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Arizona’s Largest Mid-Autumn Celebration Brings Asian Cultures and Communities Together
SPECIAL FEATURE | VIET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
CHANDLER, ARIZONA — September 26, 2026
The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of Asia’s most cherished traditional celebrations, second only to Lunar New Year in cultural importance for many Chinese and Vietnamese communities. Celebrated in Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and other Asian communities, with related autumn and harvest traditions in South Korea and Japan, the festival symbolizes family reunion, gratitude, prosperity, and cultural heritage.
Bringing these beautiful traditions to Arizona, the 2nd Annual Arizona Moon Festival, held September 26, 2026, at Saigon Center in Chandler, welcomed several thousand attendees for what organizers describe as Arizona’s largest Mid-Autumn Festival celebration.
Hosted by International Women Celebration (IWC) in collaboration with Saigon Center, Nom Nom Events, Green Apple Academy, Lara Media, Twin Tygr, and the Thai American Association of Arizona, the festival transformed Saigon Center into a vibrant cultural destination featuring spectacular live entertainment, international cuisine, and exciting family activities.
A Spectacular Celebration of Asian Heritage
One of the festival’s most breathtaking highlights was the Parade of Cultures, featuring approximately 70 models representing Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Karen communities. Dressed in exquisite traditional attire, the models proudly showcased the beauty and diversity of Asian heritage.
The celebration also featured six exciting lion dances presented by the University of Arizona Vietnamese Student Association’s Lion Dance Team and the Twin Tygr Lion Dance Team, along with an impressive lineup of cultural performances, music, and dance.
More than 70 food and merchandise vendors created a bustling Asian marketplace, offering international cuisine, specialty products, and unique shopping experiences.
Adding to the excitement was a special raffle featuring generous prizes, including a round-trip airline ticket to Asia sponsored by China Airlines, a $500 gift card from Seafood City Arizona, $100 gift cards from Galbi BBQ & Hotpot and Cyclo Vietnamese Cuisine, and two $50 gift cards from World Harbor Seafood Buffet. All six lucky winners have been notified and received their prizes.
Children’s Wonderland — Where Magical Memories Are Made
Children were at the heart of the celebration, enjoying an exciting Children’s Wonderland filled with train rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, bounce houses, basketball games, and other attractions.
Ten colorful cosplay characters delighted young visitors, posing for photographs and adding to the festive atmosphere.
The distribution of 1,000 free lanterns and candies brought the beloved Mid-Autumn tradition to life, while the lively Children’s Contest featured enthusiastic young contestants competing for First, Second, and Third Place titles.
For many families, these experiences created treasured childhood memories while introducing younger generations to the richness of Asian traditions.
Distinguished Guests Celebrate Community Unity
The festival welcomed several distinguished elected officials and community leaders, including Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke; Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan; Arizona State Representative Alexander Kolodin; Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen; Arizona State Senator JD Mesnard; Chandler City Councilmembers Jane Poston and OD Harris; and Arizona Filipino Consul Jenny Ho Vijungco.
Representing the City of Chandler, Councilmember Jane Poston delivered the official welcoming remarks, recognizing the importance of cultural celebrations in bringing diverse communities together.
The Priceless Reward — Children’s Smiles
For Mai Le, Founder and Event Chair of the Arizona Moon Festival, the celebration is a labor of love.
“In Vietnamese culture, the Mid-Autumn Festival is affectionately known as the Children’s Festival. After months of planning and preparation, our greatest reward is seeing the smiles on these children’s faces. Those precious smiles are priceless.
“None of this would have been possible without our dedicated planning committee, generous sponsors, talented performers, models, and volunteers — and especially the children and their families, who are the heart and soul of this celebration.
A Platinum Partnership — Michael Pollack
Special recognition and heartfelt appreciation go to Michael Pollack, CEO of Michael A. Pollack Real Estate & Investments for his generosity and continued commitment as the festival’s Platinum Sponsor for two consecutive years.
“I’m proud to support the Arizona Moon Festival. Events like this bring families together, celebrate our rich cultural diversity, and create wonderful experiences for children. Strong communities are built when people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate and appreciate one another’s traditions.
Honoring Our Sponsors & Community Partners
The organizing committee extends its heartfelt appreciation to the generous sponsors whose contributions helped make this spectacular celebration free and accessible to the public.
2026 ARIZONA MOON FESTIVAL SPONSORS
City of Chandler — Connection & Impact
Michael A. Pollack Real Estate Investments
China Airlines
Green Apple Art Academy
Casino Arizona at Salt River
Call Christina Now
Verda Health Plan of Arizona
UR Amazing
Saigon Tax & Accounting Services
EHR Nguyen LLC
American Furniture Galleries
Seafood City Arizona
E-Tax & Insurance Agency
SRP
Dr. Win Realty
Special appreciation also goes to the planning committee, cultural models, performers, lion dance teams, masters of ceremonies, participating vendors, and dedicated volunteers, particularly those who helped organize and operate Children’s Wonderland.
Their collective contributions made the festival a memorable celebration of culture, family, and community spirit.
A Growing Cultural Legacy in Arizona
Beyond the festivities, the Arizona Moon Festival serves as a meaningful bridge between generations and cultures.
One inspiring example is Nam Phuong Nguyen, a young Vietnamese American who once participated in the festival’s Children’s Contest and returned this year as one of its masters of ceremonies.
In her personal essay, “Vermilion Against Asphalt, ”Nam Phuong reflects on how the festival has shaped her understanding of cultural identity, belonging, and community.
Her story captures the lasting impact of a celebration that continues to inspire young people to embrace their heritage while building connections across cultures.
As the 2nd Annual Arizona Moon Festival concluded, thousands of families departed with glowing lanterns, joyful memories, and a renewed appreciation for the richness of Asian traditions.
Under one moon, thousands came together — celebrating cultural heritage, embracing diversity, and creating treasured memories for generations to come.
Viet Lifestyles Magazine | Special Feature
