LOS ALTOS, CA (Sept 8, 2026) – Los Altos History Museum will celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in partnership with the Greater Los Altos Chinese Association (GLACA), bringing lanterns, traditional foods, live music, and hands-on cultural activities to the community on Sunday, September 20, from 1-4pm.
This family-friendly event will introduce visitors to one of China’s most important traditional celebrations, observed for more than 3,000 years. Rooted in ancient harvest traditions and the legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated today as a time for family reunion, gratitude, and wishes for health and happiness.
The celebration will feature activities for all ages. Children can enjoy face painting and lantern riddle guessing, while teens can take part in challenges including flying sword drones, beanbag tossing, rope jumping, shuttlecock kicking, and pitch-pot—a traditional Chinese arrow-tossing game.
Families can make windmills, try traditional Chinese sugar painting, and use a 3-D sugar art printer to turn their designs into edible creations. Festival foods will be available, providing an opportunity for neighbors and families to gather and enjoy the celebration together. Live music performances will round out the festivities.
GLACA connects Chinese Americans from Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and surrounding areas through cultural and educational programs, fostering understanding and belonging for all.
“The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates family, gratitude, and community. We are delighted to partner with the Los Altos History Museum to share these meaningful traditions with families throughout our community,” said Richard Liu, GLACA’s event organizer.
Cost to attend the event is $10 per person, or free to Museum members, children 12 and under, and seniors 65 and up. Pay at the gate. For more information, visit losaltoshistory.org/MidAutumnFest2026.
Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the historic J. Gilbert Smith House, built in 1905 on 14+ acres of apricot orchards planted by Mr. Smith. In 2001, Los Altos History Museum opened the modern building next door, which houses the Museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The Museum and its grounds are available for rent during evenings and weekends. Its collections are owned by the City of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations.
The Museum is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. Admission is free. Tours of the J. Gilbert Smith House are available during open hours. The outdoor agricultural exhibit, gardens and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, visit: losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.
Media Contact: Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
Los Altos History Museum: Diane Holcomb, 650.948.9427 x14, dholcomb@losaltoshistory.org
