9 Festivals Coming to SF’s Chinatown in Summer/Fall 2023

San Francisco just announced a series of upcoming events, fairs and festivals in Chinatown to attract residents and visitors to shop and dine in the neighborhood this summer.

This summer and into the fall, the series will also include weekend events on the upper plaza of the Chinatown Rose Pak Central Subway Station.

The opening of the Chinatown Rose Pak Central Subway Station in January of 2023 marked an important milestone as it now serves as a critical connection point for Chinatown, allowing visitors to easily access and explore all the shops and restaurants in the neighborhood.

Over the next few months, San Franciscans and visitors will be able to enjoy music and dance festivals and art programs that celebrate Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture and history in Chinatown, Japantown, Excelsior, Richmond, Sunset, Bayview, Portola, Little Saigon in the Tenderloin, SOMA Pilipinas, and along Ocean Avenue.

Summertime 2023 Festivals in Chinatown

All of the following events are free and we are told by the city they (likely) don’t require any RSVPs except for the consultations for the Chinese Medicine Fair.

Chinatown Rose Pak Station Upper Plaza activation weekends, Saturdays and Sundays – June 1 through November 30   

10am to 5pm weekly – The activation programs aim to engage and mobilize the community, attracting increased foot traffic and driving sales for small businesses.

Summer on Waverly – June 24  

Starts at 11am – “Summer on Waverly” kicks off summer school break. Organized by CYC, this is a family-friendly gathering that features a wide range of engaging activities suitable for all ages. Prepare for adrenaline-fueled tricycle races, immersive virtual reality games, and a host of other exciting surprises that guarantee a memorable experience for everyone.

Chinese Medicine Fair – Sundays, July 16 + August 30

11am to 3pm – At Rose Pak Station Upper Plaza. Free consultations plus wellness worksops

Craving Chinatown – July 22 

Starts at 11am on Waverly Place –  Calling all foodies! Are you yearning for sunshine, mouthwatering delights, and a delightful atmosphere? If so, mark your calendars for our upcoming “Craving Chinatown” event, taking place on Saturday, July 22rd. Prepare your taste buds for a delightful experience as over 30 local eateries participants to offer an enticing selection of appetizers, entrees, baked goods, desserts, and refreshing beverages.

Hungry Ghost Festival – August 26 

5-9pm at Portsmouth Square – The Hungry Ghost Festival, akin to the Day of the Dead, celebrates Chinese traditions and cultural heritage. This festival provides an opportunity to honor ancestors and deceased loved ones through various rituals and blessings. Additionally, it serves as a platform to promote and support Chinese businesses by organizing events that showcase their products, services, and cultural contributions. By combining traditional customs with contemporary approaches, the festival fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture while stimulating economic growth within the community.

Chinatown Night Out – September 6

4pm at Portsmouth Square – More details coming soon

Chinatown Autumn-Moon Festival – September 23-24  

9am to 5pm along Grant Ave. The annual Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival is a popular street fair that celebrates the abundance of the autumn harvest. Grant Avenue will come alive with vibrant booths selling a variety of goods, while live music and performances will be played throughout the day to pay tribute to the arrival of autumn.

Chinatown Dance!  – September 30 

Along Grant Ave. Time TBD – The exciting fusion of traditional and urban dance event arrives this fall! Chinatown Dance! will showcase the captivating blend of cultural heritage and contemporary movement, celebrating the harmonious merging of traditions. Stay tuned for more information.

Chinatown Halloween Festival – October 28  

Exact location and time TBD – Get spooky at the Chinatown Halloween Festival this fall! Engage in a costume contest, strike a pose at the photobooth, get your face painted, and enjoy many other thrilling activities. It’s an event for all ages to get wild and celebrate Halloween in a Chinatown uniquely way!

More details should be available soon at spotlightchinatown.com/summertime