SF’s Chinese New Year Parade (+ Fireworks) is Back for 2022
Named one of the world’s top ten parades, the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is the largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia. It was started in the 1860s and takes place the weekend of the Chinese New Year Community Street Fair (Feb. 19-20, 2022).
Typically, over 100 groups will participate in the parade and many of the floats and specialty groups will be featuring the theme of this year’s Chinese zodiac sign.
2022 Chinese New Year Parade
Saturday, February 19, 2022 | 5:15 – 8 pm
Chinatown, San Francisco
FREE standing room (bleacher seats start at $38)Fireworks! The parade will close with a 3-minute firework display finale.
Nowhere in the country will you see a lunar new year parade with more gorgeous floats, elaborate costumes, ferocious lions, exploding firecrackers, and of course the newly crowned Miss Chinatown U.S.A. and her court.
A crowd favorite will be the new and spectacular 288-foot Golden Dragon (“Gum Lung”). It takes a team of over 180 men and women from the martial arts group White Crane to carry this dragon throughout the streets of San Francisco.
New for 2022 – Star Wars Parade
For the very first time in our Chinese New Year Parade history, representing both the light and dark sides of the Force, we welcome the 501st Legion, the Rebel Legion, the Mando Mercs Costume Club, and the Saber Guild! We like this good “first,” making the Year of the Tiger extra memorable! All four groups are Lucasfilm-recognized, international STAR WARS™ costuming organizations, dedicated to celebrating and sharing their love of the STAR WARS galaxy through the creation, display, and wearing of high caliber character costumes.
Parade Route
The Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade, celebrating the Year of the Tiger, will be on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 5:15 pm, stepping off at Second and Market Streets. It is a free event for all to attend, but tickets must be purchased to sit in the bleacher sections.
The parade starts off at 2nd and Market Streets, goes around Union Square and ends at Kearny Street & Columbus Ave. The distance of the parade route is approximately 1.3 miles. The parade is a free event for all to attend and you may stand anywhere on the parade route, behind the barricades, to watch the parade.
The map also shows the location of crossing points through the parade route. These areas can be used to safely cross the parade route but must be kept clear for emergency personnel. Please do not stand in these areas to watch the parade.
It is strongly suggested to take public transportation.
