Children perform a dragon dance during San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade.
San Francisco is gearing up for this year’s Chinese New Year Parade on Saturday, March 7. We’re here to help you get to the event.
Keep reading for details about free Muni fares on parade day, a special parking discount and transit-related impacts.
Parade details
- When: Saturday, March 7, beginning at 5:15 p.m.
- Where: Starts at 2nd and Market streets
- The route goes west on Geary Street, right onto Powell Street, and winds back east on Post Street. The route then turns north on Kearny Street, ending at Columbus Avenue.
- Cost: The event is free, though bleacher seating may be available to buy. Visit the parade’s website for more information on bleacher seating.
Taking Muni to the parade
- Free fares: Fares for Muni will be free citywide all day on March 7, excluding cable cars.
- Bus routes: The following bus routes will take you near the parade procession — 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 14R, 15, 30, 31, 38R, 45
- Metro and streetcar lines: The following lines will take you near the procession — F, J, K, L, M, N, T
Visit our Muni Routes & Stops webpage or call 3-1-1 to plan your trip.
SFMTA staff take part in last year’s parade, which celebrated the Year of the Snake.
For information about march-related Muni impacts, visit our Travel & Transit Updates page for Chinese New Year.
Driving to the parade
In addition to the free Muni fares, there will also be one hour of free parking at the Portsmouth Square Garage through March 8. The garage is located at 733 Kearny Street in Chinatown.
If you’re considering driving to the parade, we’re here to help you understand potential impacts.
On Saturday, March 7, several streets will be closed to traffic leading up to the parade. These closures are set to last until approximately 9:30 p.m.:
- Closures starting at 2 p.m.: 2nd Street between Market and Mission streets
- Closures starting at 3 p.m.: Market Street between 2nd and Geary streets; Geary Street between Market and Powell streets; Powell Street between Geary and Post streets; Post Street between Kearny and Powell streets; Kearny Street between Geary and Pacific streets.
Thank you, Board of Supervisors
We would like to thank the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for supporting free Muni service on March 7 and the parking discount through a general fund allocation.
Their efforts will help make this year’s festivities more accessible for communities citywide.
Visit the board’s website for more information about the legislation.