Ring in the Year of the Horse at the San Diego Chinese New Year Fair

The San Diego Chinese New Year Fair is back, taking over Downtown San Diego for another weekend of cultural celebration. Now in its 43rd year, this beloved event – hosted by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association – keeps getting better.

Whether you’re a longtime regular or showing up for the first time, it’s the kind of gathering that reminds us why San Diego’s community is something special.

San Diego Chinese New Year Fair

A Celebration Rooted in Tradition

From the moment you step in, the energy is infectious. Lion dances, martial arts performances, and live music set the tone, while the food and family-friendly activities keep everyone entertained from start to finish.

It’s a full sensory experience that blends centuries of Chinese cultural tradition with the warmth of a community coming together to share in something meaningful.

What the Year of the Horse Means for the Year Ahead

In Chinese mythology, the horse is a symbol of energy, freedom, and forward momentum. Associated with ambition and an adventurous spirit, it represents a year of action – one that rewards those who are bold enough to chase what they want.

It’s an energizing sign to welcome in, and there’s no better way to kick off the Year of the Horse than surrounded by community, culture, and celebration.

Free, Open to All, and Worth the Trip Downtown

One of the best things about this event is that it’s completely free for all ages, making it easy to bring the whole crew along. There’s genuinely something for everyone here, from the little ones fascinated by the lion dance to the adults exploring the food stalls.

It’s a weekend well spent in the heart of the city.

See you there!

Grab your friends and family and head Downtown – the 43rd Annual San Diego Chinese New Year Fair is the perfect way to celebrate the season together.

📆 Saturday, February 28 – Sunday, March 1, 2026 | 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 428 3rd Avenue, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!

Share This Event
Event Details
  • Start Date
    February 28, 2026 10:00 am
  • End Date
    March 1, 2026 5:00 pm
  • Status
    All done
  • Location
  • Venue
    • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Address
    428 3rd Avenue, San Diego
  • More Info
Event Map
The Latest
things to do in san diego this weekend
Check out this week’s Things to Do in San Diego this weekend and make your plans! Celebrate the Fourth of July with spectacular fireworks, festive...
top concerts in san diego this week
Here are the top concerts in San Diego this week! Catch Grammy-winning R&B star Leon Thomas, experience Rosalía’s spectacular Lux Tour 2026, or celebrate America’s...
Juan Jasper in San Diego's Golden Hill neighborhood
The Craving is ThereSanDiego's weekly guide to what's worth eating and drinking in San Diego right now. Every Tuesday, we surface new restaurant openings, standout happy hours, limited-time menu specials, and upcoming food events across the city - so you know what's happening before everyone else does.
San Diego County Fair fireworks
July is packed with reasons to get out and explore San Diego! Celebrate Independence Day with spectacular fireworks, festive food and drink specials, and patriotic...
LITVAKdance Dancing Outdoors Take 4
Experience the magic of LITVAKdance Dancing Outdoors with a stunning variety of dance performances and live music in Encinitas.
Daybreaker Let's Be Friends event at Progress Park
If your Fourth of July plans involve standing in a crowd waiting for fireworks, we have a better idea. Daybreaker is coming to Progress Park...
Event Details
  • Start Date
    February 28, 2026 10:00 am
  • End Date
    March 1, 2026 5:00 pm
  • Status
    All done
  • Location
  • Venue
    • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Address
    428 3rd Avenue, San Diego
  • More Info
Upcoming Events
Bird's Eye View of Mission Bayfest
October 16, 2026
3:00 pm
  • Mariners Point
Mission Bayfest is heading back to the waterfront this fall, bringing three days of reggae, rock, and SoCal vibes to Mariner’s Point Park along the...
La Mesa Oktoberfest
October 2, 2026
4:00 pm
  • La Mesa Village
Join the fun at La Mesa Oktoberfest! Enjoy live entertainment, games, and great food in San Diego's biggest German celebration.
Fourth annual Punches in the Piazza at Piazza della Famiglia
September 11, 2026
6:00 pm
  • Piazza della Famiglia
The fourth annual Punches in the Piazza returns to Little Italy’s Piazza della Famiglia for an evening that blends amateur boxing, community connection, and meaningful...
Tori Amos San Diego
August 26, 2026
7:30 pm
  • San Diego Civic Theatre
There are artists who put on a show, and then there’s Tori Amos – a force of nature who turns every performance into something genuinely...
August 14, 2026
6:00 pm
  • USS Midway Museum
Shelter to Soldier’s largest fundraiser of the year returns to one of San Diego’s most iconic venues – the Flight Deck of the USS Midway...
Event Search: