Play Mah Jong with the senior citizens of Kaunoa Senior Center at the Chinese Moon Festival from 2 to 4 p.m.

LAHAINA — Savor the moon cakes at the Chinese Moon Festival on Friday, Sept. 16, from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Wo Hing Museum on Front Street.

Lahaina Restoration Foundation will host the one-day celebration that will include Chinese knot tying from 4 to 6 p.m., a mini farmers’ market from 5 to 8 p.m., children’s crafts from 4 to 7:30p.m., cooking demonstrations by Chef Dean Louie and students of Maui Culinary Academy at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., traditional Moon Dances at 6 and 7:30p.m., and an educational presentation explaining the origin and importance of the Chinese Moon Festival at 7 p.m. Moon cakes and festive items will also be available for purchase.

Moon cakes and festive items will be available for purchase. Admission is free.

The Chinese Moon Festival, or Harvest Festival, falls on the 15th day of the eighth Chinese lunar calendar month — between late September and early October on the western calendar — when fruits, vegetables and grains are in abundance.

It occurs close to the autumn equinox when yin and yang are in perfect balance, and the moon is at its fullest and roundest. This year, it falls on Sept. 12.

The Chinese Moon Festival is free and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring fruits and flowers to honor the Moon Goddess and the abundance of life. For more information, or to volunteer, call 661-3262.