San Diego, February 3, 2026
San Diego is set to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a variety of vibrant events throughout the city. From the inaugural Convoy Rising celebration to family-friendly activities at SeaWorld, there’s an event for everyone. Highlights include traditional lion dances, cultural exhibits, artisan markets, and the San Diego Chinese New Year Fair. These festivities present an opportunity for both residents and visitors to experience rich cultural traditions and community connections.
Lunar New Year Celebrations in San Diego: A Festive Lineup of Events
San Diego is embracing the Lunar New Year with a series of vibrant events across the city, offering residents and visitors a chance to celebrate the Year of the Horse. From cultural festivals to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Convoy Rising: A Lunar New Year Kickoff Celebration
Sunday, February 8, 2026, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Convoy District will host its inaugural Lunar New Year kickoff celebration, transforming into a cultural hub filled with sights, sounds, and flavors that honor the Year of the Fire Horse. The event features a night market-style festival with delicious food, unique local vendors, artisan goods, and a premier lion dance exhibition. Families can enjoy live entertainment, festive decorations, and the vibrant energy of one of San Diego’s most dynamic districts.
Lunar New Year at SeaWorld San Diego
February 1 – 16, 2026
SeaWorld San Diego celebrates the Year of the Horse with festive performances, vibrant décor, and traditions that honor energy, optimism, independence, and new beginnings. The event includes high-energy performances, cultural traditions, festive flavors, family-friendly activities, and is included with park admission.
2026 ABASD Lunar New Year Celebration
Friday, February 6, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
The Asian Business Association of San Diego (ABASD) invites the community to ring in the Lunar New Year with an evening of food, culture, and connection. The event features a cocktail-style celebration honoring the Year of the Horse, with delicious food and beverages, a traditional lion dance performance, live music, and networking opportunities with professionals, entrepreneurs, and supporters from across the community.
Lunar New Year AXIS Event
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Hosted by The Old Globe Theatre, this free, family-friendly event celebrates the start of the Year of the Horse. The event features traditional dragon dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, live music, arts and crafts, and food vendors.
San Diego Chinese New Year Fair
February 28 – March 1, 2026
Held in the heart of San Diego’s historic Chinatown, this annual festival features traditional lion dances, martial arts performances, cultural exhibits, and authentic Chinese cuisine. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities in a festive atmosphere.
Gaslamp Mardi Gras + Lunar New Year Celebrations
February 13, 2026, 6:00 PM
The Gaslamp Quarter hosts a multi-day celebration blending Mardi Gras, Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, and Fat Tuesday, hosted across 20+ venues along 5th Avenue. The event includes a multi-cultural bar crawl and nightlife experience, themed nights celebrating Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, and Lunar New Year, live DJs, festive décor, and exclusive drink and dining deals.
San Diego Tết Festival Card Show
February 21 – 22, 2026, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Part of the official San Diego Tết Festival, this two-day card show brings together collectors, vendors, families, and fans for a high-energy celebration of trading cards, culture, and community. The event is free to attend and welcomes all ages.
These events offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, performances, and activities to celebrate the Lunar New Year in San Diego. Whether you’re interested in traditional festivities, culinary delights, or community gatherings, there’s an event to suit every interest.
Key Features of San Diego’s Lunar New Year Celebrations
| Event | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convoy Rising: A Lunar New Year Kickoff Celebration | February 8, 2026 | Convoy District | Night market-style festival, lion dance exhibition, live entertainment |
| Lunar New Year at SeaWorld San Diego | February 1 – 16, 2026 | SeaWorld San Diego | Festive performances, cultural traditions, family-friendly activities |
| 2026 ABASD Lunar New Year Celebration | February 6, 2026 | Emerald Chinese Cuisine | Cocktail-style celebration, lion dance performance, live music |
| Lunar New Year AXIS Event | February 14, 2026 | The Old Globe Theatre | Dragon dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, live music |
| San Diego Chinese New Year Fair | February 28 – March 1, 2026 | Historic Chinatown | Lion dances, martial arts performances, cultural exhibits |
| Gaslamp Mardi Gras + Lunar New Year Celebrations | February 13, 2026 | Gaslamp Quarter | Multi-cultural bar crawl, themed nights, festivities |
| San Diego Tết Festival Card Show | February 21 – 22, 2026 | TBD | Trading cards, cultural celebration, family-friendly |
FAQ
What is the Convoy Rising: A Lunar New Year Kickoff Celebration?
The Convoy District will host its inaugural Lunar New Year kickoff celebration, transforming into a cultural hub filled with sights, sounds, and flavors that honor the Year of the Fire Horse. The event features a night market-style festival with delicious food, unique local vendors, artisan goods, and a premier lion dance exhibition. Families can enjoy live entertainment, festive decorations, and the vibrant energy of one of San Diego’s most dynamic districts.
When is the Lunar New Year at SeaWorld San Diego?
SeaWorld San Diego celebrates the Year of the Horse with festive performances, vibrant décor, and traditions that honor energy, optimism, independence, and new beginnings. The event includes high-energy performances, cultural traditions, festive flavors, family-friendly activities, and is included with park admission.
What is the 2026 ABASD Lunar New Year Celebration?
The Asian Business Association of San Diego (ABASD) invites the community to ring in the Lunar New Year with an evening of food, culture, and connection. The event features a cocktail-style celebration honoring the Year of the Horse, with delicious food and beverages, a traditional lion dance performance, live music, and networking opportunities with professionals, entrepreneurs, and supporters from across the community.
What is the Lunar New Year AXIS Event?
Hosted by The Old Globe Theatre, this free, family-friendly event celebrates the start of the Year of the Horse. The event features traditional dragon dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, live music, arts and crafts, and food vendors.
When is the San Diego Chinese New Year Fair?
Held in the heart of San Diego’s historic Chinatown, this annual festival features traditional lion dances, martial arts performances, cultural exhibits, and authentic Chinese cuisine. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities in a festive atmosphere.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
