The Many Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year in San Francisco

There’s no doubt that San Francisco is a special place to celebrate Chinese New Year. Getting its start in the 1860s when the Chinese population started settling into the city, and now growing to be the largest festival of Asian culture outside of Asia, this iconic celebration highlights a vibrant community that shaped San Francisco into the city it is today.

2017 is officially the Year of the Rooster. Here’s where you can celebrate this special year in the city that started it all.

Flower Market Fair | January 21 & January 22 | Grant Avenue from Clay to Broadway
Buy fresh flowers, plants, candies and fruits at this open-air market in the heart of Chinatown.

Miss Chinatown USA Pageant | February 4 | Palace of Fine Arts Theater
Experience the renowned beauty pageant where lovely and talented young women from throughout the country compete for the title of Miss Chinatown.

Chinese New Year Festival & Parade | February 11 | The Corner of 2nd and Market Streets
Enjoy the sights, sounds and festive aura of the holiday with colorful floats, elaborate costumes, exploding firecrackers, a golden dragon and more.

Community Street Fair | February 11 & February 12 | Grant Avenue from California to Broadway.  Learn all about Chinese cultural arts with lantern and kite making, calligraphy, fine arts demonstrations, folk dance and puppet shows at this outdoor celebration.

Chinatown YMCA Run | February 19 | Start at Sacramento and Grant Streets
Participate in a 10K run, 5K run or 5K walk throughout the streets of Chinatown, North Beach, the Embarcadero and downtown.

Tiny Tot Chinese New Year Celebration | February 25 | Betty Ann Ong Chinese Recreation Center. Have your little ones get in on the fun by practicing their motor skills and learning to share.