The Bay's Chinese community will come together this weekend for the annual Mid-Autumn Festival - one of the most important events on the Chinese calendar.
More than 250 members of the Bay's Chinese community are expected to attend the festival, which president of the Bay of Plenty Chinese Business and Commerce Association Can Yan said was the second most important in China, after Chinese New Year.
"It is also called the Moon Festival as it is celebrated when the moon is believed to be the biggest and fullest," Ms Yan said.
"To Chinese people, the festival means family reunion and peace," she said.
"It usually takes place on the 15th of August of the Chinese lunar calendar. But this year the full moon falls on October 4, so we have decided to hold our annual festival this weekend."
Ms Yan said in Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty Chinese Culture Society and BOP Chinese Business and Commerce Association had hosted the festival for local Chinese for the past three to four years.
"This year is extra special. As more than 260 people have already registered to attend the festival which is being held at ACG Tauranga on Saturday.
"We also have over 20 local business sponsoring the festival by providing funding, services and vouchers to help support the celebrations."
Ms Yan said more than 30 people would participate in the performance section of the festival, and another 30 volunteers were helping ensure the celebrations were a success.
"The festival is bigger than ever this year, and it is really exciting that so many people want to be part of the celebrations".
Without the support of the sponsors, Ms Yan said they would not be able to hold their event.
Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges are among the dignitaries attending the festival.