San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) announces a full lineup of free, all-ages festivities in celebration of Lunar New Year. In Chinese culture, 2026 marks the year of the Fire Horse, a symbol of intensity, independence, transformation and dramatic change—themes that the Library draws upon for its programming throughout January and February.

SFPL provides a wide range of cultural activities that honor the rich, long-standing traditions of Lunar New Year. Highlights include the annual joint Black History Month/Lunar New Year celebration, Heartbeats, Drumbeats: Community as One on February 24, presented in partnership with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, APA Heritage Foundation, Booker T. Washington Community Service Center and Friends of the San Francisco Public Library. The event, which takes place at the Main Library, features an interactive performance procession with Duniya Dance & Drum Company and Lion DanceME, followed by youth poetry readings and performances by Loco Bloco and musicians Francis Wong and David Boyce.

Other highlights include a several day lion dance series with Jing Mo Athletic Association, traditional and contemporary dance choreography with the Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company, a conversation between tattoo artists Jimmy Shy and Takahiro (Taki) Kitamura on satellite exhibit Inked Zodiac (a part of the exhibit Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond) and more.

From performances to art to educational workshops, SFPL invites all to join in a two-month long celebration of Lunar New Year to kick off an auspicious, fortune-filled 2026.

ALL-AGES PROGRAMS

Lion Dance with Jing Mo Athletic Association

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with a lion dancing performance by Jing Mo Athletic Association. Learn more about the rich heritage of Lunar New Year traditions, see a spectacular martial arts demonstration and touch a piece of lucky lettuce to start your year off right.

January 17, 2026

Ingleside Branch, 1298 Ocean Avenue, 10:15–10:45 a.m.

West Portal Branch, 190 Lenox Way, 11:15 a.m.–12 p.m.

Noe Valley Branch, 451 Jersey Street, 12:15–1:15 a.m.

Glen Park Branch, 2825 Diamond Street, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Portola Branch, 380 Bacon Street, 3:30–4 p.m.

Parkside Branch, 1200 Taraval Street, 4:45–5:30 p.m.

January 24, 2026

Presidio Branch, 3150 Sacramento Street, 11–11:30 a.m.

Richmond Branch, 351 9th Avenue, 12:30–1 p.m.

Park Branch, 1833 Page Street, 2–2:30 p.m.

Main Library, Children’s Center, 2nd Floor, 100 Larkin Street, 3:15–3:45 p.m.

Marina Branch, 1890 Chestnut Street, 4:30–5 p.m.

January 31, 2026

Golden Gate Valley Branch, 1801 Green Street, 10:15–11 a.m.

Western Addition Branch, 1550 Scott Street, 11:15–11:45 a.m.

Bernal Heights Branch, 500 Cortland Avenue, 1–2 p.m.

Eureka Valley Branch, 1 Jose Sarria Court, 2–2:30 p.m.

Chinatown Branch, 1135 Powell Street, 3:15–3:45 p.m.

DIY Chinese New Year Couplet / DIY 賀年揮春

Join artist Jojo Liu for a Chinese calligraphy workshop and learn the essentials of Chinese calligraphy, create meaningful couplets and bring good fortune and joy home for the Lunar New Year. For adults and children ages 6 and older. Program in Cantonese. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-5615. January 17, 2026, Ocean View Branch, 345 Randolph Street, 2–3 p.m.

參加藝術家 Jojo Liu 的中國書法工作坊學習中國書法的精粹，以及製作有意義的賀年揮春，喜迎福氣盈門。 歡迎六歲或以上的兒童和成人參加。活動以粵語進行。 名額有限，報名請致電: (415) 355-5615。 活動日期和時間：2026年1月17日下午2點-3點，活動地點：海景區圖書分館（345 Randolph Street）

Red Envelope Creations

Celebrate the Lunar New Year by creating a beautiful craft using traditional ‘lucky’ red envelopes. For ages 12 and older. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-2848. January 17, 2026, Visitacion Valley Branch, 201 Leland Avenue, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Lunar New Year Celebration

Celebrate the Lunar New Year through singing, tai chi and dancing performances from the Visitacion Valley Neighborhood Association. Attendees have the chance to learn traditional Chinese dance. January 31, 2026, Visitacion Valley Branch, 201 Leland Avenue, 3–3:30 p.m.

