A.     (International Fashion Festival)
The annual festival is undoubtedly the biggest event of the city. It not only shows Dalian people's love for life and beauty, but also expresses their desire to open up to the rest of the world.
The event itself brings together designers, commercial arena models, fashion agents and fabric manufacturers from all over the world. The schedule usually includes a series of collections by some of the world's top designers, forums for dress and adornments, cultural seminars and a garment & fabric expo. And at the same time it also features a city carnival -- it's a time when singers, dancers, musicians head for town and display their talents. Such celebrations as grand opening ceremony, closure, parades, raree shows and park plays entertain both the local citizens and guests from home and abroad.
The gala is usually unveiled at the beginning of September and lasts for one week.
http://www.fashionfestival-dalian.net

B     (Spring Festival Fireworks & Firecrackers Gathering)
Like Christmas to westerners, Spring Festival is the most important fiesta for Chinese. Many celebrations following different customs are held to mark the day, among them setting off fireworks and firecrackers is a common way and is believed to be able to break the darkness and scare away demons and bad luck..
If you tend to get to know the Chinese world, you might as well come to attend the gathering held here in Xinghai Square, usually from Jan. 2 to 7 in Chinese lunar calendar, and in mid February by the Gregorian calendar -- remember that it's probably the only one of its kind still being observed in China -- in most of the other cities, this traditional festive way has been banned under the banner of environmental protection.
At the venue visitors can as well taste a variety of snacks, see cartoon movies, watch model or acrobatics shows, or immerse themselves in a bustling fair.
C    (Acacia Festival)
Dalian is well known as the "oriental acacia city", for its flourishing acacia trees can be seen everywhere alongside the streets, in the parks, or courtyards of the commons. Every year in May or June, when they are in full bloom, even the air smells of their fragrance, not to mention the lantern-like beauty of them. Because of the acacia, spring has become something significant to Dalianers, they organize many activities for themselves, also for tourists from afar.
D     (International Marathon)
Dalian is famous as a sport city. It has been home to many world track and field champions, among them Ms. Wang Junxia won a gold and a sliver medals in the 1996' Atlanta Olympic Games. She was also the recipient of the Owens Awards, the first Asian who won the honor. Since 1987, the race has been held on the last Sunday of October every year. Thousands of athletes and amateurs from home and abroad participate in it. It was later upgraded to an international event upon approval by the World Track & Field League in 1997.
E        (Dalian Import & Export Commodity Fair)
Founded in 1987, the Fair has been held successfully for years. It is a fair concentrating on the field of industrial and mineral products and attracts thousands of participants annually. Usually it is run in the Xinghai Convention & Exhibition Centre. Time: May 23-27, Tel of the organizer 264 4508.
F    (Legal Holidays)
New Year's Day January 1st
Spring Festival-Chinese Lunar New Year Usually at the beginning of February
Labour Day May 1st
National Day October 1st
Usually around the above days the government and local businesses will close for a few days. Try to avoid traveling at the beginning or ending of these holidays. Some western celebrations like Christmas and Valentine's Day are also observed in the city striving to be an international metropolis, though no public holiday.