Few things wake up a street like a lion dance troupe stopping at each shop door. The Chinatown Fresno Chinese New Year Lion Dance brings that tradition to Fresno’s historic Chinatown, starting at Central Fish Company. The 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet; the most recent one took place Saturday, February 28, 2026.
What to expect
Lion dancers parade through Chinatown and bless about a dozen local businesses, “eating” lettuce for prosperity along the way. Businesses give red-envelope donations, which support the performers and scholarships for Chinese American students.
It’s a long-running tradition; one shop has welcomed the dancers every year since the early 2000s. Follow the crowd and you’ll find the lions.
Good to know
- Last held: Saturday, February 28, 2026
- Start point: Central Fish Company, Chinatown Fresno
- Organizer: Chinatown Fresno Foundation
- In 2025 the lion dances started at 11 am on Saturday, January 25, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Chinatown Fresno lion dance in 2027?
The 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet. It was held Saturday, January 25, 2025 and Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Where is the Chinatown Fresno Chinese New Year Lion Dance held?
It moves through Fresno’s historic Chinatown, starting at Central Fish Company and visiting about a dozen businesses.
What happens at the Chinatown Fresno lion dance?
Lion dancers parade through Chinatown, bless local businesses and eat lettuce for prosperity, collecting red-envelope donations for scholarships.
Source: Lion dancers in Fresno (Fresnoland, Mar 2026), Fresno’s Chinatown hosts Chinese New Year lion dancers (Fresnoland, Jan 2025)
How to Get Here
The organizer hasn't published transit details yet. Tap Transit directions for live routes and times to Chinatown Fresno (starts at Central Fish Company).
Where to Park
Parking near big Lunar New Year events fills early and some streets close. Arrive early, or take transit if you can.
Map
Chinatown Fresno (starts at Central Fish Company), Fresno, CA
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