SAN FRANCISCO, May 14, 2026 – In honor of local legend Bruce Lee, on Sunday, May 17, 2026, San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) is hosting an exciting afternoon of programs, including a martial arts demonstration, screen printing, crafts, mahjong, and classic Bruce Lee film screenings. Events are for all ages and are free to the public.

A dynamic, high-energy martial arts showcase starts at 12 p.m. by Legacy Filipino Martial Arts, Kung Fu practitioner Hunter Hartwell and the Sunset-based Doc Fun-Wong Martial Arts Center, all under the Main Library’s iconic atrium. Film screenings of The Big Boss, also known as Fists of Fury, and Enter the Dragon will be shown in the Koret Auditorium. From 1–3:30 p.m., mahjong tables will be available in the Chinese Center. Beginners are welcome, with skilled instructors from Chinatown’s Mahjong Movement. Lastly, families can enjoy making paper nunchucks and calligraphy in the Children’s Center, as well as screen printing their own commemorative poster, offered in partnership by the Chinese Historical Society of America.

Additionally, in honor of Lee’s commitment to reading and lifelong learning, SFPL is releasing two new library card designs featuring Lee on May 17. One design features a black and white photograph of Lee reading in his home library; the other is of Lee wearing his famous yellow and black jumpsuit, in a scene from his unfinished last film, Game of Death (1978). In addition to being a groundbreaking martial arts expert, Lee was a prolific reader and owned an extensive library of more than 1,700 books ranging on topics such as philosophy, fighting techniques, self-help, acting and directing.

Schedule of Events

All events take place at the Main Library, 100 Larkin St., and are free and open to the public.

Martial Arts Performance – 12–1 p.m., Atrium, 1st Floor

Experience the power and precision of Northern California’s premier martial arts community as they honor the world's most iconic fighter. This curated program brings together top-tier organizations to display the strength, grace and cultural history of their disciplines. Attendees observe traditional forms and contemporary evolutions in a series of live showcases designed to inspire and educate.

Bruce Lee Screen Printing – 1–3 p.m., Children's Center, 2nd Floor

Create a custom commemorative print with the Mobile Art Lab in this interactive screenprinting session celebrating the philosophy and local history of the world's most iconic martial arts figure. Watch art in motion as the Chinese Historical Society of America brings a custom-built screenprinting bike to the library. Participants choose from two exclusive designs and take home a handmade keepsake that celebrates strength and creativity. The experience highlights the intersection of public art and community heritage.

Crafts for Youth: Nunchuck Making and Calligraphy – 1–3 p.m., Children's Center, 2nd Floor

Mahjong Afternoon – 1–3:30 p.m., Chinese Center, 3rd Floor

 A special Bruce Lee Day celebration activity inviting people to enjoy the culture of Mahjong. Two skilled instructors from the Mahjong Movement, part of the Delta Chinatown Initiatives, will host friendly matches and provide hands-on teaching for those new to the game. This event is now full.

Film Screening: The Big Boss – 1–3 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Lower Level

In Bruce Lee's first major film in a lead role, he plays a young kung-fu fighter who has sworn an oath of non-violence and works with his cousins in an ice factory. The fighter decides to break his oath and avenge his relatives after they are slain by their gangster boss. Also released as Fists of Fury.

Film Screening: Enter the Dragon – 3–4:45 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Lower Level

Recruited by an intelligence agency, outstanding martial arts student Bruce Lee participates in a brutal karate tournament hosted by the evil Han. Along with champions Roper and Williams, he uncovers Han's white slavery and drug trafficking ring located on a secret island fortress. In the exciting climax, hundreds of freed prisoners fight in an epic battle with Lee and Han locked in a deadly duel.

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About Bruce Lee

Born in San Francisco in 1940 and raised in Hong Kong, Bruce Lee began studying gung fu at 13, learning that martial arts were less about fighting and more about confidence and self-discipline. Alongside martial arts, he developed passions for dancing and acting, appearing in 20 films before returning to San Francisco at age 18 with just $100.

Lee studied philosophy at the University of Washington, taught dance and martial arts and opened martial arts schools along the West Coast. During his lifetime, Lee broke barriers in an industry where Asian Americans were often sidelined, most notably through his groundbreaking role in Enter the Dragon. Before his death in 1973 at age 32, Lee created his own martial art, Jeet Kune Do, and became a global icon whose influence continues to inspire millions.

On May 13, 2026, California Assemblymember Matt Haney announced AB 2455, honoring Bruce Lee’s legacy by designating May 17—the day that Lee returned to San Francisco from Hong Kong—as Bruce Lee Day in California, encouraging schools and public institutions to highlight Lee’s contributions. AB 2455 celebrates a Chinese American leader whose legacy continues to expand opportunity and visibility for future generations.

About San Francisco Public Library

San Francisco Public Library connects our diverse communities to learning, opportunities and each other. The library system is made up of 27 neighborhood branches, the San Francisco Main Library at Civic Center and four bookmobiles.