San Gabriel Lunar Lantern Festival

The San Gabriel Lunar Lantern Festival lights up San Gabriel’s Mission District with glowing displays, and there’s something about a street full of lanterns at dusk that makes everyone slow down and look up. It’s free, family-friendly and inspired by Taiwan’s Lantern Festival. The 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet.

What to expect

In 2026 it ran Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22. Illuminated lantern displays were the centerpiece, with street food vendors, artisan craft booths and shopping around them. Cultural performances and children’s activities filled out both days.

Kids could pick up free zodiac-animal lanterns, and there were free mochi (Japanese sweet rice cake) balls while supplies lasted. Translation: get there before the mochi runs out.

Good to know

• Last held: Saturday, March 21, 10am to 9pm, and Sunday, March 22, 2026, 10am to 7pm
• Admission: free
• Location: San Gabriel Mission District, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776
• Organizer: City of San Gabriel, with World Journal
• Parking in 2026: San Gabriel High School; the Park & Ride lot at 243 S. Mission Drive; San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, 438 W. Las Tunas Drive

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the San Gabriel Lunar Lantern Festival in 2027?

No 2027 dates have been released yet. It was last held March 21 and 22, 2026; earlier editions ran February 1 and 2, 2025, and February 17 and 18, 2024.

Is the San Gabriel Lunar Lantern Festival free?

Yes, admission is free. In 2026 kids also got free zodiac-animal lanterns while supplies lasted.

What happens at the San Gabriel Lunar Lantern Festival?

You can stroll past illuminated lantern displays, browse craft booths, eat from street food vendors and watch cultural performances, with activities for children on both days.

Source: Colorado Boulevard: Two Day San Gabriel Lantern Festival (2026), NBC LA: Free Lunar Lantern Festival in San Gabriel

How Do I Get to San Gabriel Mission District?

San Gabriel Mission District is at 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776. Parking: 2026: San Gabriel High School; Park & Ride lot at 243 S. Mission Drive; San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, 438 W. Las Tunas Drive. Use the directions and parking links on this page to plan your trip from where you are.