Bay Area Lunar New Year events: Feb. 13-March 7

The Bay Area is poised for a vibrant series of celebrations marking the Lunar New Year, with events unfolding over the next several weeks. The festivities will reach a peak with the San Jose Tet Festival, taking place February 20-22 and culminating in San Francisco’s renowned Chinese New Year parade on March 7. This San Francisco parade stands as the largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia, and notably, one of the few illuminated nighttime parades globally.

A Region-Wide Celebration

The Lunar New Year is being embraced across multiple cities, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences. From traditional performances to artisan markets, the events cater to a wide audience.

Early Festivities Kick Off

The celebrations begin on February 13th with the San Leandro Lunar New Year Celebration, transforming the city’s Second Friday event. Performances by the UC Berkeley CAL VSA Lion Dancers and Gaga Dancers will be featured, alongside a market curated by West Coast Makers. Millbrae will then host a two-day Lunar New Year Festival on February 14th and 15th, promising lion dances, a multicultural performance stage, and over 200 vendors.

Cultural Performances and Community Events

February 14th also includes a celebratory concert at the Sunnyvale Public Library, presented by the Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra. The San Jose area will be particularly active on February 21st, with events at the San Jose Museum of Art, Santana Row Park, and Jack London Square in Oakland. These include art-making activities, lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and opportunities for family-friendly fun.

Did You Know? The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade is one of the few illuminated nighttime parades in the world.

Continuing the Celebrations

The weekend of February 22nd will see events in Livermore and San Ramon, featuring performances by XiaoPei Dance and Kung Fu Dragon, lantern-making, and cultural learning opportunities. Redwood City’s 15th annual Lunar New Year celebration on February 28th will include lion dancers, martial artists, and free admission to the San Mateo County History Museum.

Grand Finale in San Francisco and Oakland

The Oakland Chinatown Parade on February 28th will feature floats, marching groups, and performances by the Cantonese cover band Midnight Vignette and Mark Pelli of MAGIC!. The season will then conclude with the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade on March 7th, led by Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu and the Huaxing Arts Group, and featuring a 300-foot-long Golden Dragon and a drone show.

Expert Insight: The extensive calendar of events demonstrates the significant cultural importance of the Lunar New Year to communities throughout the Bay Area, and the commitment to preserving and sharing these traditions with a wider audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia?

The San Francisco Chinese New Year parade is the largest such celebration outside of Asia.

When does the San Jose Tet Festival take place?

The San Jose Tet Festival will take place from February 20-22.

What can attendees expect at the Oakland Chinatown Parade?

The Oakland Chinatown Parade will feature floats, marching groups, dancers, bands, and performances by Midnight Vignette and Mark Pelli of MAGIC!

As these celebrations unfold, what aspects of Lunar New Year traditions resonate most with you and your community?