Lunar New Year Tea Ceremony

Learn about Chinese tea ceremonies. Brew oolong tea using a gaiwan (a traditional Chinese bowl) and experience the harmony, tranquility and elegance of the tea ceremony. For ages 12 and older. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-5757. February 1, 2026, Bayview Branch, 5075 3rd Street, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Lunar New Year Craft

Create festive decorations while learning about the traditions and symbols of the Lunar New Year. For ages 12 and older. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-5717. February 12, 2026, Anza Branch, 550 37th Avenue, 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Lunar New Year Greetings

Learn different Lunar New Year greetings and write your own with Chinese calligraphy on red paper to welcome the Year of the Horse. February 14, 2026, Visitacion Valley Branch, 201 Leland Avenue, 2–3 p.m.

The Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company

Celebrate The Year of the Horse with a performance by the Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company. Enjoy traditional and contemporary choreography to usher in a new year of good luck and good fortune. February 14, 2026, Presidio Branch, 3150 Sacramento Street, 2–3 p.m.

Lunar New Year Craft

Celebrate the Year of the Horse by painting wooden horses. February 15, 2026, Bayview Branch, 5075 3rd Street, 1:30–3 p.m.

Lion Dance with West Coast Lion Dance Troupe

Ring in the Year of the Horse with a traditional lion dance from the West Coast Lion Dance Troupe.

February 28, 2026

Ortega Branch, 3223 Ortega Street, 10–11 a.m.

Little Footprints Preschool, 308 Randolph Street, 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

Excelsior Branch, 4400 Mission Street, 1–2 p.m.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Lunar New Year Calligraphy

Jojo Liu teaches the art of traditional Chinese calligraphy basics. Learn skills such as how to hold a brush and write basic strokes or New Year sayings. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-5700. January 15, 2026, Ortega Branch, 3223 Ortega Street, 1–2 p.m.

Lunar New Year Lantern

Create a beautiful lantern decor piece for your home. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-2898. January 31, 2026, Ingleside Branch, 1298 Ocean Avenue, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Performance by Violinist Bin Huang

Enjoy a performance by Bin Huang, acclaimed violinist and winner of both the Paganini International Violin Competition and the Munich (ARD) International Music Competition. Huang is joined by talented musicians from the Cao Shukun Cultural Heritage Foundation. February 1, 2026, Main Library, Koret Auditorium, Lower Level, 100 Larkin Street, 2–4 p.m.

歡迎前來欣賞享譽國際的知名小提琴家黃濱的精彩演奏。 黃濱曾榮獲帕格尼尼國際小提琴大賽以及慕尼黑（ARD）國際音樂大賽雙料冠軍。  曹樹堃文化傳承基金會的傑出音樂家們也將同台獻藝。表演日期和時間：2026年2月1日下午2點-4點，活動地點：總圖書館負一層Koret禮堂（100 Larkin Street）。 

Inked Zodiac with Tattoo Artist Jimmy Shy

Tattoo artists Jimmy Shy and Taki Kitamura discuss the cultural crosscurrents between East and West as expressed through their different tattoo styles. Shy and Kitamura are artists featured in the exhibition Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond, which is accompanied by Shy’s satellite exhibition, Inked Zodiac: The Art of Jimmy Shy. February 5, Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor, 100 Larkin Street, 5–7 p.m.

Writing "Fortune" for the Lunar New Year / 迎春寫福贈揮春

Chinatown Branch staff write spring couplets and the Chinese character “福” (good fortune) for participants to take home for some festive cheer. February 6, 2026, Chinatown Branch, 1135 Powell Street, 2–4 p.m.

