One of the largest outdoor cultural events on the South Shore is set for Sunday, Aug. 17 in Quincy Center.

QUINCY – In about two weeks, an estimated 12,000 people will line the streets of Quincy Center for a local cultural tradition.

The Quincy August Moon Festival, in its 27th year, is one of the biggest outdoor cultural events on the South Shore. The festival spans the 1400-1600 blocks of Hancock Street for six hours on a Sunday afternoon each year.

This year’s event is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, with the rain date set as the following Sunday, Aug. 24.

Because the festival gets bigger each year, organizers have added a second area where the festival will be held. The addition, which will have a second stage area for performances, amusement rides and a dunk tank, will be along Ross Parkingway, between Hancock Street and Hannon Parkway.

The festival features activities for everyone, including tradition dance, cultural performances, drums, singing, poetry, an international food court and food trucks. The South Shore YMCA is running crafts an games for children, as well as health-promoting activities for people of all ages.

Quincy Asian Resources, the event host, will provide voter registration information and tips and guidelines for how to handle the American flag as part of its civic participation initiative.

Because of the anticipated crowd, organizers suggest that attendees take the T to Quincy Center for the event. There will be parking in two free municipal lots on either side of Hancock St., but the parking will be limited.

This year’s festival sponsor is South Cove Community Health Center, but there are more than 300 volunteers who help make the festival a reality.

Festival proceeds will go toward Quincy Asian Resources’ programs and services.

Quincy Asian Resources, established in 2001, is a nonprofit that offers adult education and youth programs, bilingual social services and free legal clinics. Their mission is to develop and improve the cultural, economic, social and civic lives of Asian Americans and their families in order to benefit Quincy and its neighboring communities.

For more information, go to www.quincyasianresources.org.

Cody Shepard may be reached at cshepard@ledger.com.