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Parades in San Francisco: List of the Best Annual Parade Celebrations in SF
by Jill Loeffler •
You will find a variety of parades in San Francisco every year, including cultural celebrations that take over the streets and maritime traditions you can admire from the shoreline.
The best San Francisco parades range from the large Chinese New Year parade toward the beginning of the year to the small Lighted Boat Parade in December.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Read on to find out about the SF parades that occur every year from January to December.
Is There a Parade in San Francisco this Weekend?
If it's a holiday weekend and you notice some street closures and people wearing particularly colorful outfits, the answer is likely, "Yes! There is a parade today in San Francisco."
You will likely find out which one here on my list.
Our San Francisco parades span the generations—and even centuries in some cases—so they are beloved traditions that the city honors annually.
They often end with a community festival that offers music, food, and other activities for the rest of the day.
If you're wondering about an SF parade schedule or route for a certain event, read my descriptions below. Of course, they're subject to change from year to year, but they generally stay the same.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Date: Mid-January
The first San Francisco parade of the year takes place on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to honor the life and work of this important civil rights leader.
On Monday morning, thousands of people line up just south of the Lefty O'Doul Bridge near Oracle Park.
They walk over the bridge, stop at Willie Mays Plaza for a short ceremony, and then head toward the festival at the Yerba Buena Gardens in SOMA.
It usually starts around 11 am and everyone is welcome to join in.
Learn More: Details about the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration
Chinese New Year
Date: Varies; usually early February
The date for the Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco changes every year, as it is timed with the lunar calendar.
The entire celebration lasts for about a month, with a street fair, flower market, and other fun activities leading up to the annual SF parade.
It starts in downtown SF and weaves back and forth through Chinatown, ending near Columbus and Jackson in North Beach. The highlight is the dragon toward the end of the evening.
This parade starts around 5:15 pm and lasts for several hours. I recommend arriving early if you want a spot up front to see all of the participants.
Learn More: Details about the annual Chinese New Year celebration
Dive Deeper: Immerse yourself in the food and culture of Chinatown on this culinary walking tour
Saint Patrick's Day
Date: Around March 17
Another one of the highly attended parades in San Francisco is the Saint Patrick's Day celebration. It's either the Saturday before or after the holiday.
The procession starts downtown at 2nd and Market Streets, then heads west, turning at McAllister Street, ending just north of City Hall.
This parade is filled with Irish costumes, dancers, and music. It starts at 11:30 am and lasts for about 2 hours. During or after, make sure to stop by the festival in the Civic Center Plaza in front of City Hall.
Don't forget to don your green at this parade in San Francisco!
Learn More: Celebrating Saint Patrick's Day in SF
Cesar Chavez Festival & Parade
Date: April
The Cesar Chavez Festival commemorates the life and work of this California hero and labor rights activist.
While his birthday is celebrated on March 31, the festival and parade is a one-day event held in the Mission District in April each year.
The annual San Francisco parade starts near Dolores Park on 19th and Guerrero Streets at 11 am. It then makes its way east to the heart of the festival in the Mission.
You will experience traditional dress, dancing, and plenty of live music.
Learn More: Cesar Chavez holiday in San Francisco
Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: Mid-April
The Cherry Blossom Festival is a yearly Japantown event in April. It's a great time to enjoy the cherry blossoms of springtime, as well as traditional Japanese music, food, and activities.
The festival takes place over the course of two weekends in April. The annual SF parade is on the last day of the event.
It starts at 1 pm near City Hall, then heads north, turning on Post Street, then west to Japantown. During this event, you will see colorful costumes, traditional music, and fun floats.
Learn More: Cherry Blossom event information
Carnaval
Date: Late May
One of my favorite parades in San Francisco every year is Carnaval. The two-day festival celebrates Latin American cultures. It's the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.
This lovely procession is full of time-honored dress from many colorful countries. In addition, you get the chance to enjoy lots of traditional dances and music.
The parade runs along Mission Street and starts around 10 am on Sunday morning, lasting for around 3 hours.
Learn More: Photos and details for enjoying SF's Carnaval
Pride Celebration
Date: Late June
One of the largest parades in San Francisco each year is during the Pride Celebration. This event is always the last weekend in June in the Civic Center District.
The annual San Francisco Pride parade takes place on Sunday morning. Thousands turn out to support the LGBT community and watch this wonderful and entertaining procession.
It starts downtown at 10:30 am at Market and Beale. It lasts for about 3 hours (or sometimes more) and ends at Market at 8th Streets.
Learn More: San Francisco Pride dates and more
4th of July
Date: July 4
There is no parade in San Francisco for the Fourth of July. To celebrate Independence Day, the city always hosts a variety of activities along the waterfront in preparation for the large nighttime fireworks display.
If parades are more your thing for this all-American occasion, you have plenty of options in surrounding towns all over the Bay Area.
Whether you plan to visit the wine country up north, the East Bay, or the Peninsula, you have a great variety of family-friendly and small-town vibes to choose from.
Most cities kick off with the red, white, and blue floats and marching bands between 8 and 10 am, followed by food, entertainment, and other festivities.
Learn More: Get the details on all the parades around the Bay Area for this holiday
Fleet Week: Parade of Ships
Date: Early October
Since the water that surrounds SF is as famous as the city itself, you won't be surprised to hear that we have a few annual water parades.
The first is the Parade of Ships that kicks off Fleet Week. It's usually on the Friday morning of Fleet Week, which is always in October.
Come down to the waterfront on the city's north side to see almost a dozen military ships come into port. The best views are from Fisherman's Wharf, Crissy Field, or Alcatraz Island.
Learn More: Details on this year's Fleet Week
Italian Heritage Parade
Date: Mid-October
The Italian Heritage Parade is held each year on the Columbus Day holiday (the second Monday in October).
It's the city's oldest civic event and has been running since 1868. It features high school bands, hand-crafted floats, and performances by Italian music artists.
It starts at 12:30 pm in Fisherman's Wharf, then makes its way south to North Beach and ends at Washington Square Park. At the park, you can enjoy a small family-friendly festival.
Learn More: What to expect at the Italian Heritage annual event
Diver Deeper: Experience the best of SF's Little Italy on this popular food tour
For more live entertainment in North Beach, head to the historic Club Fugazi for a performance of the 'Dear San Francisco' Aerial Extravaganza Circus Show. It's 90 minutes of thrilling acrobatics and more that honor the essence of this great city.
Lighted Boat Parade
Date: Mid-December
Another one of my favorite parades in San Francisco is the holiday Lighted Boat Parade. It includes about 60 festively illuminated boats that float near the shoreline in Fisherman's Wharf.
It's free and you can see it best from Pier 39 or the Aquatic Park.
Learn More: Discover more free annual events in San Francisco
Other Fun Activities in SF
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