Last month, San Francisco rang in Lunar New Year, with plenty of festive fireworks and events. The celebrations aren’t over yet, with one of the biggest celebrations happening this weekend. San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade and Festival is one of the most iconic events on the city’s cultural calendar. The festival has been happening since 1851, making it the oldest and largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia.
What to know for the Chinese New Year Parade
🗓️ Date: SF’s Chinese New Year Parade is on Feb. 15, 2025. It starts at 5 pm and lasts 2.5 hours.
📍 Location: The parade will happen on Market, Geary, Post, and Kearny Streets in SF’s Chinatown.
While Chinatown is hosting events for the Lunar New Year in full swing, the parade is typically one of the last events to close out the celebrations. While the official New Year was Wednesday, January 29, the iconic parade and street fair are this weekend on February 15 and 16.
The Chinese New Year Parade has a long history in San Francisco. It’s been named one of the top ten parades in the world by the International Festivals & Events Association and is the biggest Lunar New Year parade outside of Asia. Over 100 units usually take part, with elaborate floats and costumes, firecrackers, and the newly crowned Miss Chinatown USA. You can get a good view all along the parade route, but bleacher seats are also available, costing between $45 and $ 75.
At last year’s parade, comedian and actress Awkwafina made an appearance as the Grand Marshall. Snake statues to represent this year’s zodiac sign will be displayed. The public art project started in 2021, and this year was funded by the Golden State Warriors. You can find one statue near Union Square, and the second is located near the Chase Center.
Don’t forget to check out the Community Street Fair (Feb 15-16, 2025), with over 120 booths set up on Washington, Jackson, Pacific, and Grant Avenues. You can purchase excellent artisanal products and enjoy Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming, and more. Plus, snap some photos with artifacts from the parade, including the giant puppets and dragon. If you purchased a section in the bleachers, organizers recommend you arrive by 4 pm so you have time to find your seat before the parade starts.
Do your best to take public transportation to the parade, as thousands of people are expected to show up, and street parking will be limited. The festival is sponsored by Alaska Airlines and hosted by the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
More Lunar New Year festivities in SF’s Chinatown
There are plenty of other events to celebrate the Lunar New Year this weekend in SF, including the following events courtesy of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce:
- Feb. 14, 2025: Miss Chinatown Pageant and Coronation Ball
- Feb. 15, 2025: Chinese New Year Parade
- Feb. 15-16, 2025: Community Street Fair
- Mar. 2, 2025: Chinatown YMCA Run
🌐 Learn more: ChineseParade.com