Most of the city's Mid-Autumn programming is either a street parade or a nightlife bill; this is the version built for families with actual craft in it. The mooncake workshop is hands-on snow-skin technique rather than a decorating table, and the rice dough sculpture and sugar painting stations are folk arts you rarely see demonstrated anywhere in New York. China Institute has a gallery attached, so the art tour is real.
What to expect
An afternoon that opens with live Chinese music and Dunhuang dance, then splits into concurrent workshops while interactive craft stations run throughout. Workshops are first-come, first-served with sign-ups at check-in, so arriving at the start of the check-in window matters if you want a specific one. Aimed at families but open to all ages.
Good to know
- Tickets are sold through Eventbrite in advance rather than at the door
- Workshops are first-come, first-served and you sign up when you check in, so arrive for the check-in window
- The venue is China Institute's Washington Street building in the Financial District, not the old Upper East Side townhouse
- The 1 to Rector Street and the R and W to Rector Street are the closest subway stops
- Interactive stations run the whole afternoon, so you can still do crafts if a workshop fills
- There is a gallery on site, and the art tour workshop takes you through the current Chinese art exhibition
Planning Sep 25–27, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
When is it?
Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 2 to 5 PM, with audience check-in and workshop sign-ups starting at 1:30 PM.
Is it free?
No. It is a ticketed event, sold through Eventbrite via China Institute's event page.
What is the schedule?
Check-in from 1:30, opening remarks at 2:00, music performances 2:05 to 2:20, Dunhuang dance 2:20 to 2:30, workshops 3:00 to 5:00, and interactive stations from 2:00 to 5:00.
Where is China Institute?
100 Washington Street, New York, NY 10006, in the Financial District.
