2026 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade

Over 100 units will take part in the Chinese New Year Parade—a San Francisco tradition dating back to just after the Gold Rush. Year after year, the Parade continues to captivate hundreds of thousands of spectators, whether they line the streets or stream it on television.

The 2026 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade (Year of the Horse) will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Nowhere else in the world will you find a Lunar New Year parade filled with such intricate floats, dazzling costumes, thunderous firecrackers, and roaring lion dances. You’ll also see our newly crowned Miss Chinatown U.S.A. and her court, and of course, the show-stopping 288-foot Golden Dragon (“Gum Lung”), brought to life by more than 180 martial artists from the White Crane team.

We’re seeking colorful, creative, and entertaining groups to join our spectacular celebration. Don’t miss your chance—applications are due by Friday, October 31, 2025.

Rain or shine, the Chinese New Year Parade is sure to warm your heart and electrify your senses.

GUIDELINES

2026 SF Chinese New Year Festival and Parade - Year of the Horse

When: Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm PST
Where: San Francisco Downtown/Union Square/Chinatown

Applications are due by October 31, 2025, 11:59pm PST.

NOTE: All applicants must submit a $350 non-refundable application fee via ACH, debit/credit card or check.
Additional $350 late fee will be added for applications submitted after the due date (total $700).

For Payments by ACH or Debit/Credit Card: 

Payment will be due at the time of application submission, and a processing fee will be applied. 

For Payments by Check:

Enter code CNYPCHECK at checkout. Applications will only be reviewed once payment has been received. Payment must be received by October 31, 2025. 

• Please make check payable to "SF Chinese Chamber of Commerce" and mail it to:

SF Chinese Chamber of Commerce

Re: 2026 Parade Application Fee

730 Sacramento St.

San Francisco, CA 94108

NOTICE: This is NOT an automatic invitation to participate in the 2026 SF Chinese New Year Parade. This is an application to request participation and to provide the Parade Office with details about your group’s proposed involvement. All applications will be reviewed by the Parade Committee prior to approval. If your application is approved, you will receive an official invitation. Please note that the participation in the Parade is BY INVITATION ONLY.

Identifying Your Category:

• Bands: Includes all school/college marching bands, drill teams, drum & bell or drum & bugle corps.
• Schools: All schools, public or private, from elementary to high school, alternative, charter or language immersion.
• Community Organizations: Nonprofit groups that provide services benefiting or enriching the community.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERG): Employee-led networks supported by a company or organization.
• Lion Dance Groups: Groups that provide dragon and/or lion dancing performances.
• Specialty Groups: Groups that present another form of art or entertainment that does not fit in any of the other categories listed above.

DO NOT submit this application if you fit into one of the categories below:

• Service Providers: Private, Government-owned entities or city departments, please contact sponsorship@chineseparade.com
• Corporate Sponsors: For information about our sponsorship packages, please contact sponsorship@chineseparade.com

Notification of invitations or declinations will be sent to applicants no later than Friday, November 21, 2025.

We strongly encourage applicants to submit photos with their application to support the reviewing process.

For more information or updates about the Chinese New Year Festival & Parade, please visit our website at chineseparade.com or contact the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce at (415) 982-3000. Inquiries about the Chinese New Year Parade may be emailed to info@chineseparade.com. 

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