Events for Feb. 9-11: Hug your honey, wrestle with who you are and throw Mardi Gras beads

Dance the tango, wear beads to a Mardi Gras fest and take in a Year of the Dog celebration. Choices are all over the map for next weekend.

Oceanside

And you thought Valentine’s was just a day, but Oceanside Valentine’s Week includes a Sunset Market, a family bike ride and a wine-tasting harbor cruise.

When: Various times from Feb. 8-14

Cost, info: Prices vary by activity. Family friendly. Well-behaved dogs on leash OK in some areas, but not on rides or in some businesses. (800) 350-7873

Irvine

Attend a thought-provoking conference titled “Who Do We Think We Are? American Identity and the Ideal of Democracy in the 21st Century” in room EDU 1111 at UC Irvine. Friday’s keynote speaker is Jill Lepore, Harvard professor, staff writer at the New Yorker and author of “The Secret History of Wonder Woman.”

When: Jill Lepore, 4 p.m. Feb. 9. Panels 10 a.m. Feb. 10.

Cost, info: Free. Not suitable for children. Only service dogs permitted. (949) 824-3638

Venice

Wear flashy costumes, put on face paint, find some Mardi Gras beads and dress to parade and party Feb. 10 at the 17th Venice Beach Mardi Gras along the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

When: Pre-party at 10 a.m. at the Venice Ale House; parade at 11:45 a.m.; after-party at 2 p.m. at Surfside Venice. Feb. 10.

Cost, info: Free (food and drinks for purchase). Family friendly. Dogs on leash OK. (310) 745-1064

Santa Monica

Wear undies or a more creative wacky costume for Cupid’s Undie Run, “a mile-ish” trot at your own pace. It’s a party and fundraiser for the Children’s Tumor Foundation for neurofibromatosis research. The race starts and ends at the Victorian Santa Monica.

When: noon Feb. 10

Cost, info: Adults 21 and older. $40. No children. No dogs. (847) 636-9976

San Pedro

Celebrate the Year of the Dog by watching traditional dances and listening to cultural storytellers at the Port of Los Angeles Lunar New Year Festival at Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles. Visitors will find crafts and food trucks, and kids can visit the Chinese zodiac petting zoo. Don’t miss the fireworks finale.

When: 3 p.m. Feb. 10.

Cost, info: Free. Family friendly. Dogs on leash OK. (310) 732-1270

Beverly Hills

The seventh celebration of Chinese New Year at the Saban Theatre will feature the “Charming Jing Jin Ji” variety show, which includes music performances and acrobats.

When: 2 p.m. Feb. 11.

Cost, info: $8 plus fees. Family friendly. Only service dogs permitted. (888) 645-5006

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