San Francisco is known for embracing people, culture, and art from around the world. One way residents celebrate and show respect for individuality is through their annual parades. All dates and locations are subject to change and should be confirmed with sponsors prior to making any travel plans.
We’ve put together a list of some of the biggest parades in SF that you don’t want to miss.
Chinese New Year’s Parade in Chinatown – February 23, 2019
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in Modern China, is an important Chinese Festival celebrated at the turn of the lunisolar Chinese calendar. This annual tradition is celebrated with a number of different events held around the San Francisco Bay area. Join the upcoming “2019 Year of the Pig — Chinese New Year Parade” which will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
St. Patrick’s Day – March 17, 2019
Wear your best green attire and celebrate San Francisco’s Irish community. Another highly attended parade and our second favorite is the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration. The streets turn green with bagpipe players, Irish dancers, proud marchers, and bright floats. The procession starts at 11:30 am and lasts for about two hours.
Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown – April 13 -14, 2019 | April 20 -21, 2019
This annual festival is one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian Traditions. Two consecutive weekends of performances, crafts, food, martial arts, and exhibits. Celebrate the blossoming of the cherry blossoms at one of three remaining Japantown’s in the United States.
Carnaval – May 25 -26, 2019
Celebrate the 41st annual Carnival San Francisco with a two-day festival celebrating Latin American Culture. Enjoy traditional cuisine, dances, music, arts & crafts, and beautifully adorned floats. This two-day festival with be held May 25 and May 26 on Harrison Street between 16th and 24th streets.
PRIDE Festival – June 30, 2019
For close to half a century, San Francisco has celebrated lesbian, gay, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) pride with parades. The Pride Parade is an SF tradition and the biggest parade in the Bay Area. The event starts on Sunday in downtown’s Civic Center Plaza and features over 20 community-produced stages and venues from Homo Hip Hop, to Gay Pride, and something in between. Don’t miss this event happening June 30, 2019.
Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 23 – January 2
Visit one of the sweetest places in the city, Ghirardelli Square, for the Annual Tree Lighting which takes place in Union Square Park Between Sutter & Geary Streets, across from Macy’s. You’ll enjoy holiday performances, a selection of beverages, and other holiday treats.
NYE Fireworks Over the Bay – December 31
Start the New Year out right with an amazing firework display at the waterfront, near the Bay Bridge. The show starts at 11:59 pm on New Year’s Eve.