San Francisco, CA – As San Francisco welcomes the Year of the Snake, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) proudly announces its support for Lunar New Year traditions and events. Neighborhoods across San Francisco will host a variety of cultural festivities, community gatherings, and opportunities to support local businesses, leading up to the iconic Chinese New Year Parade on February 15. To help residents and visitors enjoy Lunar New Year, OEWD has created a dedicated webpage at sf.gov/lunar-new-year, featuring a comprehensive guide of events, activities, and places to shop and dine across the City.
“As the Year of the Snake arrives, this zodiac symbol represents adaptability and resilience, qualities that define San Francisco. Over the past few years, our local entrepreneurs have faced immense challenges while continuing to serve our community with creativity and determination.” said, Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Small businesses are the backbone of our city, and they represent the heart of our neighborhoods and play a vital role in San Francisco's comeback. In the spirit of this new Lunar New Year, let us use these opportunities to support our local small businesses and communities during this celebration.”
Free and family-friendly events are happening throughout the City to celebrate the Year of the Snake. With support from OEWD, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in partnership with various City and local organizations, has planned key events to complement the Lunar New Year Parade. The Flower Market Fair on January 25 and 26 will feature over 120 booths offering fresh flowers, fruits, candies, and traditional goods for the holiday. On February 15 and 16, the Community Street Fair will coincide with the Chinese New Year Parade on Saturday and will continue Sunday, with live performances and activities in Chinatown. Both events are designed to highlight the small businesses that are central to San Francisco’s Lunar New Year traditions.
Lunar New Year represents a celebration of new beginnings and the collective hope for a more prosperous future”, said Rodney Fong, CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is grateful for the City’s investments in this cultural celebration that will bring countless visitors to support San Francisco’s Asian communities and small businesses at a key time for our City.”
OEWD’s online resource at sf.gov/lunar-new-year serves as a one-stop guide for Lunar New Year activities, with directories for shopping, key events, and community resources across San Francisco. Highlights include the Richmond District’s first-ever Lunar New Year Parade on January 18, hosted by The Richmond Neighborhood Center, the OMI Lunar New Year Celebration and Pop-Up Summer Resource Fair, and links to other City-sponsored events and programs.
“The Office of Economic and Workforce Development recognizes Lunar New Year as a vital celebration of San Francisco’s rich cultural diversity and a powerful driver of economic activity within our neighborhoods,” said Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director of OEWD. “By supporting these traditions, the City helps strengthen our communities and ensures their continued vibrancy for generations to come.”
The website also offers guides to neighborhoods that are cultural centers for San Francisco’s Asian communities, making it easy for residents and visitors to celebrate Lunar New Year while supporting small businesses. For those looking to explore the Richmond District, The Richmond Neighborhood Center’s “S.E.L.F.” (Shop-Eat-Local-First) initiative provides a valuable guide to local businesses. Similarly, the SF Chinatown Merchants Association offers a curated list of restaurants in Chinatown, while the Ocean Avenue Association maintains a directory of over 100 small businesses spanning two miles of the avenue. The Portola Neighborhood Association also provides resources to support its local merchants, and in the Sunset District, visitors are encouraged to explore the avenues between 19th and 26th avenues to find everything they need for their Lunar New Year.
OEWD’s commitment to supporting local businesses extends beyond these seasonal events providing many programs to strengthen San Francisco neighborhood business corridors, public spaces and commercial centers. The Legacy Business Registry, a pioneering program that recognizes and celebrates businesses that have operated in San Francisco for 30 plus years, provides businesses with resources, including marketing support, business assistance, and grants, ensuring their continued success and contribution to San Francisco's economy and cultural heritage. Businesses on the Registry play a central role in supporting cultural customs, particularly during Lunar New Year with the sale of cuisine, apparel, and other traditional items.
“Since 1970, our business has sold traditional pinwheels—an auspicious symbol for good fortune and blessings—and later classical Chinese instruments. Lunar New Year is a vital time for the shop. We hope we can help families reconnect with their traditional cultural customs,” said Kenneth and Alan Leong, father and son owners of Ellie and Eva Co., located at 709 Jackson Street in Chinatown. “San Francisco named us a Legacy Business in 2023, which provides us new opportunities and more attention. We are grateful for the City’s investment in Lunar New Year and the many businesses that depend on it to thrive.”
A visit to Chinatown might include a stop at Ellie and Eva, as well as VIP Coffee & Cake Shop, for breakfast and Hong-Kong style tea, or the many more beloved Legacy Businesses in the neighborhood. To discover more about these treasured establishments and explore curated itineraries for experiencing San Francisco’s Legacy Businesses in various neighborhoods, including Chinatown, visit legacybusiness.org. The Office of Small Business also has dedicated a webpage with comprehensive lists and suggestions for “perfect days” with Legacy Businesses to explore. Perfect Legacy Business Days | San Francisco
Gong Hei Fat Choy!