Crowds pack for SF’s Chinese New Year Parade, cheer on Olympian, Grand Marshal Eileen Gu; drone show
Tens of thousands of people turned out for San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade Saturday.
It’s the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia.
ABC7 Eyewitness News is the official broadcast partner of the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade.
Watch ABC7 Eyewitness News’ broadcast of the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade, largest Lunar New Year Celebration outside of Asia.
The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade is an annual event so many people have come to enjoy.
“I love it,” said Monica Herrera of San Jose. “All the colors. And energy.”
“My favorite thing is seeing the city come together,” said Auruf Kathuria of San Francisco.
“We’re kind of lion dance groupies,” said Angele Golde of Stockton. “Yeah, we love the dancing and the watching the dragons.”
People enjoy the sights, the sounds, the smells.
SUZANNE PHAN: “What do you smell? Because I smell it now.”
ANGELA GOLDE: “Firecrackers.”
WATCH: SF Chinese New Year Parade 2026 on ABC7
The special event draws people of all ages and all backgrounds, from all over—like Stefanie Sheff from the Sacramento area.
“I’ve been coming for at least 10 years,” said Sheff of El Dorado Hills.
There’s so much that Sheff loves about the parade.
“Definitely the lion dancers –number one. And, I love the dragon at the end. And the fire crackers at the beginning,” said Sheff.
Big crowds turned out to catch the vibrant lion dances, the energetic marching bands and colorful cultural performances. The opening act for the parade was the Huaxing Arts Group San Francisco.
What got many people really excited though –the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade–San Francisco native and Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu.
“She’s great. We always love local San Franciscans,” said Josh Dewhurst of San Francisco. “I’m really excited to see her showcasing her culture. I know she was supporting China in the games. We’re really happy to help her here. We’re a melting pot.”
PHOTOS: 2026 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade
The elaborate floats were also a big hit.
The winner of the Miss Chinatown USA competition, sitting front and center on the Queen’s Float during the parade
With 17 floats and a 100 or so groups, spectators had plenty to cheer for.
After the parade this year, there was a new twist–500 drones will wow crowds and illuminate the skies over the San Francisco waterfront.
The spectacular drone show features stunning designs celebrating the Year of the Horse.
For some, it’s a fitting grand finale to the city’s month-long Lunar New Year celebration.
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