華埠圖書分館職員現場揮毫一幅幅喜氣洋洋的「福」字及揮春贈街坊、共賀新春。 活動日期和時間：2026年2月6日下午2點-4點，活動地點：華埠圖書分館（1135 Powell Street）。

A Cultural Celebration for the Lunar New Year

A vibrant Lunar New Year celebration featuring tea culture, traditional arts and hands-on experiences. Activities include calligraphy, paper cutting, lantern riddles and bookmark crafting, followed by a live performance of Chinese music.  A selection of Lunar New Year–themed artworks for the Year of the Horse, created by distinguished artists from China and the United States, are exhibited. February 6, 2026, Main Library, Koret Auditorium, Lower Level, 100 Larkin Street, 2–5 p.m.

一場充滿活力兼融合茶文化、傳統藝術與動手體驗的新春節慶活動。 參加者可在欣賞現場中國音樂演出前，體驗書法、剪紙、猜燈謎與書籤製作等活動。 現場將展出由中美藝術名家創作以馬年春節為主題的藝術精品。 活動日期和時間：2026年2月6日下午2點-5點，活動地點：總圖書館負一層Koret禮堂（100 Larkin Street）。

Lunar New Year Decoration Craft

Craft paper wall decorations as a perfect way to make your home more festive this holiday season. Space limited. Seats available first come, first served. February 11, 2026, Mission Bay Branch, 960 4th Street, 5:30–7 p.m.

Heartbeats, Drumbeats: Community as One

The Library’s annual joint celebration of Black History Month and the Lunar New Year returns. Experience an interactive procession by Duniya Dance & Drum Company and Lion DanceME, followed by youth poetry readings and performances by Loco Bloco and musicians Francis Wong and David Boyce. February 24, 2026, Main Library, Larkin Street Entrance, 100 Larkin Street, 4:45–8 p.m.

Lantern Festival

Enjoy a variety of family activities in celebration of the Lunar New Year Lantern Festival, presented by the Chinese Cultural Learning Center, such as traditional Taiwanese Hakka dance, a Diabolo performance, shadow puppetry, kung fu, rice cake stations and more. February 28, 2026, Richmond Branch, 351 9th Avenue, 2–3 p.m.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Junior Readers Book Club

Make a Lunar New Year wooden firecracker craft, try some foods inspired by the book Two New Years and meet other first and second graders learning to read. A selection of free books for children learning to read and resources for parents available to take home. For ages 6–8. January 16, 2026, Glen Park Branch, 2825 Diamond Street, 4:15–5 p.m.

Red Envelope Lanterns

Make festive lanterns out of red envelopes to celebrate the Lunar New Year. For ages 6 and older. Supplies limited. Seats available first come, first served. January 27, 2026, Golden Gate Valley Branch, 1801 Green Street, 4–5 p.m.

Chinese New Year LED Greeting Card / 農曆新年LED賀卡

Make a LED paper circuit card for Lunar Chinese New Year. Space limited. Reservation recommended: (415) 355-2888. For ages 12–18. February 3, 2026, Chinatown Branch, 1135 Powell Street, 3:30–5 p.m.

製作一張農曆新年的LED紙電路賀卡。 名額有限，建議致電提前報名： (415)355-2888。歡迎年齡介乎12至18歲的青少年參加。活動日期和時間：2026年2月3日下午3點半-5點，活動地點：華埠圖書分館（1135 Powell Street）。

LEGOs and Lunar New Year Paper Dragons

Celebrate Chinese traditions by making your very own foldable dragon. LEGOs available for your littler ones to play with. For ages 5–8. February 5, 2026, North Beach Branch, 850 Columbus Avenue, 4–4:45 p.m.

Year of the Horse Workshop

Make a Year of the Horse-themed craft for Lunar New Year. Recommended for children ages 5 and older. February 7, 2026, Parkside Branch, 1200 Taraval Street, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Lunar New Year Craft

Make a lunar new year craft using red envelopes to celebrate the Lunar New Year. For children ages 6–10. February 7, 2026, Portola Branch, 380 Bacon Street, 3–4 p.m.

Lunar New Year Notebooks

Decorate a notebook to take home for Lunar New Year. For ages 7 and older. February 18, 2026, Sunset Branch, 3–4 p.m.

For a complete schedule of events and more information, please visit sfpl.org.