The Mid-Autumn Festival 2025, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is one of the most beloved cultural celebrations across East and Southeast Asia. Families gather to admire the bright harvest moon, share stories, and of course, enjoy the signature treat of the season: mooncakes.

This year, instead of buying mooncakes from a bakery, why not learn how to make your own? In San Francisco, you can experience the festival in a whole new way through a hands-on snow skin mooncake cooking class that blends tradition, culture, and modern culinary creativity.

Join the San Francisco Mid-Autumn Snowskin Mooncake Cooking Class

What Is the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month — which in 2025 lands on September 6, 2025. The holiday has been celebrated for centuries as a time of reunion and thanksgiving, with families gathering under the full moon.

Key traditions include:

• Lantern displays symbolizing hope and guidance.
• Storytelling about the moon goddess Chang’e and her companion, the Jade Rabbit.
• Mooncakes, round pastries filled with lotus seed paste, red bean, or even modern flavors like matcha and chocolate.

In San Francisco, the festival takes on a lively, multicultural twist. From Chinatown’s lantern displays to family picnics at Dolores Park, the city embraces the spirit of reunion and celebration.

The Rise of Snow Skin Mooncakes

Traditional baked mooncakes with lotus or salted egg yolk remain a festival favorite, but in recent years, snow skin mooncakes have surged in popularity.

Originating in Hong Kong, snow skin mooncakes are:

• Non-baked: Made with glutinous rice flour instead of pastry dough.
• Delicate in texture: Soft, chewy, and lightly sweet.
• Colorful and customizable: Often dyed in pastel shades and filled with unique flavors like fruit purées, custards, or even ice cream.

They’re not just delicious — they’re also fun to make, making them perfect for a cooking class experience.

Why Take a Mooncake Cooking Class in San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for its vibrant food culture and thriving Asian communities, making it the perfect place to learn authentic festival traditions. By joining a mooncake-making class, you’ll:

• Learn from expert instructors who guide you step-by-step.
• Discover cultural traditions behind mooncakes and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
• Get hands-on experience creating snow skin mooncakes from scratch.
• Enjoy a fun group activity that’s perfect for friends, family, or even as a date night.
• Take your creations home to share during the festival.

It’s more than just a class — it’s a way to celebrate heritage, creativity, and togetherness.

Reserve Your Spot for the San Francisco Mooncake Class

What to Expect in the San Francisco Mooncake Workshop

Here’s a peek at what you’ll experience during this class:

1. Introduction to the Festival – Learn the history and symbolism of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
2. Hands-On Cooking – Mix, roll, and press your own mooncake dough using traditional molds.
3. Experiment with Flavors – Choose from a variety of fillings, from lotus paste to modern flavors like chocolate or fruit.
4. Decorating Techniques – Create colorful, Instagram-worthy mooncakes with natural dyes and patterns.
5. Cultural Sharing – Hear stories and traditions from across Asia as you cook.
6. Take-Home Box – Pack your mooncakes to enjoy later or share with loved ones.

Who Is This Class For?

This mooncake cooking class in San Francisco is perfect for:

• Families – Teach kids about cultural traditions in a fun, hands-on way.
• Couples – A creative and festive date night activity.
• Friends & Groups – A memorable experience to celebrate the holiday together.
• Foodies – Anyone who loves learning new recipes and trying authentic international cuisine.

Mid-Autumn Festival Activities in San Francisco

After your cooking class, you can extend the celebration by checking out other local festival traditions:

• Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival – Annual street fair with lion dances, music, and cultural performances.
• Moon Viewing at Japanese Tea Garden – A serene way to connect with the full moon.
• Community Lantern Walks – Join families carrying glowing lanterns through parks and neighborhoods.

Pairing your mooncake-making class with these events creates a complete cultural experience.

Why This Class Is the Perfect Festival Experience

The Mooncake Festival isn’t just about food — it’s about connection and tradition. By joining this San Francisco cooking class, you’re not just tasting mooncakes; you’re making them with your own hands, carrying forward a festival that has been celebrated for centuries.

Whether you’re honoring family traditions, exploring Asian culture for the first time, or just looking for a fun seasonal activity, this workshop is the perfect way to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival 2025.

Sign Up for the San Francisco Mooncake Class Today