We hold our annual Otsukimi moon-viewing party on the Sunday closest to the full harvest moon each October, held at the Gardens at Lake Merritt. We have been holding these parties, which feature traditional Japanese entertainment, authentic Obento dinners, and astronomers with powerful telescopes, since 1965.  (See the attachment at the bottom of the page of a newspaper article about our 1984 Otsukimi.) 

The harvest moon is a symbol of blessing and abundance for many cultures, including Japan. Similar to tea parties, the moon viewing parties are occasions for for sharing food and stories, while enjoying what is considered the most beautiful moon of the year.