Preparations underway for 2016 Chinese New Year Parade

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - This year's Chinese New Year Parade will be Saturday, February 20th from 5:15 to 8 p.m.  

Attending the Parade

The parade is free, but if you would like to sit in the bleachers you can buy tickets here.  

Bleacher tickets are $30 plus shipping; the bleachers are on Kearny Street between Sacramento and California. 

A link to the parade route along with nearby parking options is here.

Watching from Home 

 If you can't watch the parade in person, be sure to watch the live broadcast on KTVU Fox 2 or KTSF 26 (Chinese broadcast) on Saturday, February 20th, 6-8 p.m.  

Participating in the Parade

The deadline to apply to participate in the parade has already passed. If you would like to participate next year, keep in mind the deadline to apply is usually in the fall. 

History and What to Expect 

The Southwest Airlines® Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco was named one of the top ten parades in the world by the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA).  

The parade began in 1860’s by Chinese people living in San Francisco as a means to educate the community about their culture.  

The parade and festival have grown to be the largest celebration of Asian culture outside of Asia.

Parade highlights include elaborate floats, lion dancers, folk dancers, costumed elementary school groups, marching bands, stilt walkers, Chinese acrobats, and a 268 foot long Golden Dragon (“Gum Lung”).