48th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker

Monday, Jan 19

Celebrating Lunar New Year & the Year of the Fire Horse

One of the nation’s oldest and largest Lunar New Year run, walk, cycling, and community festival events returns to historic Los Angeles Chinatown for its 48th year. The L.A. Chinatown Firecracker weekend features 5K and 10K runs, bike rides, a dog walk, a kiddie run, and a free, two-day cultural festival celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Participants and guests will enjoy lion dancers, the traditional lighting of 100,000 firecrackers, live entertainment, food vendors, a beer garden, children’s activities, and community exhibits throughout the weekend.

Each registered participant receives a commemorative race bib, exclusive finisher’s medal, event t-shirt (including kids and dogs), goodie bag, and more. The 5K and 10K courses take runners through iconic locations including Dodger Stadium and the hills of Elysian Park, offering sweeping city views. The Firecracker runs are 2026 USATF-sanctioned events.

In Chinese astrology, 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing energy, optimism, adventure, and transformation—qualities celebrated throughout this year’s event.

WHEN

February 28 – March 1, 2026

Saturday, Feb. 28

50-Mile Bike Ride – 8:00 a.m.
20-Mile Bike Ride – 8:15 a.m.
2K PAW’er Dog Walk – 9:00 a.m.
Lantern Paw Festival (Blossom Plaza) – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free Firecracker Festival – until 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 1

5K Run/Walk – 8:00 a.m.
10K Run/Walk – 8:40 a.m.
1K Kiddie Run – 9:45 a.m.
(Includes Kiddie Fun Zone with games, face painting, pony rides, arts & crafts, puppet shows, and more)
Free Firecracker Festival – until 1:00 p.m.