Richmond District – Lunar New Year Good Luck Parade
January 18 @ 3:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Join Us for the Richmond District Lunar New Year Parade & Celebration!
✨ Saturday, January 18, 2025 | Balboa Street, San Francisco ✨
Celebrate community, culture, and the Lunar New Year with an action-packed day of festivities for all ages!
Event Highlights:
Lunar Bazaar (from 3:30 PM):
- Shop from local makers and discover traditional items, handcrafted goods, and Lunar New Year essentials.
Performances & Activities (3:30 PM – 5:30 PM):
- Cultural Zones: Interactive activities for kids, traditional arts, and crafts.
- Visit the Main Stage for entertainment before the parade (37th-38th Ave)
Parade starts at 5:30 PM
- Parade Route: Starting at 39th Ave, the parade will proceed along Balboa Street, ending at 35th Ave.
- Main Stage (37th-38th Ave): Groups will stop here briefly for an MC introduction
- Grand Marshall – Cliff Yee
- Shaolin Temple Martial Arts: Awe-inspiring demonstrations by Shaolin Temple masters.
- West Coast Lion Dance: Get energized by a lively lion dance performance.
💥 Exclusive Offers from Local Businesses throughout the event!
CLICK HERE for participating businesses
Come for the fun, stay for the joy, and let’s welcome the Lunar New Year together in style!
🧧 Free Admission | Family-friendly | Located in the heart of Outer Richmond
Join us on January 18, 2025, for the Richmond District’s first-ever Lunar New Year Good Luck Parade, celebrating the Year of the Snake! We’ll parade down Balboa Street, enjoying cultural performances and exploring themed zones of Love, Family, Health, and Wealth.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
- Lunar Bazaar & Performances: 3:30 PM
- Parade starts at 5:30 PM
- Location: Balboa Street (Between 35th Ave and 39th Ave)
Each block will feature special decorations and themes:
- 35th-36th: Family Nest (家庭幸福)
- 36th-37th: Health Harbor (康泰如意)
- 37th-38th: Love Square (情满街心)
- 38th-39th: Wealth Gateway (富贵吉祥)
We are excited to announce that Cliff Yee will be the Grand Marshal for this year’s Richmond District Lunar New Year Parade! Cliff’s deep roots in the Richmond District and his unwavering dedication to our community make him the perfect leader for this special occasion.
As Board President of The Richmond Neighborhood Center, Cliff has played a critical role in supporting programs that uplift youth, families, and seniors throughout our neighborhood. His leadership has expanded vital services promoting equity, education, and well-being for all Richmond District residents. Cliff’s involvement with the San Francisco Parent Coalition also highlights his passion for advocating for parents and students across the city, ensuring their voices are heard during critical moments of decision-making.
In addition, Cliff’s connection to our local schools is strong. He serves as an advisor and former Co-Chair on the McCoppin Elementary PTO Board, where he works closely with families and educators to create enriching and inclusive opportunities for students. His commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive educational environment aligns with the values we hold dear in the Richmond District.
Cliff was born and raised in the Richmond District and brings over 20 years of experience in leadership development, community organizing, and nonprofit management. Through his work at Coro and beyond, Cliff has trained and empowered leaders across sectors, from high school students to nonprofit executives, creating positive change in our city and beyond. We are truly honored to have him lead the parade, symbolizing the spirit of unity, progress, and community that the Lunar New Year represents.
Richmond’s First-Ever Lunar New Year Parade Contest
Show Your Creativity | Let’s Celebrate Together
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Balboa Street (35th Ave – 39th Ave)
Join Richmond’s first-ever Lunar New Year Parade and be part of history. Celebrate the Year of the Snake with your group’s creativity and spirit as you march or perform along Balboa Street. Let the audience’s cheers decide the winners and bring good luck to the community.
Who:
Schools, community-based organizations (CBOs), community groups, businesses, artists, and more are invited to join this exciting celebration.
Why Participate:
- Make History: Be part of Richmond’s first Lunar New Year Parade.
- Show Your Talent: Shine in front of the entire community.
- Celebrate Together: Share joy and good fortune in a vibrant celebration.
- Build Bonds: Create unforgettable memories with your group and the Richmond community.
- Promotion: Publicize your organization or business to the neighborhood.
Competition Categories:
- Best Thematic Float or Group
Capture the essence of the Year of the Snake with creativity and flair. - Most Entertaining Performance (2 winners)
Impress the crowd with energy, talent, and unforgettable entertainment. - Best Community Spirit (3 Winners)
Showcase unity and inspire pride with your group’s enthusiasm and collaboration.
Parade Guidelines:
- Group Size: Up to 50 participants per group.
- Format: Walk or perform along the parade route.
- Time Limit: Each group’s performance or walk must not exceed 10 minutes.
- Stage Setup: Performances won’t have a stage, but an MC will introduce your group to enhance the excitement.
How Winners will be Chosen:
Audience cheers and applause will determine the winners. Bring your best to engage the crowd—the loudest cheers will crown Richmond’s Good Luck Parade Champions.
How to participate in the Parade:
- Sign up by December 31.
- Submit your entry form with your group’s float or performance idea.
- Get ready to dazzle the crowd and make history on January 18.
For more information or to register your group, contact:
Yves Xavier, Community Programs Director
yves@richmondsf.org
Chinese speakers, can contact Sarah Li
sarah.li@richmondsf.org or call 510 8211841
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Bring your creativity, energy, and community pride to Richmond’s first-ever Lunar New Year Parade. Let’s light up Balboa Street and celebrate the Year of the Snake together.
Register to participate in the Parade –
Register to be a vendor in a Night Market style booth
Parade Posters can be downloaded here
Thank you to our organizing partners:
@sfrichmond The Richmond Neighborhood Center
@balboavillagesf Balboa Village Merchants Association
@selfhelpelderly Self Help for the Elderly
@gummoonsf Asian Family Support Center
@cyc_sf CYC SF
@richmondsunset
@sfchinesesda SF Chinese Seventh-day Adventist Church
@impact_flcc Full Life Church
@rsc_sf Richmond Senior Center
@richmondsunsetnews Richmond Review & Sunset Beacon
San Francisco Public Library – Richmond Branch
Nelson Chen – Community Leader
Rose Yao – Community Leader