As part of a Chinese tradition dating back 1500 years, the Moon Festival celebrates the mid-autumn harvest and unity with cultural events, entertainment and food booths.

The festival takes place on the weekend before the eighth full moon on the Chinese calendar, with the roundness of the moon symbolizing togetherness.

"Our goal is family unity and in the community, as well as cross-cultural understanding," said Moon Festival spokesman Ralph Otte. "People should come because of the fine food and drinks, the merchants and the music."

The festival will also include the world première of a Chinese opera performed by American-born Chinese, an intergenerational discussion group and a hands-on section for adults to learn more about Chinese chess and mah-jongg. Otte added he expects more than 80,000 to attend over the two days of the festival.

The festival kicks off with a traditional moon cake--a traditional Chinese cookie--cutting ceremony on Sept. 18 at 10 a.m.