Women in ornate dresses stand in the foreground while a group in bright costumes perform a choreographed dance at an outdoor street festival with white tents.
Neighbors, performers, and politicians gathered for the annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Ocean Avenue, Unity Plaza, San Francisco, Calif., February 28, 2026. Photo by Jay A Martin

Hundreds of neighbors from Ingleside attended the Lunar New Year Celebration Saturday afternoon at the Unity Plaza between the Whole Foods and City College. 

Performers, vendors, and politicians of every stripe participated in the celebration. While artists painted kids’ faces and children fished for prizes, District 11 congressional candidates Connie Chan and Scott Weiner stumped in Cantonese to win over votes. Mayor Daniel Lurie roused the crowd with “Let’s go San Francisco!”

Behind the political stage, performers rehearsed their moves. Chinese folk dancers in traditional red jackets and flowing blue trousers went through the paces, flashing red cotton peonies. Ignoring the dancers, women in traditional qi pao, form-fitting gowns going back to Manchuria, preened to look their best.

Older attendees jammed vendor booths to get their Lunar New Year “passport” card stamped for the chance to win a $10 voucher good at Ingleside businesses. 

An hour into the event, there was no letting up at the party.

A group of people wearing hats and backpacks stand in line under a canopy, holding red tote bags at an outdoor event.
Seniors at the annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Ocean Avenue, Unity Plaza, San Francisco, Calif., February 28, 2026. Photo by Jay A Martin
Two people in lion dance costumes stand in a van doorway, with one person wearing the red lion pants and others in matching team shirts.
Performers at the annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Ocean Avenue, Unity Plaza, San Francisco, Calif., February 28, 2026. Photo by Jay A Martin
A group of people stand on an outdoor stage, some smiling and one person speaking into a microphone, with decorative fans on the ground in front of them.
District Supervisor and Congressional Candidate Connie Chan addresses neighbors, performers, and politicians gathered for the annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Ocean Avenue at Unity Plaza, San Francisco, Calif., February 28, 2026. Photo by Jay A Martin
An elderly person writes Chinese calligraphy on red paper at a table while a woman stands nearby holding a red envelope. Other people are visible in the background.
The annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Ocean Avenue, Unity Plaza, San Francisco, Calif., February 28, 2026. Photo by Jay A Martin
A woman paints a girl's face at an outdoor event while others watch and participate around a table with art supplies.
Face painting at the annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Ocean Avenue, Unity Plaza, San Francisco, Calif., February 28, 2026. Photo by Jay A Martin
A young person in traditional colorful dress holds out their skirt at an outdoor event, surrounded by others in similar attire. A parked vehicle and a shopping bag are visible nearby.
Neighbors, performers, and politicians gathered for the annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Ocean Avenue, Unity Plaza, San Francisco, Calif., February 28, 2026. Photo by Jay A Martin

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