs

Lantern parades and lion dance; a moon-viewing feast of mooncakes, pomelo and persimmon with tea; fruit-animal trays for children.

Offerings

Many families still make a full-moon offering — incense, a five-fruit tray, mooncakes, tea — at an auspicious hour. See the prayers.

Watch the brightest moon

See the Moon's phase and sign that night, and the lunar calendar for exact dates.