“1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8…!”
Co-hosted by the City of Irvine and the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, the 2025 Irvine Mid-Autumn Festival lit up Great Park on September 26.
Mayor Larry Agran and fellow elected officials even joined performers in dance, as the celebration filled the park with Asian music, martial arts, cultural showcases, family games, and exhibits.
According to official statistics, over 16,000 residents joined this grand Moon Festival celebration.
Mayor Larry Agran noted with joy that Irvine is among the most culturally diverse cities in America.
He thanked the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center for co-hosting the festival with the City, bringing residents of all backgrounds together to experience the joy and deeper meaning behind this Asian tradition.
Also known as the Moon or Mooncake Festival, Mid-Autumn is one of Asia’s most iconic traditions, celebrated for more than 3,000 years across China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia.
It symbolizes reunion, gratitude, and prosperity—values that continue to resonate across cultures today.
Lions & Drums · Leaders Dance Along
This year’s festival roared to life with six brightly colored lions leaping to the beat of gongs and drums.
Mayor Larry Agran, Vice Mayor James Mai, and Councilmembers Melinda and William Gao joined in joyful steps, while children in the audience danced along, igniting the crowd with festive energy.
Music & Lights · Tradition in Motion
After the spectacular martial arts performance by the South Coast Wushu Team, the stage came alive with a series of dazzling acts — the South Coast Chinese Orchestra, led by conductor Bin He, blending Chinese and Western instruments; the Chinese Dance Company of Southern California; and vibrant displays of Asian traditional dance and ethnic costumes. Accompanied by the resounding beats of drums and dazzling lights, tradition and modernity collided in a passionate fusion, delivering an immersive and soul-stirring cultural feast for the audience.
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Lantern Tunnel · Families United
Beyond the stage, the lantern tunnel glowed as families and couples stopped to capture photos.
Popular games like “Hou Yi Shoots the Sun,” marble toss, and ring toss drew long lines.
At the Center’s booth, a lucky wheel offered children’s books, playful headpieces, and mooncakes, while visitors lined up to try on Hanfu costumes—transforming into Tang-era ladies or Song scholars for memorable snapshots.
Crafts & Calligraphy · Ink in Harmony
The cultural village drew crowds with lantern painting, origami, and folk crafts.
At the joint booth of the Irvine Evergreen Chinese Senior Association and the Calligraphy Alliance, calligraphers wrote live for attendees.
The artist Ellen Ko painted a pair of lovebirds for a young couple waiting in line, creating a story that became the talk of the night.
Tastes of Asia · Moments of Reunion
No festival is complete without food. This year’s market expanded with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai night market delicacies.
From sizzling skewers and fresh pastries to smoky BBQ, bubble tea, and creative drinks, the aroma of Asia filled the night air.
South Coast Chinese Cultural Center CEO Yulan Chung said the Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a celebration of tradition, but also a time for all generations to gather.
She thanked the City of Irvine and the community for coming together, ensuring the joy of reunion and culture will continue to shine for generations.
爾灣市長Larry Agran(上圖左二) 、華裔市議員劉令淳(左七起向右)、William Go、副市長James Mai和南海岸中華文化中心執行長鍾幼蘭
Irvine Mayor Larry Agran (second from left in the photo above),
Chinese-American City Councilman Melinda Liu (seventh from left to right), William Go,
Deputy Mayor James Mai and South Coast Chinese Cultural Center CEO Yulan Chung
Irvine Mid-Autumn Festival Highlights Album · Click Here