The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade is a night parade through downtown and Chinatown, with floats, lion dancers, marching bands and a long golden dragon at the end. The 2027 parade is on Saturday, February 20, for the Year of the Ram.
In this guide
This page is part of our San Francisco events calendar.
Parade at a glance
- 2027 date Saturday, February 20, 2027
- Year Year of the Ram
- 2026 start 5:15pm at 2nd and Market streets
- Seating Free along the curb, or bleacher tickets from the organizer
- Organizer Chinese Chamber of Commerce, 730 Sacramento St
- Official site chineseparade.com
About the parade
The organizers describe it as the biggest Lunar New Year parade outside Asia and one of the few remaining illuminated night parades in North America. It was named one of the top ten parades in the world by the International Festivals and Events Association. The parade is usually held on a Saturday in January or February.
The route
The 2027 route had not been published when we wrote this. In 2026 the parade started at 2nd and Market streets at 5:15pm, headed west on Market and Geary, north on Powell, east on Post, then north on Kearny toward Columbus Avenue, where it dispersed near Pacific Avenue. Union Square and Kearny Street are popular places to watch.
Bleacher seats
Bleacher tickets are sold on chineseparade.com. They give you a reserved seat, which helps on a long cold evening. Watching from the sidewalk is free, but arrive an hour or more early for a front spot.
Getting there
Streets along the route close in the afternoon, and Muni lines that cross downtown are rerouted. In 2026 Muni rides were free on parade day. Check SFMTA closer to the date for 2027 service. Powell, Montgomery and Embarcadero stations are all close to the route.
Before and after
Chinatown is busy in the weeks around the new year, with markets selling flowers, oranges and decorations. Grant Avenue and Stockton Street are good for a walk, and dim sum makes a good meal before the parade. See our Chinatown guide and San Francisco events in February.
Tips
- Dress warmly. February evenings are cold, and you may be standing for hours.
- Firecrackers are part of the parade, so bring ear protection for small children.
- Pick a meeting point in case your group is split up by the crowd.
Official resources: Chinese New Year Parade, SFMTA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade 2027?
Saturday, February 20, 2027.
Is the Chinese New Year Parade free?
Watching from the street is free. Bleacher seats are ticketed.
What time does the parade start?
In 2026 it started at 5:15pm. Check chineseparade.com for the 2027 start time.
Photo credits
Featured image: Carnaval.com Studios from The Inner Mission San Francisco, Earth / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.