The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is hosting its annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival on September 6. Visitors of all ages are invited to join a scavenger hunt, taste mooncakes, learn calligraphy and the art of paper folding from guest artists, make lanterns, mix magic potions, and enjoy special storytelling sessions to learn about the myths, legends and traditions of this harvest festival.

MOCA will present a special meet-and-greet session with special guest Lenore Look as she reads from her new book, Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, and Other Tourist Attractions.

Festival attendees are also invited to participate in a fun-filled Round is a Moon Scavenger Hunt. Throughout the afternoon, participants can enjoy arts and crafts activities including creating their own Light, Bright Lanterns, join in a Mooncake Design Challenge and create legendary Chinese Powerful Potions.

Mooncakes are essential delicacies savored by family and friends gathered during the festival. Participants of Munching on Mooncakes will learn more about this beautifully shaped, round pastry with sweet fillings and get to taste an assortment of different mooncakes.

Another popular tradition in celebrating this festival include carrying colorful lanterns outdoors while gazing at the moon which is a symbol of harmony and unity. At the festively adorned Museum’s courtyard, families can gather at the Mid-Autumn Moon Photo Corner, with their handmade lanterns and take photographs to capture precious moments together. For attendees who want to learn more about the timeless tale of the Moon Goddess Chang ‘E and skilled archer, Hou Yi, MOCA educators will tell their epic love story during interactive Legends Story Time sessions at the Museum.

Festival Schedule

Workshops & Highlights
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Meet and Greet with Lenore Look and Alvin Ho
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mid-Autumn Moon Photo Corner
2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. Munching on Mooncakes

Teaching Artist Demonstrations
12:00 pm – 4:00 p.m. Calligraphy with Tianyi Shan
12:00 pm – 4:00 p.m. Paper Folding with Shu Shia Sanborn

Drop-in Arts & Crafts
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Light, Bright Lanterns
Mooncake Design Challenge
Powerful Potions
Gallery Activities
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Round is a Moon Scavenger Hunt
12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. Legends Story Time

The MOCA’s Family Festival Series is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts (Museums Program), with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York Legislature. Additional support by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. ‘)}