Chinatown’s Halloween Festival Brings Lion Dances, Pumpkins and Costume Contests to Waverly Place October 31

CHINATOWN, SAN FRANCISCO — Families visiting Waverly Place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, can take part in the 12th annual Chinatown Halloween Festival, organized by the Community Youth Center of San Francisco.

Where and when

The Community Youth Center’s official announcement schedules activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Waverly Place in Chinatown. Its events page gives the location as Waverly Place between Sacramento and Washington streets.

What’s planned

Organizers list a pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, virtual-reality games and a lion dance by LionDanceMe. Visitors are encouraged to dress in costume. Contest categories include children ages 0–11, teenagers ages 12–17, adults and family or group entries. The organizer says the top three winners in each category will receive a $50 Chinatown dining gift certificate.

The event also offers a Trick-or-Treat Lane and activities connected with neighborhood businesses. Advance registration for a giveaway closed on October 28, so families should not assume that pre-registration gifts remain available on event day.

Visiting respectfully

Expect additional foot traffic around Waverly Place, nearby shops and transit stops. Pedestrians should watch for vehicles where the festival ends and should avoid blocking store entrances or emergency access. The event is a neighborhood gathering and a chance to support Chinatown businesses; it is not an official announcement that all surrounding streets are closed.

Check the Community Youth Center events page for any final changes. The notice establishes the scheduled program, not a verified attendance count or weather conditions during the event.

Source: Community Youth Center of San Francisco, September 24, 2026 announcement and October 31 events listing. No event photographs or posters reproduced.

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