The Lunar New Year begins on February 6, 2027, and San Francisco celebrates for weeks, ending with the Chinese New Year Parade through downtown and Chinatown on the evening of Saturday, February 20. The weather is still cool and showery, but the hills are green and hotels are usually cheaper than in summer.
In this guide
This page is part of our San Francisco events calendar.
February 2027 at a glance
- Feb 2 Free First Tuesday at the de Young and Legion of Honor
- Feb 6 Lunar New Year, Year of the Ram
- Feb 7 San Francisco Half Marathon and 5K, Golden Gate Park; Free First Sunday at the Asian Art Museum
- Feb 14 Valentine’s Day, a Sunday this year
- Feb 20 Chinese New Year Parade, evening
- Weather Average high 60°F, low 48°F, about 4.4 inches of rain
Chinese New Year Parade, February 20
San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade is one of the few illuminated night parades left in North America, with floats, lion dancers, marching bands and a long golden dragon at the end. The 2027 parade is on Saturday evening, February 20, celebrating the Year of the Ram. Sidewalk viewing is free, and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce sells bleacher seats on the parade website. Our Lunar New Year parade guide covers where to stand and how to get there.
San Francisco Half Marathon, February 7
The San Francisco Half Marathon and 5K is on Sunday, February 7, 2027, in Golden Gate Park. The half starts at 7:45am and the 5K at 8:20am, and roads in the park close that morning.
Valentine’s Day
February 14 falls on a Sunday in 2027. Book dinner early. For ideas, see date ideas in San Francisco and things to do for couples.
Every week in February
- Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 2pm, Saturday 8am to 2pm.
- Free Saturdays at the de Young and Legion of Honor for Bay Area residents.
- Rainy afternoons suit the museums. See best museums in San Francisco.
Official resources: Chinese New Year Festival and Parade, San Francisco Half Marathon.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco in 2027?
Saturday, February 20, 2027, in the evening.
Is the Chinese New Year Parade free?
Watching from the sidewalk is free. Bleacher seats are sold separately by the organizer.
What is the weather like in February?
Cool and sometimes wet, with average highs around 60°F and about 4.4 inches of rain for the month.
Photo credits
Featured image: Carnaval.com Studios from The Inner Mission San Francisco, Earth / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.