L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Celebrates Year of the Horse

48th annual event returns to Chinatown with races, festival, and more over two-day weekend.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The long-running L.A. Chinatown Firecracker celebration is returning to Chinatown on February 28-March 1 to mark the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse. The 48th annual event will feature opening ceremonies with lion dancers and firecrackers, a free festival with exhibitors, vendors, and activities, as well as a variety of races including 50-mile and 20-mile bike rides, 5K and 10K runs/walks, and a PAW'er Dog Walk.

Why it matters

The L.A. Chinatown Firecracker is one of the largest and oldest running Lunar New Year celebrations in the U.S., drawing thousands of attendees each year to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of the Chinese-American community in Los Angeles. The event highlights the continued importance of preserving and celebrating the Lunar New Year in diverse urban communities.

The details

The L.A. Chinatown Firecracker celebration will kick off each day with opening ceremonies at 7 a.m. featuring lion dancers and the lighting of 100,000 firecrackers. The free festival running both days will include exhibitors, a beer garden, vendors, activities for children, and live entertainment. On Saturday, there will also be a Lantern Paw Festival at Blossom Plaza with a dog-centered Lunar New Year celebration, while Sunday will feature a Kiddie Fun Zone with carnival games, pony rides, arts and crafts, and more. The main events are the races, including 50-mile and 20-mile bike rides on Saturday and 5K, 10K, and 1K Kiddie runs on Sunday.

  • The L.A. Chinatown Firecracker celebration will take place on February 28-March 1, 2026.
  • The opening ceremonies start each day at 7 a.m.

The players

Jennifer Gee

A board member of the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker organization.

L.A. Chinatown Firecracker

The organization that hosts the long-running Lunar New Year celebration in Los Angeles' Chinatown.

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What they’re saying

“It's just such a fun and wonderful way to celebrate the Lunar New Year. For people who aren't participating in the races and just want to come out and watch it's just a high-energy event and there are so many fun things to do.”

— Jennifer Gee, Board member (Press-Telegram)

What’s next

The L.A. Chinatown Firecracker celebration will continue to be an annual event, with the 49th edition scheduled for February 2027.

The takeaway

The L.A. Chinatown Firecracker remains an important cultural tradition that brings the diverse Chinese-American community together to celebrate the Lunar New Year with vibrant festivities, races, and family-friendly activities. The event's longevity and popularity demonstrate the enduring significance of preserving and sharing these traditions in urban centers.