Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Richmond

It’s that time of year when those delectable, highly distinctive round cakes start popping up in almost every bakery and food store throughout the city. The Mid-Autumn Festival (and its attendant cake-based feasting) is almost here––but you don’t have to wait until September 17’s official full moon day to dive right in.

Celebrated by cultures across Asia––including China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea and Japan––the festival traces its history to a time when successful harvests were vital to communities. The ancients believed that honouring the moon in the fall would help deliver bounties for all in the coming year, which traditionally meant offering fruits and treats to keep the moon on their side.

These days, the festival isn’t just about giving thanks for the harvest; it’s also about families and friends gathering together to celebrate––much like North America’s Thanksgiving festivities. Today, heartfelt gatherings are the foundation of this annual event––along with sharing and diving into some special edible treats.

MOONCAKES GALORE

Over the centuries, moon cakes––in the shape of round, full moons––have become a Mid-Autumn Fest staple. These luscious, often ornate pastries typically have a thin, pie-like casing enclosing a sweet (or sometimes savoury) paste-like filling such as lotus seed, red bean, and a salted duck yolk (or two). They’re perfect for sharing in small wedges rather than fully consuming on your own (unless you missed lunch).

We’ve rounded up several Richmond spots where you can pick up some delicious mooncakes to celebrate this year’s Mid-Autumn festival.

Kamdo Bakery

#130 – 6211 No. 3 Rd 

A local staple serving up a wide variety of Hong Kong style pastries such as pineapple buns, soft rolls encasing hot dogs and cheese, and flaky egg tarts, Kamdo Bakery is also well known for their traditional mooncakes. This year, Kamdo is offering their classic flavour again: handmade Twin Yolks Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake!

Daan Go Cake Lab

#100 – 4731 Garden City Rd 

Daan Go Cake Lab is a relatively new addition in Richmond, having opened its door in April 2023 by Christopher Siu, winner of MasterChef Canada season seven. There is no shortage of adorably presented cakes and pastries. Their regular menu includes creatively-shaped cakes like cacti, ramen bowls, and even a roasted pig. This year, they are offering specialized snow skin mooncake flavours such as Pistachio Raspberry, Jamocha Nut, Passionfruit Cheesecake and Salted Duck Egg. They are also offering a unique twist on traditional baked mooncakes with flavours such as Red Bean Coconut and Five Nuts Red Date.

Suhang Restaurant

#100 – 8291 Ackroyd Rd

Part of the Dumpling Trail and a well-established name in Richmond, Suhang Restaurant specializes in Suzhou and Shanghai cuisine. Most come here for their delicious soup dumplings, but they are also offering made-to-order Shanghai style mooncakes, which differ greatly from the other bakeries featured as they are meat filled. If you are a fan of savoury pastries, be sure to give them a call as they are only available in limited quantities.

Other popular local places to get mooncakes:

• La Patisserie #1405 – 4711 McClelland Road
• Rice Cake Master (formerly Nam Dae Moon) #2132 – 3779 Sexsmith Road
• L’otus Cake Boutique #103 – 8580 Cambie Road 
• The Boss Bakery #1310 – 6551 No. 3 Road, inside Richmond Centre

Where to celebrate

The festival isn’t only about eating, though. Richmond also has some celebratory Mid-Autumn events to check out. The majority of these are running on the weekend before the official day this year. Check out the events below, then gather your friends and family together for a fun day out.

Richmond Night Market

The city’s beloved summer outdoor staple, Richmond Night Market, will be transformed into a luminous wonderland with the Fire Dragon Lantern Fest from September 13 to October 14.  Be captivated by over 400 crafted lanterns, with a magnificent dragon lantern as the centerpiece. Enjoy delectable food deals during the brand-new Summer Happy Hour, where you can feast on 48 mouth-watering food and drink items, each priced at just $9.99 or less. As a bonus, there will be a special admission discount on every September Sunday. Learn more here.

Lansdowne Centre

On September 14 and 15, Lansdowne Centre is hosting free-entry afternoons of Mid-Autumn festivities. Explore the artisan market filled with unique local treasures, and enjoy creative arts and crafts activities. Challenge yourself with traditional riddle games, dive into the art of lacquer fan-making, and try on a traditional Hanfu (ancient Chinese attire) for $5 or with the purchase of any item. There will also be a photo-op at the lotus pond by donation, with donations appreciated and all proceeds benefiting the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Find out more information on this event here.

Gateway Theatre

Over at the city’s Gateway Theatre, you’ll also find a Moonlight Magic: Mid-Autumn Celebration on the evening of September 14. Families will kick off the festivities by crafting beautiful lanterns by hand, followed by a breathtaking lantern procession into Minoru Park. As the sun sets, you’ll be treated to an enchanting concert featuring moonlit melodies sung by the talented Renee Fajardo. Tickets for this event range from $10-$15, while admission is free for children ages 2 and under; find out more here.

Richmond Centre

CF Richmond Centre is hosting a free-entry celebration of the fall harvest season on September 14 and 21. Enjoy incredible traditional Chinese lion dance performances, snap-worthy photo opportunities with a charming rabbit display with a gorgeous themed backdrop. Learn about the traditional art of lantern-making and create a unique keepsake to take home. Don’t miss the passport activity scavenger hunt for a chance to win a $100 CF Shop! Card. Learn more about the event here.

Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site

From September 16 to 29, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival at the historic Chinese bunkhouse of Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. The last remaining bunkhouse of its kind on the entire northwest coast, this site tells the stories of Chinese workers who contributed to British Columbia’s fishing and canning industries. Participate in a hands-on activity to craft your own red lantern—a symbol of good fortune and light. This unique event explores the cultural significance of the festival while also engaging in traditional art. Find out more here.

Last Updated on May 12, 2025 by Tourism Richmond