Events > Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival in Taipei
Mooncakes, moon gazing, and citywide barbecues—discover the most beloved lunar celebration in Taiwan every September.
What is the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節)?
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or 中秋節, is one of Taiwan's most important traditional holidays. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually mid-September), it marks the harvest season and the fullest moon of the year.
In Taipei, the festival transforms into a vibrant citywide celebration. Families gather to eat mooncakes, admire the full moon, and enjoy the iconic Taiwanese tradition of outdoor barbecue—an activity so popular that even office buildings and apartment rooftops become grilling zones.
From the lantern displays at Da'an Park to the riverside barbecue spots along the Tamsui River, Taipei offers a unique blend of tradition and modern urban culture during this festival.
Mid-Autumn Festival Quick Facts
- Date: 15th day of the 8th lunar month (mid-September)
- 2025 Date: October 6
- Public Holiday: Yes (1 day in Taiwan)
- Best Viewing: Da'an Park, Riverside parks, Elephant Mountain
- Key Activities: Mooncake tasting, BBQ, lantern displays, moon gazing
Taipei Mooncake Guide: Where to Buy & Taste
Mooncakes are the star of the festival. In Taipei, you'll find everything from traditional lotus-paste pastries to creative ice-cream versions. Here's a comparison of the top mooncake types available in the city:
| Type | Filling | Where to Buy | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Cantonese | Lotus seed paste, egg yolk | Chia Te Bakery, Ping An Bakery | NT$120-300 |
| Taiwanese Style | Mung bean, pineapple, taro | Old Master Q, Sunmerry | NT$80-200 |
| Ice Cream Mooncake | Seasonal flavors, mochi | Haagen-Dazs, Cold Stone | NT$200-500 |
| Vegan/Gluten-Free | Red bean, nuts, fruit | Ooh Cha Cha, Plants | NT$150-350 |
| Simplified Mooncake | Mung bean, savory pork | Traditional wet markets, Songshan | NT$50-120 |
Pro Tip:
For the most authentic experience, visit the Chia Te Bakery (佳德) on Nanjing East Road. They are famous for their pineapple-custard mooncakes and traditional flaky pastries. Arrive early—lines wrap around the block during festival season.
Best Places to Celebrate in Taipei
Whether you want a lively riverside barbecue or a quiet moon-gazing spot, Taipei's parks and public spaces offer something for everyone during the Mid-Autumn Festival:
| Park/Venue | Location | Activities | Crowd Level | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da'an Forest Park | Da'an District | Lantern displays, moon gazing, live music | Very high | 6 PM - 9 PM |
| Riverside Parks (Tamsui) | Tamsui, Bali | Barbecue zones, river views, fireworks | High | 5 PM - 11 PM |
| Da-dao Cheng Wharf | Datong District | Old-town atmosphere, riverside dining | Moderate | 6 PM - 10 PM |
| Songshan Cultural Park | Xinyi District | Art installations, mooncake fair | Moderate | 4 PM - 9 PM |
| Bihu Park (Dahu) | Neihu District | Lake moon reflections, family BBQ | Low | 5 PM - 9 PM |
Mid-Autumn BBQ Culture: A Taipei Tradition
Unlike mainland China, where the Mid-Autumn Festival is primarily about mooncakes and lanterns, Taiwan has a unique obsession with barbecue during this holiday. The tradition started in the 1980s with a soy sauce commercial and stuck—now it's an essential part of the celebration.
On festival night, the smell of grilled meat fills the air. Families set up portable grills on sidewalks, in parks, and even on apartment balconies. Supermarkets stock up on sausages, shrimp, and mushrooms, while convenience stores sell pre-packaged BBQ kits.
For visitors, the best way to experience this is to join a riverside BBQ at Tamsui or Bali. Many spots rent equipment and sell ingredients on-site. Alternatively, book a table at a rooftop restaurant in Xinyi District for a more upscale moon-viewing dinner.
BBQ Essentials Checklist
- ☑ Portable grill — charcoal or gas (rent at riverside kiosks)
- ☑ Meat & seafood — sausages, pork, shrimp, squid
- ☑ Vegetables — mushrooms, corn, bell peppers, onions
- ☑ Seasoning — soy sauce, cumin, chili powder, garlic
- ☑ Drinks — beer, tea, soft drinks (coolers available)
- ☑ Extras — picnic mat, trash bags, wet wipes, mosquito repellent
Top Tips for Visitors
Book barbecue spots at riverside parks 1-2 weeks in advance—they fill up fast on Mid-Autumn Festival day.
Traditional mooncake season starts mid-August; limited editions sell out by early September.
Bring mosquito repellent and a picnic mat for park celebrations.
Public transport (MRT) is the best way to reach Da'an Park and riverside areas.
Many bakeries offer pre-order discounts; check Chia Te's website for online reservations.
Lantern releases are banned in Taipei for environmental reasons—stick to stationary displays.
Explore More Taipei Events
The Mid-Autumn Festival is just one of many incredible celebrations in Taipei. Discover seasonal guides, holiday highlights, and year-round cultural experiences.