When Is Mid-Autumn Festival in 2026?

In 2026, Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Mooncake Festival) falls on Friday, September 25 in the Gregorian calendar. This corresponds to the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, and the date is consistent across multiple sources.

One thing worth noting is that Mid-Autumn Festival is not designated as a public holiday in Malaysia. That said, it's a familiar sight every year to see shopping malls and other venues decked out with festival-themed decorations and mooncake sales counters.

Spots in Kuala Lumpur to Soak Up the Atmosphere

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    Thean Hou Temple—Said to be one of the largest and oldest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. During Mid-Autumn Festival, the temple grounds are decorated with countless red lanterns for an annual "lantern show," which also features lantern-making workshops and tables offering tastings of both sweet and savory mooncakes.
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    Kwai Chai Hong—A laneway art district within Chinatown. Alongside murals depicting Mid-Autumn Festival folklore, the area features limited-time installations and pop-up mooncake stalls.
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    Petaling Street—The heart of Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, especially lively on the day of Mid-Autumn Festival itself. Besides lantern decorations, the street reportedly hosts a range of events, including lantern parades, lion and dragon dances, and traditional opera performances.

Beyond Kuala Lumpur, other locations are also noted for lantern decorations and festive events, including location_onThe Exchange TRX, Resorts World Genting, and Armenian Park in Penang. However, this information is based on sources from 2025, and specific dates and details for 2026 have not yet been confirmed. If you're planning a visit, it's a good idea to check the latest schedule directly with each venue or through official tourism information.

Ways to Enjoy Mid-Autumn Festival, Malaysia-Style

  • ●The "lantern parade," in which children walk in procession carrying colorful paper lanterns shaped like animals, is often highlighted as a custom unique to Mid-Autumn Festival in Malaysia.
  • ●Beyond traditional Chinese-style mooncakes, another distinctive feature is the range of Malaysian twists on offer, including durian, bird's nest (cubilose), black sesame, and jade flavors. Durian-filled snow skin mooncakes, in particular, are said to be especially popular.

Although it isn't a public holiday, this autumn tradition — gazing at the moon with family and friends, savoring mooncakes, and strolling through lantern-lit streets — looks set to be enjoyed once again in 2026, in Kuala Lumpur and across Malaysia.

Sources

  • ●https://publicholidays.com.my/mid-autumn-festival/
  • ●https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/mid-autumn-festival-in-malaysia.htm
  • ●https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2025/10/04/celebrate-the-mid-autumn-festival-at-these-5-outdoor-locations
  • ●https://www.malaysia.travel/events/the-mid-autumn-festival
  • ●https://kids.rurubu.jp/article/74135/