From The Richmond Neighborhood Center:

The Richmond Neighborhood Center Lunar New Year Celebration Returns to San Francisco’s West Side with
Parade, Night Market, and Social Media Star Zhou Bao Bao. Event Expected to Draw 5,000+ Attendees; Features 70-80 Vendors, 30-40 Parade Groups, and “Hanfu Lady” with 4.9M Followers as Grand Marshall

The Richmond Neighborhood Center today announced that its Lunar New Year Celebration will return on Saturday, Feb. 7, transforming Balboa Street into a vibrant cultural showcase featuring a full-scale parade, night market, and special guest Zhou Bao Bao (known as the “Hanfu Lady” to her 4.9 million followers on Douyin, China’s leading
short-form video platform) as grand marshal.

The free, community-centered celebration will close down streets in the Outer Balboa
commercial corridor from 3 to 8:30 p.m., featuring over 70 vendor booths, 30 parade
groups, traditional performances and family activities. Last year’s event drew over 5,000
attendees and generated record foot traffic and sales for local businesses, with SF Mayor Daniel
Lurie in attendance.

“Lunar New Year in the Richmond District is about more than a celebration.,” said Clifford Yee,
acting executive director of The Richmond Neighborhood Center. “It’s about honoring our
elders, uplifting our youth, and reaffirming the strength of community that carries us forward. At
The Richmond Neighborhood Center, we’re proud to help create spaces where culture,
belonging, and joy are shared across generations.”

Zhou Bao Bao, whose dedication to reviving traditional Chinese clothing has captivated millions
across China and the diaspora, will lead the parade as grand marshal, bringing international
visibility to the Richmond District’s celebration. Her participation underscores the event’s
growing significance as a cultural bridge connecting San Francisco’s Asian American
community to broader audiences.

The 2026 celebration marks the event’s third year and its continued evolution from an
800-person gathering at The Richmond Neighborhood Center to a full-scale street festival that
has become a cornerstone of westside cultural life. The event features traditional lion dances,
martial arts demonstrations, traditional performances and a night market atmosphere that
celebrates the vibrancy of Asian American heritage.

“Lunar New Year connects where we’ve been with where we’re going,” Yee added. “It’s a time
to honor tradition while investing in the next generation. That balance is at the core of The
Richmond Neighborhood Center’s work and at the heart of this celebration.”
The Lunar New Year Celebration is organized by The Richmond Neighborhood Center in
partnership with a community-led steering committee and made possible through the generous
support of sponsors including Sutter Health, Avenue Greenlight, Comcast, and North East
Medical Services, along with dozens of community volunteers who bring the event to life. This
collaboration among neighborhood organizations, local businesses, residents, and volunteers.

EVENT DETAILS:
What: Lunar New Year Celebration, Parade, Night Market, Cultural Performances
Featuring Grand Marshal Zhou Bao Bao (“Hanfu Lady”).
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 3-8:30 p.m.
Where: Balboa Corridor (35th to 40th avenues).
What to Expect:
● 70+ vendor booths.
● 30+ parade groups.
● Traditional lion dances and cultural performances.
● Night market atmosphere.
Cost: Free and open to the public.

About The Richmond Neighborhood Center:
The Richmond Neighborhood Center provides youth, families, and seniors in San Francisco
essential services, meaningful connections, and leadership opportunities at every stage of life.
For 45 years, the organization has served as a vital community hub in San Francisco’s
Richmond District, offering programs in food security, youth development, and community
engagement. The Richmond Neighborhood Center envisions a San Francisco where every
person belongs and every neighborhood is a vibrant place for all to live and thrive, rooted in joy,
connection, and resilience.

In 2024, the organization delivered 1,783,401 pounds of food to local families, enrolled 1,625
students in free enrichment programs, and achieved a 100% high school graduation rate among
participating seniors.

For more information, visit richmondsf.org or follow @RichmondSF on Facebook or
@sf_richmond on Instagram.