The Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu) is a vibrant tradition celebrated by many Asian communities around the world. Falling on the eighth full moon of the lunar calendar, it is a time for family reunions, harvest celebrations, and giving thanks under the bright night sky. In Vietnam, it is also fondly known as the Children’s Festival—a night dedicated to joy, creativity, and togetherness!
🎭 Why Do Children Wear Superhero Masks?
If you attend a Mid-Autumn parade, you’ll see children wearing colorful masks and carrying glowing lanterns while following energetic lion dancers through the streets.
Traditionally, these masks represented beloved folk heroes, mythical figures, and joyful spirits like Ông Địa (the Earth God). Over time, this tradition evolved into a fun way for kids to step into the shoes of their favorite modern superheroes and storybook characters as they parade with lanterns, beat drums, and welcome good fortune into the community!
🦁 Upcoming Mid-Autumn Events at Your Library
Bring your family, decorate a superhero mask, sample traditional mooncakes, and experience live lion dance performances at these free upcoming library programs:
Hadley Branch Library
Date: Sunday, September 13 | 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Featuring a live performance by the Nguyen Thieu Lion Dance Group, hero mask crafting, lantern parades, trivia with prizes, and free mooncake tasting!
Athmar Park Branch Library
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Featuring an interactive lion dance workshop, mooncake tasting, fun games, and prizes!
🌐 Community Events Supported by Denver Public Library
Far East Center Community Celebration
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 2:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Stop by the Denver Public Library outreach table for free crafts, giveaways, and library resources!
Full Moon Festival Night (Hosted by the Asian Community & Partners)
Location: 495 S. Zuni St., Denver, CO 80223
Date: Friday, September 25 | 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy free food, free lanterns, inflatables, fun games, live music, and free flu shots (sponsored by Health First; registration required).
Ample parking is available at the neighboring Costco Business Center. Reserve your free event tickets online at acmembers.com. Be sure to stop by the Denver Public Library tent for free giveaways and resources!
🔎 Branch Scavenger Hunt (Sept 12 – Sept 28)
Can’t make a live event? Community members under 18 can still join the fun! Adults and caregivers are welcome to assist little ones. Visit participating branches—Athmar Park, Bear Valley, Green Valley Ranch, Hadley, Lena Archuleta, and Ross-Phyllis Bigpond—between September 12 and September 28 for our self-guided Mid-Autumn Scavenger Hunt.
Decorate your own hero mask, follow the story clues through the library stacks, and return your completed worksheet to the front desk to claim a candy gift bag and an entry into our Grand Prize 3D Moon Lamp Raffle!
(Note: Additional branches, such as Westwood and Sam Gary, will also offer mask-decorating craft stations during this time!)
All library programs are free and open to the public. No registration required.