One of America’s Longest-Running Lunar New Year Fitness Traditions Returns to Historic Los Angeles Chinatown
February 20–21, 2027 | Los Angeles Chinatown Central Plaza
Report by Lela Christine
Los Angeles will welcome the Lunar New Year with movement, culture, community and tradition when the 49th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker returns February 20–21, 2027, to historic Los Angeles Chinatown.
Recognized as one of the largest and oldest Lunar New Year running events in the United States, the annual celebration brings together athletes, families, cyclists, children, dog lovers and visitors for an energetic weekend honoring Lunar New Year and the Year of the Ram.
The weekend includes timed 5K and 10K runs and walks, a 1K Kiddie Run, 2K PAW’er Dog Walk, 20-mile Fun Bike Ride and 50-mile Half Century Bike Ride, creating opportunities for participants of different ages and fitness levels to become part of this longstanding Los Angeles tradition.
49 Years of Culture, Fitness and Community
The Firecracker experience is much more than a race.
At its heart, the event combines physical wellness with the history and cultural traditions of Los Angeles Chinatown. The celebration begins with an opening ceremony featuring colorful lion dancers and the traditional lighting of more than 200,000 firecrackers, creating a powerful welcome to the Lunar New Year festivities.
Participants and their guests can also experience a free two-day festival featuring exhibitors, vendors, a beer garden, children’s activities, community resources and live entertainment.
Every registered participant receives a commemorative 2027 Firecracker race bib, collectible finisher’s medal, commemorative T-shirt and goodie bag. Registered children and dogs also receive commemorative shirts, adding another memorable element to the weekend.
Experience Los Angeles on the Move
For runners, the Firecracker offers courses that showcase some of Los Angeles’ most recognizable landscapes.
The 5K Run/Walk follows an out-and-back course taking participants past the main entrance of Dodger Stadium, while the 10K delivers a more challenging journey through the hills of Elysian Park.
Beginning from North Broadway, 10K participants climb into higher elevations of the park and travel above the Figueroa Tunnels overlooking the 110 Freeway. Tree-lined rolling hills and elevated portions of the course offer expansive views across Los Angeles.
Cyclists can experience the city from an entirely different perspective on Saturday.
The 50-mile Half Century Bike Ride, beginning at 8 a.m., travels through Chinatown and along the Los Angeles River Bike Trail before continuing through Griffith Park, Burbank, Glendale, Tujunga, La Crescenta, Montrose, La Cañada Flintridge, El Sereno and Lincoln Heights.
The 20-mile Fun Bike Ride begins at 8:15 a.m. and travels from Chinatown along the L.A. River Bike Trail to Griffith Park.
At 9 a.m., four-legged participants get their moment with the 2K PAW’er Dog Walk.
Sunday Belongs to Runners and Families
Sunday, February 21, begins with the 5K Timed Run/Walk at 8 a.m., followed by the 10K Timed Run/Walk at 8:40 a.m.
Young participants take center stage at 9:45 a.m. during the 1K Kiddie Run.
The accompanying Kiddie Fun Zone turns the morning into a family celebration with carnival games, face painting, pony rides, arts and crafts, rock climbing, a puppet show and additional activities.
Those unable to travel to Los Angeles can still participate by registering for a virtual Firecracker event, extending the celebration beyond Southern California.
Welcoming the Year of the Ram
The 2027 celebration recognizes the Year of the Ram. In traditional Chinese zodiac interpretations, people born during Ram years are often associated with qualities including kindness, gentleness, creativity, compassion and an appreciation for artistic expression.
That spirit connects naturally with an event built around community participation and cultural celebration.
The Firecracker is produced by the nonprofit L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee, whose volunteers dedicate their time to promoting healthy lifestyles, fitness, cultural awareness, education and community involvement.
Importantly, the impact continues after race weekend. Proceeds from Firecracker events are reinvested into the community to support programs and services benefiting local elementary schools and nonprofit organizations.
Plan Your Firecracker Weekend
The 49th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker takes place Saturday and Sunday, February 20–21, 2027, at Los Angeles Chinatown Central Plaza, 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Registration ranges from $35 to $75, depending on the selected event and registration category.
Participants can learn more and register through Firecracker10K.org. Virtual participation is also available for supporters who cannot attend the Los Angeles celebration in person.
As the Firecracker approaches its remarkable 50-year milestone, its 49th edition represents something bigger than crossing a finish line. It is a celebration of Los Angeles history, cultural heritage, wellness and the generations of families and community members who continue to keep Chinatown traditions visible and thriving.
Four Key Firecracker Takeaways
- 49 Years of Tradition: The L.A. Chinatown Firecracker continues its legacy as one of the nation’s largest and longest-running Lunar New Year race celebrations.
- Something for Everyone: The weekend features 5K and 10K events, a Kiddie Run, PAW’er Dog Walk, 20- and 50-mile cycling events and virtual participation.
- A Cultural Celebration: Lion dancers, more than 200,000 traditional firecrackers, entertainment, vendors and family activities transform race weekend into a two-day Lunar New Year festival.
- Community Impact: Organized by the nonprofit L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee, event proceeds help support local schools, nonprofit organizations and programs advancing health, education and community participation.
Report by Lela Christine
