Festivals, Feasts & FairsLA JOLLA--Kids learn about...

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

LA JOLLA--Kids learn about sea creatures in two classes at the Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum at UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. “All About Sharks,” for 4- and 5-year-olds, is Feb. 4, 9:30 a.m.-noon ($15). “The Fish Sleuth,” for 8- to 10-year-olds, is Feb. 11, 9 a.m.-noon ($18). Reservations required for both classes. 2300 Expedition Way. (619) 534-7523. SAN FRANCISCO--Celebrate Chinese New Year at the Chinese Spring Festival, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 11-12. Special foods, arts and crafts, demonstrations, a double-lion dance and other performances are featured at the Chinese Culture Center in the Holiday Inn, Kearny and Washington streets. Free. A Chinese New Year Parade is at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 through Chinatown. (415) 986-1822.

RIVERSIDE--The African-American Cultural Heritage Parade and Expo is presented Feb. 18. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Riverside City College, and ends in front of City Hall at 10th and Main streets, where the free expo is staged. Food, entertainment, rides, artifacts and arts and crafts offered. (909) 684-0805.

VENTURA--Free concerts by the sea are offered daily, Feb. 18-20, for the Presidents’ Holiday Celebration. Entertainment is noon-4 p.m. at the Ventura Harbor Village on Spinnaker Drive. (805) 644-0169.

SANTA CRUZ--If cool weather makes you crave hot soup, check out the Clam Chowder Cook-Off, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St. Cooking is 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; public tasting starts at 1. Tasting kits: $5. (408) 423-5590. The fun continues with the Great Chowder Chase, a 4.5-mile race, Feb. 26, beginning at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The men’s race starts at 8:45 a.m., the women’s at 9:30 a.m. A beach party follows. $16 in advance; $20, race-day registration. (408) 429-3477.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.