Lake Moon Festival 2026

A free lakeside Mid-Autumn celebration with water lanterns, Hanfu, cultural performances, food, games and more in Canberra. We’re back! 🌙🏮 Lake Moon Festival returns to Canberra in 2026! If you missed us last year, don’t miss your chance to join us this time for another magical Mid-Autumn celebration by the lake. Proudly presented by the Asia Australia Youth Association, Lake Moon Festival brings together water lanterns, Hanfu, cultural performances, food, games and community experiences on the beautiful shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Join us at Beijing Garden for a vibrant afternoon and evening celebrating culture, community and the beauty of the Mid-Autumn season. 🏮 Light Up the Lake — Water Lantern Release As the sun sets, experience one of the most magical moments of the festival — our Water Lantern Release. Watch glowing lanterns light up the water and share your wishes with family and friends under the Mid-Autumn moon. This beautiful lakeside experience is one of the signature highlights of Lake Moon Festival. ✨ Step Into Ancient China — Interactive Games, Quests & Rewards What if you could step through a glowing portal and enter a world inspired by ancient China? Explore Beijing Garden and meet Hanfu characters along the way, each with games, riddles, challenges and hidden missions to discover. Try traditional Chinese games, solve lantern riddles, follow clues and complete interactive challenges around the festival. Complete activities to earn Imperial Banknotes — festival currency inspired by traditional Chinese paper money — then exchange them for free small gifts and surprises. Keep your eyes open: some characters may also have secret missions, hidden clues and special rewards waiting to be discovered. Whether you come with friends, as a couple or with the whole family, there will be something new to uncover around every corner. Whether you come with friends, as a couple or with the whole family, there will be something new to uncover around every corner. ✨✨ Festival Highlights • 🚪 Step Through the Time Tunnel • 🧩 Immersive Story Adventure & NPC Quest • 🏮 Water Lantern Release • 🐟 Fish Lantern Parade • 👘 Hanfu Characters & Photo Opportunities • 🎭 Cultural Performances • 🎷 Lakeside Jazz Night • 🥟 Festival Food Market • 🎨 Traditional Workshops & Games • 💰 Festival Quest & Reward Experience • 🌏 Community Cultural Village Come with your family and friends, explore traditional culture, enjoy delicious food, meet our Hanfu characters and experience a magical Mid-Autumn evening by the lake. 📅 Saturday, 26 September 2026 | 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Beijing Garden, Yarralumla, Canberra 🎟 FREE Public Event