A 150-foot dragon weaving under the China Gate is hard to forget, and that’s the centerpiece of the Lunar New Year Dragon Dance and Celebration in Portland. The free parade winds from Old Town Chinatown to the Oregon Historical Society Park Plaza. The 2027 date hasn’t been announced yet; the 10th annual edition was held Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10 AM to 1 PM.
What to expect
The parade starts in front of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association at NW Third and Davis, passes through the China Gate and heads down SW Third Ave to the Oregon Historical Society.
Local lion dance teams join the dragon, and along the route the lions perform “pluck the green,” a good-luck ritual where they snatch up a bundle of greens. Volunteers hand out red envelopes, so keep a hand free.
Good to know
- Last held: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 10 AM to 1 PM; the 2025 parade was on Saturday, February 8.
- Admission: free to watch.
- Start: NW Third Ave and NW Davis St, Old Town Chinatown, Portland.
- Finish: Oregon Historical Society Park Plaza.
- Organizer: Portland Chinatown Museum, with the Oregon Historical Society.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Portland Lunar New Year Dragon Dance in 2027?
The 2027 date hasn’t been announced yet. The most recent parade ran Saturday, March 7, 2026, and the one before that on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Is the Portland Lunar New Year Dragon Dance free?
Yes. The parade is free to watch along the route through Old Town Chinatown.
What happens at the Portland Lunar New Year Dragon Dance?
A 150-foot dragon and local lion dance teams parade from NW Third and Davis through the China Gate to the Oregon Historical Society, with lions performing “pluck the green” and volunteers handing out red envelopes.
Source: 10th Annual Lunar New Year Dragon Dance and Celebration – Portland Chinatown Museum, Lunar New Year events in Portland 2025 (Portland Monthly)
How Do I Get to Old Town Chinatown (NW 3rd & Davis) to Oregon Historical Society Park Plaza?
Old Town Chinatown (NW 3rd & Davis) to Oregon Historical Society Park Plaza is at NW Third Ave and NW Davis St, Portland, OR. Use the directions and parking links on this page to plan your trip from where you are.
How to Get Here
The organizer hasn't published transit details yet. Tap Transit directions for live routes and times to Old Town Chinatown (NW 3rd & Davis) to Oregon Historical Society Park Plaza.
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
Old Town Chinatown (NW 3rd & Davis) to Oregon Historical Society Park Plaza, NW Third Ave and NW Davis St, Portland, OR