October 13, 2025
Linda Blaser
Students celebrate Moon Festival with food, music, and community
Yuki Dolkar ’27 sings “Valentine” at Moon Fest with piano accompaniment provided by Sona Akiyama ’27.
In a celebration of culture and community, the executive boards of the Chinese Club, Japanese Club, and United Asia came together to host the legendary Moon Festival—a cherished tradition across many Asian cultures.
The late-night banquet, held October 7 in Calvin Durand Hall, brought together more than 100 students from diverse backgrounds to share food, music, and fellowship under the glow of the full moon.
Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Moon Festival is celebrated across East and Southeast Asia as a time to give thanks for the 
harvest, honor the full moon, and gather with family and friends. Traditionally, people enjoy mooncakes and other festive foods while appreciating the moon’s beauty as a symbol of unity and renewal.
Guests enjoyed authentic dishes prepared by local Asian restaurant Lao Sze Chuan, along with traditional mooncakes that were carefully shared among attendees. The evening featured lively conversation and captivating performances, including a soulful rendition of “Valentine” by Yuki Dolkar ’27 and a piano accompaniment by Sona Akiyama ’27.
The event highlighted the power of cultural traditions to bring the campus community together—celebrating both shared heritage and new connections.
