EVENTS
Compiled by Jason Gelt 8th Annual Conscious Life Expo An illuminating three-day event featuring transformational films, eclectic music, lectures and more. www.consciouslifeexpo.com. Airport Hilton & Towers, 5711 W. Century Blvd., L.A. Today, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Advance $20, Door $25. (800) 367-5777.
Soccer Nation Expo 2010 The California State Soccer Association hosts the largest free family soccer exposition in the United States. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., L.A. Today, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (888) 429-7276.
20th Annual Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition All styles of belly dance, from Egyptian to fusion, are the focus of this two-day showcase. www.bellydanceroftheuniverse.com. Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Today, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 6 - 10:30 p.m. $15. $5 off any ticket with paid L.A. Times Travel show admission receipt. (562) 433-6615.
Santa Monica Gem Faire Ogle the finest quality of jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, silver, rocks, minerals, and much more. www.gemfaire.com. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica. Today, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5. (503) 252-8300.
Malibu Pier Whale Watching Excursions Set your sights on the deep blue sea for this exciting boat excursion into the Malibu waters. www.malibupier.com. Malibu Pier, Cross Creek Road and Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Sat.-next Sun., 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 1:30 - 4 p.m. Adult $45, Children $30. (310) 456-8031.
California International Antiquarian Book Fair This celebration of rare and valuable books invites bibliophiles to browse displays of books, manuscripts, autographs, fine graphics, prints and maps. Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Century City. Today, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Three-day pass $15, Daily $10. (800) 454-6401.
Cupid Champagne Brunch Cruises Enjoy a romantic brunch cruise features free-flowing champagne, a delicious buffet and relaxing background music. Hornblower Cruises & Events, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey. Today, noon-2 p.m. $54.95. (888) 467-6256.
Chinatown Challenge Kick off the Year of the Tiger with an urban scavenger hunt. Advance registration required. www.outoftheboxevents.net. Chinatown, 988 N. Hill St., Los Angeles. Today, 2 p.m. $25. (323) 799-1374.
Sex and the City Zoo The presentation includes information of animal mating, dating and cohabitating, a chocolate and champagne reception and a walking tour of the Zoo highlighting its most famous animal couples. www.lazoo.org. Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive Griffith Park, L.A. Today, 2:30-5:30 p.m. $35. (323) 644-6042.
Fat Tuesday Celebration at Amoeba Music The record store hosts its annual Mardi Gras Parade, which will include live music from The AmoebaTown Musicians, plus lavish decorations, floats and masks. www.amoeba.com. Amoeba Music, 6400 Sunset Blvd., L.A. Tue., 3-5 p.m. Free. (323) 245-6400.
Chinese New Year Festival The Huntington ushers in the Year of the Tiger with an exuberant performance by lion dancers and drummers, martial arts demonstrations, shadow puppet theater, Chinese opera and more. www.huntington.org. Huntington Library, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Sat., 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Adult $20, Children 5-11 $6. (626) 405-2100.
Scavenger Dash Sierra Adventure Sports hosts this fun urban adventure that is as much adventure race as it is scavenger hunt. travel to local points of interest, and complete fun challenges while discovering the city in a whole new way. Casey’s Irish Pub, 613 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Sat., noon. $99 per team of two. (602) 751-3403.
10th Annual Brazilian Carnaval 2010 The largest carnaval on the West Coast returns to L.A., featuring the legendary Trio Electrico, Armandinho, Dodo & Osmar, the irresistible Brazilian Nites Samba Dancers, over 20 drummers, caipirinhas and more. Costumes are encouraged. Club Nokia at L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles. Sat., 8 p.m.-2 a.m. General admission $38, Preferred seating and lounge $65. (818) 566-1111.