The 3rd Manchester Mid-Autumn Festival returns to Manchester Chinatown on 19–20 September 2026, bringing two vibrant days of culture, food, music, performance and family entertainment to the heart of the city.

Now in its third year, the festival has grown into an annual celebration of Chinese heritage, cultural diversity and community, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and experience the traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival in a contemporary Manchester setting.

This year, visitors can discover eight major festival experiences, including an international food and cultural market, spectacular heritage performances, a colourful Hanfu Parade, hands-on intangible cultural heritage workshops, the seven-stage “Lost Moon Seal” adventure quest, lucky draws, family activities and an evening Moonlight Beats DJ programme blending traditional Chinese sounds with contemporary music.

A Celebration of Tradition, Culture & Creativity

The 2026 performance programme brings together a diverse range of Chinese and Western cultural traditions, including Chinese dance and music, face-changing, Nuó Mask Dance, Kunqu Opera, Hanfu performances and other traditional arts, alongside Western musical ensembles.

Qinqiang (秦腔), one of China’s oldest traditional opera forms, will make a special appearance at this year’s festival. Originating in northwest China, Qinqiang is renowned for its powerful singing, distinctive musical rhythms and expressive performance style. The performance will introduce audiences to the bold artistic character and rich cultural heritage of this unique form of Chinese opera, bringing an important regional tradition to the heart of Manchester.

Join Our Mid-Autumn Garden Festival

At the heart of the weekend is a celebration that everyone can take part in. Come and enjoy our Mid-Autumn Garden Festival, where visitors can dress in Hanfu, try traditional crafts, explore Chinese heritage, enjoy food from different cultures, take part in games and family activities, and discover something new around every corner.

Rather than simply watching from the sidelines, visitors are invited to participate, play, create and celebrate together.

With thousands of visitors expected across the two-day event, the festival reflects the diversity and creativity of Manchester and the power of cultural celebration to bring people and communities together.

At its heart, the Manchester Mid-Autumn Festival is about one moon shared by everyone — celebrating Chinese heritage while creating a welcoming space where East meets West, tradition meets contemporary culture, and communities come together in Manchester.