About the Canberra Moon Festival (CMF)

The Canberra Moon Festival (CMF) is a grassroots multicultural celebration for the Canberra community. Since its inception in 2016, CMF has brought together people of all backgrounds to share stories, food, culture, and connection under the same moon. CMF is built on the belief that cultural expression should be lived, shared, and made accessible to all.

Founded by Suzana LI, who envisioned a celebration that, while inspired by the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and Confucian values of harmony and family, would grow into something uniquely for Canberrans. The guiding belief— “One Community, One World, One Big Family”—reflects a deeper purpose: to bring people of all cultures together, to celebrate equality, and to remind us that humanity is one shared race. CMF's vision elevates cultural heritage beyond its origin, showing that beautiful traditions like the Mid-Autumn Festival can be embraced and passed on anywhere in the world, to preserve them and enrich the communities who share in them. Over the years, it has now grown through the dedication of a passionate and diverse team of volunteers, cultural groups, artists, and local organisations who continue to shape the festival into a vibrant platform for inclusion, understanding, and shared joy.​

Each year, CMF brings life to the heart of Canberra through hands-on cultural activities, performances, and interactive experiences that invite everyone to participate—not just as spectators, but as co-creators of something meaningful. The festival celebrates not only tradition but also the universal human values of belonging, family, and community.

This year, CMF introduced its long-term theme - “Light Up the World”, which reflects what CMF strives to do—shine a light on the cultures, values, and voices that make our city bright. Through music, lanterns, food, and storytelling, we remind ourselves that even in a fast-paced and often divided world, there is light, warmth, and unity to be found when we gather.

 

About Fun Canberra

The team behind the Canberra Moon Festival operates under the community organisation Fun Canberra, a not-for-profit initiative committed to making our city a more joyful, inclusive, and connected place to live. Established to support cultural and community events throughout the year, Fun Canberra aims to challenge the idea that “there’s not much to do in Canberra” by highlighting what truly matters—people, stories, and shared experiences.

​Through our work, we aim to:

• Promote a sense of belonging and pride among residents of all ages and backgrounds

• Support cultural preservation and innovation

• Encourage youth involvement and intercultural dialogue

• Build a warm, welcoming environment for new migrants and long-time locals alike

 

Festival Timeline

• 2016 – The first Canberra Moon Festival takes place, celebrating Mid-Autumn traditions and local community spirit.

• 2017–2019 – CMF expands to include cultural workshops, performances, and participation from a wide range of community groups.

• 2020 – 2021 - Amid pandemic disruptions, CMF adapts to virtual formats and community-led storytelling.

• 2022 & 2024 – The festival returns to in-person celebrations, attracting thousands with its inclusive programming and growing partnerships.

• 2025 – CMF launches its new long-term theme, “Light Up the World”, highlighting unity, hope, and cultural exchange in Canberra.

• Looking Ahead – CMF continues to grow as one of Canberra’s most cherished multicultural events—a symbol of community connection and shared identity.