According to Chinese zodiac, Feb. 17, 2026, marks the start of the Year of the Fire Horse. Locals and visitors are invited to celebrate Lunar New Year and welcome in good fortune at Chinatown 808’s 50th Chinatown Festival and Parade on Saturday, Feb. 14. The all-day event runs from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
In partnership with American Savings Bank (ASB), Chinatown 808’s popular new year festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary—a milestone event.
“The horse symbolizes strength, energy and perseverance—qualities that reflect our community’s spirit,” says Leonard Kam, president of Chinatown 808. “We are proud to celebrate 50 years of tradition and invite everyone to join us in welcoming a prosperous new year.”
Millions of people around the world celebrate Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, which begins on the second new moon following the winter solstice. In 2026, Lunar New Year begins on Feb. 17, marking the end of winter and the start of spring. Traditionally, festivities run for about 15 days and include lion dances and fireworks.
READ MORE: 7 Things You Might Not Know About the Chinese New Year’s Lion Dance
Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown 808
Lunar New Year—also called Chinese New Year—is widely celebrated in Hawaiʻi. Chinese customs are faithfully practiced for good luck, such as cleaning homes to expel negative chi, wearing red for prosperity and feeding Chinese lions. Many families also prepare a spread of lucky Lunar New Year dishes.
READ MORE: 8 Foods to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Honolulu
The Chinatown Festival and Parade will take place in ʻAʻala Park and on N. Beretania Street between Maunakea and ʻAʻala streets on Oʻahu. Festivities include lion and dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, food and craft vendors, live entertainment and activities for keiki. There will also be traditional activities believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.
“Chinatown 808 was formed to continue the legacy of the original Night in Chinatown event started 50 years ago,” explains Kam. “We have expanded to also present the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is the second most important festival in China after the Lunar New Year. With both festivals we strive to bring traditional dance and activities to the greater Honolulu community.”
Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown 808
Kam says it’s heartwarming to watch multiple generations attending the event. He often sees grandparents escorting their families and interacting with the lions and dragons throughout the festival. He adds that the lion dance is the most popular performance. “The dragon also makes its appearance at the event, in which many attendees flock to the parade to see.” Kam says. “We also have traditional Chinese dance performances. In an effort to be inclusive, we have taiko drumming and traditional Korean dance performances.”
This year’s event will include more than 40 food, crafts and retail vendors. ASB members can use their ASB Visa Debit Card to receive exclusive discounts at 10 Buy Local Hawaiʻi Program merchants.
“American Savings Bank is proud to once again bring families together to celebrate Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural heritage in the heart of our Chinatown community,” said Ann Teranishi, president and CEO at American Savings Bank, in a news release. “Events like this strengthen Hawaiʻi by connecting residents and local businesses, building community pride and reinvesting in our local economy.”
Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown 808
The festival parade is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol lawn. Led by Grand Marshal Sen. Karl Rhoads, the parade will march down Hotel Street toward the Honolulu Chinatown district. The parade will included performances by lion dance groups and dragons, special appearances by festival queens and their courts, local organizations, kung fu martial artists, and local dignitaries.
Following the parade, there will be an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. at the ʻAʻala Park stage.
For more information about the festival and Chinatown 808, visit chinatown808.com.
