A sky-events viewing guide built for people who want curated, vetted spots — not just a map pin. Every location is researched with real access notes, crowd context, and honest caveats.
Data accuracy
Our database is continuously maintained. Venue access, dark-sky designations, Bortle ratings, and event details can change — always verify current conditions before visiting or making travel plans.
Occurs annually — San Francisco (Chinatown)'s Lunar New Year show happens every year — the exact 2026 scale/budget is not yet fully published.
Fireworks + Light Show · 17:15 local · America/Los_Angeles
Not a standalone launched fireworks show — the anchor event is the Chinese New Year Parade (San Francisco's night-illuminated Chinatown parade, one of the largest of its kind outside Asia), which genuinely includes firecrackers throughout the route and a fireworks finale in some years. The parade date itself is officially confirmed by the organizer (chineseparade.com) for Feb 20, 2027 — roughly two weeks after the Feb 6, 2027 LNY anchor, consistent with the parade's usual mid-to-late-February scheduling pattern. However, the fireworks component specifically is inconsistent: in 2025 the finale used a drone light show instead of fireworks; as of Jan 2026 the fireworks status for that year's parade was still unannounced. Firecrackers (600,000+) are the one reliably confirmed pyrotechnic element every year.
Quick Facts — San Francisco (Chinatown) Lunar New Year 2026
Show type: Fireworks + Light Show
When: 2027-02-20, 17:15 local (America/Los_Angeles)
Viewing spots: 3 (3 free, 0 paid)
Best free spot: Geary and Post Streets — medium crowd
Weather risk: medium — February parade nights can bring rain; the parade proceeds rain or shine.…
All 3 Free Viewing Spots — San Francisco (Chinatown)
Union Square TV Broadcast Zone
High crowd · Street / plaza · Arrive by 3:30-4:00pm · Free
📍 37.7878, -122.4074
This is where firecracker-lighting ceremonies and grand marshal kickoffs typically happen.
Sightline: Central hub of the celebration near the parade route's midpoint.
⚠️ Extremely dense standing crowds; consider bleacher seats if it's your first time.
Tap for full details & directions →
Kearny Street near Columbus Ave (Chinatown/North Beach finish)
High crowd · Street / plaza · Arrive by 3:30-4:00pm · Free
📍 37.7967, -122.4058
Closest standing-room area to where firecrackers and any fireworks finale concentrate at the parade's end.
Sightline: Street-level view along the final stretch of the route.
⚠️ Densest crowd on the route; earplugs recommended for firecrackers.
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Geary and Post Streets
Medium crowd · Street / plaza · Arrive by 3:00-3:30pm · Free
📍 37.7877, -122.4069
Locally recommended as a less-crowded stretch of the same route.
Sightline: Standard street-level parade view without Union Square's density.
⚠️ Still requires early arrival for street closures.
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Related Events That Day
Some years feature a drone light show finale instead of or alongside fireworks.
Weather & Visibility
Medium risk — February parade nights can bring rain; the parade proceeds rain or shine.
Safety & Crowds
No weapons, firearms, explosives, or drones permitted at the public event; large bags/tripods discouraged in bleacher seating.
Getting There
Free Muni typically offered on parade day; BART Montgomery/Powell stations closest; significant street closures from ~2-3pm.