New York's Mid-Autumn programming is mostly indoors and ticketed, which makes a full street closure on Main Street the rare version you can simply walk up to. Downtown Flushing is the largest Chinese neighborhood in the city and the parade route runs straight through it, past the bakeries and food halls that stock mooncakes for the holiday. Lion dance is the draw, performed by competition troupes rather than a single house team.
What to expect
A full street closure along Sanford Avenue and Main Street, with dragon and lion dance troupes, drums, cymbals and community contingents moving through downtown Flushing across the late morning and early afternoon. Sidewalks get dense near the Main Street end. Mooncake counters in the surrounding bakeries run hard all weekend.
Good to know
- The 7 train ends at Main Street-Flushing, which puts you on the parade route without needing a car
- The LIRR Port Washington branch also stops in Flushing, a short walk from Main Street
- Streets along the route are fully closed, so driving and parking nearby will be difficult
- Bring cash for bakery and street-food stops, since several small counters do not take cards
- The Main Street end of the route draws the thickest crowd; the Sanford Avenue end is easier with kids
- Bakeries across downtown Flushing stock mooncakes for the holiday, and the popular flavors sell out
Planning Sep 25–27, 2026 in NYC?
This list keeps changing as events are verified. We'll send you the final version the Thursday before — and you can unsubscribe right after if that's all you need.
Common questions
Is the parade free?
Yes. It is a permitted street parade on public streets, so there is no ticket and no admission.
Where exactly does it run?
The city permit covers Sanford Avenue between Kissena Boulevard and Main Street, and Main Street between Sanford Avenue and Northern Boulevard, with a full street closure on both.
What time should I get there?
The permit runs 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Sunday, September 27. Arriving near the start gives you a better spot along Main Street.
Why is it on Sunday when Mid-Autumn is Friday?
The moon date falls on Friday, September 25, 2026, but the parade is scheduled for the Sunday so families can attend.
