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19 ways to celebrate Lunar New Year in San Francisco
SSan Francisco

19 ways to celebrate Lunar New Year in San Francisco

  • February 13, 2026

Ground yourself with a free tai chi class before taking in lion and dragon dances, mahjong lessons, and crafting.

Date and timeSaturday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Prepare for the new year by shopping from 120 booths selling fresh flowers, fruit, and candy.

Date and timeSaturday, Feb. 14, and Sunday, Feb. 15

Ahead of Tet — the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which this year falls on Tuesday — celebrate with performances from Cal’s Dragon Dancers and activities for all ages.

Date and timeSunday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There’s something for everyone at this EDM-fueled party: traditional dancing, drumming, martial arts, DJ sets, and surprises. 

Date and timeSunday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Choy Sun, the Chinese god of wealth, passes out thousands of red envelopes in Chinatown as emblems of good luck.

A night market appears set for approval Nov. 11-12 along Grant Avenue in San Francisco’s Chinatown neighborhood.Source: Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesDate and timeTuesday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All ages are welcome at this free art workshop.

Date and timeWednesday, Feb. 18, 2 to 4 p.m.

Maybe this is the year you’ll meet your match. Mix and mingle with singles at this Chinese-inspired cocktail bar.

Date and timeWednesday, Feb. 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

In this edition of the science museum’s weekly After Dark event, take in Lunar New Year traditions and lion dancing from Chung Ngai Dance Troupe.

Silhouettes of two people stand before an abstract, immersive art installation featuring a geometric red and white tunnel with concentric lines.Source: ExploratoriumDate and timeThursday, Feb. 19, 6 to 10 p.m.

LED lion dances illuminate California Academy of Sciences after dark. Meanwhile, let Golden Dragon Fortunes read your qi energy, shop exclusive Lunar New Year nightlife merch, and shop from Asian-owned businesses.

Date and timeThursday, Feb. 19, 6 p.m.

Nosh on delights from Dumpling Time and Boba Guys while performers from LiondanceMe, Nguyen Dance Company, and Urisawe Korean Dance and Drumming set the tone for a fruitful year. 

Date and timeSaturday, Feb. 21, 12 p.m.

Oakland-based Little Moon Bakehouse hosts a festive tea with savory and sweet pastries in the Ferry Building’s light-filled Grand Hall.

Date and timeSunday, Feb. 22, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Ring in the new year inside the 55-acre SF Botanical Garden with tai chi, singing, and magic. 

Date and timeSunday, Feb. 22, 12 to 2 p.m.

The popular event inspired by markets in Asia returns from a politically fueled hiatus with dozens of vendors and activities for everyone.

Source: Noah Berger for The StandardDate and timeFriday, Feb. 27, 5 to 10 p.m.

MacArthur Award-winning conductor Mei-Ann Chen leads a program of music that draws upon Asian traditions, past and present.

Date and timeSaturday, Feb. 28, 5 p.m.

This community celebration organized by the Chinese Cultural Learning Center features a packed schedule of kung fu, traditional dance, bookmark making, and a rice-cake station. 

Date and timeSaturday, Feb. 28, 2 to 4 p.m.

Drawing from traditional Chinese medicine, herbalist Allie Brown leads a session in creating aromatic blends for the Year of the Fire Horse. 

Date and timeSaturday, Feb. 28, 2 to 3:15 p.m.

Run through Chinatown in 5K and 10K races, with proceeds benefiting YMCA youth and teen programs.

Date and timeSunday, March 1, 8 a.m.

Fresh off of an Olympic win, San Francisco native and Stanford student Eileen Gu leads a parade that spans 1.3 miles and features floats, lion dancing, and a 288-foot “Golden Dragon.” It is free to attend, but tickets must be purchased to sit in the bleachers.

A dancer in colorful traditional attire energetically twirls a long red ribbon in a street parade, surrounded by an audience at night.Source: Magali Gauthier for The StandardDate and timeSaturday, March 7, 5:15 p.m.

Shop, stroll, and take photos with lion dancers in the oldest Chinatown in North America.

Date and timeSaturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8

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