# L.A. Chinatown Firecracker opens registration for 49th annual Lunar New Year runs, bike rides and dog walk *The nonprofit L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee has opened registration for its Feb. 20-21, 2027 weekend of 5K, 10K, kiddie, PAW’er dog walk and 20- and 50-mile bike rides at the historic Chinatown Plaza, with fees ranging from $35 to $75.* **Section:** Community **Tags:** Community, Feel-good-vibes, Lunar-new-year, Community-fitness, Chinatown, Bike-rides **Reading time:** 3 min Registration is now live for the 49th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker, a weekend of running, cycling and canine-friendly activities that celebrates the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Ram. The event will take place Feb. 20-21, 2027 at the historic Los Angeles Chinatown Central Plaza, a site that has hosted the race for nearly five decades and is widely recognized as one of the largest and oldest Lunar New Year runs in the United States. Each registered participant will receive a commemorative 2027 race bib, a collectible finisher’s medal, a Lunar New Year-themed t-shirt, a goodie bag and access to a two-day festival featuring lion dancers, the lighting of over 200,000 firecrackers, live entertainment, food vendors and a beer garden. The festival is open to the public and is designed to showcase Chinatown’s cultural heritage while encouraging healthy lifestyles. Virtual participation is also available for runners, walkers, cyclists and dog owners who cannot attend in person. For more details, registration links and contact information, visit the official site at [firecracker10k.org](https://firecracker10k.org/) or the event page on [RunSignup.com](https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/CA/LosAngeles/LAChinatownFirecracker). ## COURSE DETAILS · Weekend schedule and course details The Saturday lineup begins at 8:00 a.m. with a 50-mile Half Century Bike Ride that threads through Chinatown, the LA River Bike Trail, Griffith Park and several neighboring communities before returning to the plaza. A 20-mile Fun Bike Ride follows at 8:15 a.m., offering a flatter, beginner-friendly route. At 9:00 a.m., the 2-kilometer PAW’er Dog Walk starts, allowing dogs to trot the streets while owners enjoy the festive atmosphere. Sunday’s running program kicks off at 8:00 a.m. with a timed 5K run/walk that follows an out-and-back course past the main entrance to Dodger Stadium. The 10K run begins at 8:40 a.m. and climbs from N. Broadway into the hills of Elysian Park, winding over the Figueroa Tunnels and delivering a 180-degree view of the city. Both courses are USATF-sanctioned and feature water stations and post-race refreshments. The 1K Kiddie Run starts at 9:45 a.m. and is limited to participants 12 years old and under. Finishers receive medals and a t-shirt, and families can explore a Kiddie Fun Zone with carnival games, face painting, pony rides, arts & crafts, rock climbing and a puppet show. Registration fees vary by event, with prices ranging from $35 for the Kiddie Run to $75 for the 50-mile bike ride; all fees include a small processing charge. For those who prefer to compete from home, virtual options are offered for each discipline. Virtual participants receive a mailed bib, medal, t-shirt and goodie bag, and can submit their results online to be counted in the official standings. ## At a Glance - **DATE:** February 20-21, 2027 - **LOCATION:** Los Angeles Chinatown Central Plaza, 943 N Broadway, Downtown Los Angeles 90012 - **REGISTRATION FEES:** $35-$75 (range across events) - **ORGANIZER:** L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee (LACFRC), 501(c)(3) nonprofit - **EVENT TYPES:** 5K & 10K runs, 1K kiddie run, 2K PAW’er dog walk, 20-mile and 50-mile bike rides ## COMMUNITY CULTURE · Community impact and cultural celebration The event is organized by the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee (LACFRC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit staffed entirely by volunteers. Proceeds are reinvested in local elementary schools and other nonprofit programs, reinforcing the race’s mission to promote health, fitness and cultural awareness throughout greater Los Angeles. Beyond the athletic competition, the Firecracker Festival turns Chinatown Plaza into a bustling community hub. An opening ceremony featuring lion dancers and the ceremonial lighting of more than 200,000 firecrackers marks the start of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Vendors, exhibitors and community organizations set up booths, while a beer garden offers free drinks to participants over 21 during the bike events. The Year of the Ram adds a layer of cultural meaning; traditionally, people born in a Ram year are described as kind, artistic, gentle and compassionate. By highlighting this symbolism, the organizers aim to foster a sense of shared identity among participants of all ages and backgrounds, reinforcing Chinatown’s role as a cultural anchor in the city. ## Curator's Note The Firecracker weekend blends fitness, family fun and cultural heritage at a time when Chinatown is seeking renewed visibility. By channeling race proceeds back into local schools and nonprofits, the event strengthens community ties, supports youth programs and showcases the neighborhood’s historic plaza as a vibrant gathering place for Angelenos of all backgrounds. --- Curated by VIBES News Desk · Published 2026-09-18 Source: https://www.curationsla.com/vibes/2026-09-18-l-a-chinatown-firecracker-opens-registration-for-49th Cite as: CurationsLA, "L.A. Chinatown Firecracker opens registration for 49th annual Lunar New Year runs, bike rides and dog walk", https://www.curationsla.com/vibes/2026-09-18-l-a-chinatown-firecracker-opens-registration-for-49th (published 2026-09-18). License: CC-BY-SA-4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Structured manifest: https://www.curationsla.com/vibes/2026-09-18-l-a-chinatown-firecracker-opens-registration-for-49th/manifest.json