Mid-Autumn Festival is an important event in the Chinese calendar, with other Asian cultures also celebrating the Autumn Full Moon. On Sunday, October 5, Gateway Theatre in Richmond invites families and friends to enjoy an afternoon of live music and crafts at To The Moon: Mid-Autumn Celebration honouring the timeless traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival
This year’s festivities feature an intimate concert by mezzo-soprano singer Renee Fajardo, featuring a selection of beloved Disney and Movie Musical songs in the historic Minoru Chapel. Audiences can expect to hear “Let It Go” from Frozen and “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, along with songs from The Little Mermaid, Moana, Wicked, Mamma Mia, The Sound of Music and more.
An important tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrating the full moon by making and lighting a hand-crafted lantern to show appreciation to the night sky. To add extra fun to the celebrations, following the concert, the attendees will gather in the lobby of Gateway to learn how to make their own paper lanterns. It will be simple and enjoyable for all ages. Guest will also receive another tradition of the Festival, a complimentary mooncake, courtesy of Anna’s Cake House.
“We are honoured to continue our tradition of hosting family-friendly holiday celebrations for the community of Richmond,” says Barbara Tomasic, Executive Artistic Director, Gateway Theatre. “Our Mid-Autumn Celebrations have been enjoyed by patrons, with last year’s event selling out. I’m especially excited that this year’s concert will be held in the beautiful Minoru Chapel — a truly unique experience, so we encourage families to get their tickets early.”
The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival honours the full harvest moon as a symbol of peace, prosperity and togetherness — all good things to celebrate! Occurring on Monday, October 6th this year, the festival occurs on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which happens sometime between mid-September and early October. This is when the moon is at its fullest after the autumnal equinox. Spreading across the globe through the Asian diaspora it is a popular, happy time of year when paying worship to the full moon, loved ones gather to share good company, food, entertainment, light lanterns and eat mooncakes.
Don’t miss this special Gateway Theatre event filled with artistry, unity, and memorable melodies for the whole family. To The Moon: Mid-Autumn Celebration takes place Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Minoru Chapel and Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond. For more information and to book tickets, gatewaytheatre.com.