The annual Mid-Autumn Festival, commonly known as the Moon Festival, takes place on Friday, September 25, 2026, bringing traditional Asian street markets, performances, and mooncakes to Paris, Île-de-France, and the Yvelines department. Spanning multiple days, the festival’s celebrations extend far beyond a single evening, anchoring cultural activities across several districts according to local event organizers.
While the Lunar New Year remains the largest traditional celebration across Asia, the Moon Festival ranks as the second most significant, with roots stretching back more than 1,300 years. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month—when the moon is traditionally considered at its fullest and brightest—families and communities gather to admire the full moon and consume traditional pastries.
Today, communities in China, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan mark the occasion by sharing round pastries stamped with intricate patterns and filled with fruit, melon seeds, lotus paste, red bean paste, or traditional salted egg yolks.
Paris 13th Arrondissement and Belleville Festivities
The 13th arrondissement remains the primary hub for Paris celebrations, with activity centered along Ivry and Choisy avenues.
Beyond the core district, celebrations expand into Belleville across the 19th and 20th arrondissements, alongside municipal events in Île-de-France and Yvelines. The Chinese Cultural Center in the 7th arrondissement hosts a special program titled “Paris Under the Moon of Nanjing” on Saturday, September 26, 2026, featuring traditional dance, song, and costume displays available by reservation.
Rice Market and Gourmet Mooncake Availability
The fourth edition of the Rice Market street food event returns to the 13th arrondissement on Saturday, September 19, 2026, operating from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM as a free gathering featuring Asian street food, cultural workshops, and moon-viewing activities.
Patrons seeking alternatives to traditional salted egg yolk varieties can find modern interpretations featuring matcha or chocolate. Notable stops include La Pâtisserie de Saison along Avenue de Choisy, which offers homemade sweets alongside traditional banh mi.
Regional Night Events and Extended Club Programming
Le Jardin Yili, noted as France’s sole traditional Chinese garden located in Yvelines, hosts an evening celebration on September 26, 2026. The program includes lantern-lit pathways, tea ceremonies, storytelling, and musical performances.
Extending the festival schedule into October, the Paris Élysées Club hosts a themed evening on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The event features lantern decorations, a large Asian cuisine menu within the club’s restaurant, and a series of prize draws, subject to age restrictions for entry.
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