Graton Resort & Casino continues its participation in one of the Bay Area’s most widely attended cultural traditions as a sponsor of the San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival & Parade. This spring, the resort will also host top entertainment and major promotional events, leading up to the highly anticipated May 4 debut of the next phase of its $1 billion expansion.
San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival & Parade
Graton Resort & Casino will participate in the 2026 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade on March 7, debuting its float “Fortune in Motion: A New Spin for the New Year,” along the iconic nighttime route through downtown San Francisco and Chinatown. Inspired by the Fire Horse, the float features a rising horse symbolizing momentum and optimism, paired with an illuminated golden jackpot representing prosperity and abundance. Floral design elements throughout the display reflect themes of renewal, harmony, and shared celebration.
The parade can be experienced in person or viewed via broadcast on ABC7/KGO, streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, and in Chinese-language coverage on KTSF Channel 26.
In addition to parade participation, Graton will host a booth at the Chinese New Year Community Street Fair on March 7–8, where attendees can spin the lucky prize wheel to receive a special giveaway, and learn more about upcoming resort promotions and experiences.
Entertainment
On the enertainment front, Graton Resort & Casino will welcome comedian Jiaoying Summers on March 20. Summers is the breakout stand-up behind the Hulu special What Specie Are You?, which expanded her growing global fan base. Known for her candid takes on family, culture and everyday life, she has amassed over one billion views online and made history as the first Chinese-American comedian to headline the Apollo Theater.
Promotions
Beginning in March, guests can take part in the Over $1 Million Dream Drive Giveaway, running Saturdays from March 7-April 25. Hourly drawings will take place from 7PM–11PM, with a grand prize vehicle awarded at 11PM, offering winners the choice between a Land Rover Discovery or Range Rover Velar. Plus, forty guests will receive $1,000 in Free Slot Play each Saturday!
Guests can also play in the Over $200,000 Three-Point Payouts Slot Tournament, held every Tuesday, from 2PM-7PM. Win up to $15,000 cash! Guaranteed 50 winners each week. All Graton Rewards members receive a complimentary entry, with additional earning opportunities based on tier status.
Looking ahead, on May 4, Graton Resort & Casino will debut the next phase of its $1 billion expansion, marking a new era of dining, entertainment and gaming experiences at the property.
At the heart of the expansion is a 144,000-square-foot, non-smoking gaming casino, featuring nearly 2,000 new slot machines, and premier poker room and high-limit lounge.
The opening will also introduce three new food and beverage concepts:
AYA, a rooftop restaurant led by award-winning Chef Roy Ellamar, offering Coastal California cuisine with Asian influences and panoramic views of the Sonoma Hills.
Playbook Sports Bar, a high-energy sports bar designed for game-day viewing, elevated comfort food and a lively social atmosphere.
SoCo Dough Co., a dessert destination centered around handcrafted doughnuts, creative gelato flavors and specialty beverages prepared fresh daily.
To support the launch, Graton is currently hiring more than 160 culinary and food & beverage professionals across all levels. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit GratonCareers.com to learn more and apply.
