I love Chinese New Year in San Francisco! 2016 is the Year of the Monkey, and San Francisco Moms Blog has all the information you need to celebrate with your family in our city!
The Southwest Airline Mini-Procession and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, January 30th 10:30am Grant Ave. from California to Pacific Ave. FREE. This starts the celebrations of Chinese New Year and will give you and your family a taste of the larger parade in February. It includes lion dancers, puppets, costumes, musicians, and dancers!
Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair, January 30th 10am-8pm and January 31st 9am-6pm Grant Ave. from Clay to Broadway; Washington, Jackson and Pacific between Stockton and Kearny. FREE. Come see the oranges, tangerines, flowers, and plants symbolizing rebirth, growth, and happiness while enjoying food and Traditional Chinese Entertainment including the Chinese Opera and lion dances.
San Francisco Public Library Events, January 30th
Red Envelope Craft, Sunset Branch, 10am-12pm
Year of the Monkey Celebration, Main Branch, 1-3pm
Chinese New Year Paper Crafts, Ocean View Branch, 2-3:30pm
Write a “Luck,” Chinatown Branch, 2:30-4pm
Asian Art Museum’s Lunar New Year Celebration, January 31st 10:30-4pm Join in the museum’s annual event with dancers, musicians, and storytelling.
Heart-Shaped Origami, San Francisco Public Library Chinatown Branch, February 5th 3:30-5:30pm
Basketball Jamboree, February 6th 10am-4pm Betty Anny Ong Chinese Recreation Center, Mason and Washington Street. FREE. Enjoy 6 basketball games with approximately 60 players from the greater Chinatown- North Beach community. Contact Kenny Lee for more information: hoopsterslee@gmail.com
San Francisco Public Library Events, February 6th
Craft for Chinese New Year, Ingleside Branch, 2:30-4:30pm
Celebrate Chinese New Year, Presidio Branch, 3-4:30pm
Family Fun Days Lunar New Year, February 7th, Asian Art Museum 10:30am-2pm Discover and play as a family! All activities in the museum this day are family-friendly!
Red Envelope Candy Dish, San Francisco Public Library Parkside Branch, February 9th 7-8pm
SF Symphony Chinese New Year Concert and Imperial Dinner, February 13th 3pm, dinner at 5pm Celebrate music, family, and tradition. The festivities will begin with lion dancers, tea bars, and children’s activities. For tickets visit: http://www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/2015-2016/Chinese-New-Year-Concert-and-Imperial-Dinner.aspx
Red Envelope Craft, San Francisco Public Library Chinatown Branch, February 13th 2:30-4pm
Miss Chinatown U.S.A. Pageant, February 13th 7:30pm Palace of the Fine Arts Theatre This has been a tradition for nearly 60 years. Women travel from all over the United States to compete for Miss Chinatown U.S.A. The winning Queen and her Court represent the Chinese community throughout the year. For ticket information Call SF Chinese Chamber of Commerce at (415) 982- 3071
Miss Chinatown U.S.A Coronation Ball, February 19th 6pm dinner, 8pm Coronation, 8:30pm dancing, Hilton San Francisco Union Square Celebrate the newly crowned Miss Chinatown U.S.A and her Court. This is a black tie event. For tickets call (415) 982-3071
Spring Festival, Chinese Culture Center, February 20th 11am-4pm Celebrate the Year of the Monkey with free entertainment and family friendly activities.
The Southwest Airline Chinese New Year Parade, Saturday February 20, 2016 5:15-8pm. FREE unless bleacher seats $30. This parade started in 1860 and has over 100 units participating today. This is truly a SF tradition with beautiful floats, fireworks, dancing lions, gorgeous costumes, 268 foot golden dragon, and Miss Chinatown U.S.A. herself! If you don’t want to fight the crowd, tune in to KTVU Fox 2 from 6-8pm to enjoy the parade from your home. Route Map: http://www.chineseparade.com/route.asp Market and Second Street to Kearny and Jackson. For Bleacher Tickets call (415) 680-6297 or (415) 982-3071 or visit https://www.chineseparade.com/parade_tickets.asp
Chinese New Year Community Street Fair, February 20th 10am-4:30pm and February 21st 9am- 5pm Grant Ave. from California to Broadway St. Sacramento, Washington, Jackson, and Pacific between Stockton and Kearny. FREE. Shop and explore over 80 booths and concessions. There will be Chinese folk dancing, opera, and giant puppets from the parade!
CCHP/Chinatown YMCA Chinese New Year Run 5K/10K, February 28th 7am registration, 8am start. The SF Chinese Chamber of Commerce presents this 38th annual run starting at Sacramento and Grant going through Chinatown and downtown finishing on Kearny between California and Sacramento. To register visit www.ymcasf.org/Chinatown
Wow! I had no idea there was so much going on. Great list!