EVENTS
Compiled by Jason Gelt Chinese Lunar New Year Festival Observe the most celebrated holiday of the year for nearly 1.5 million persons of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese decent in Southern California. Vendors, arts and culture displays and red packets of money and firecrackers add to the excitement at this family event. www.lagoldendragonparade.com. Los Angeles Chinatown Tour, 960 N. Broadway, L.A. Today, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
Thirty Years of Quilting The 200-strong South Bay Quilters Guild shows off three decades of beautiful, handcrafted creations. Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Today, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $8.
Malibu Pier Whale Watching Excursions Set your sights on the deep blue sea for this exciting boat excursion into the Malibu waters. California State Park Rangers lead the search for gray whales, which are in the midst of their annual trip between Mexico and the northern Arctic seas. 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.
Black History Month Celebration Celebrate Black History month with San Francisco 8 defendant Ray Boudreaux, L.A. public school teacher Linda Guthrie, and Chicana feminist Beatriz Paez. Solidarity Hall, 2170 W. Washington Blvd., L.A. Thu., 7 p.m. Door donation $3. (323) 732-6416.
50th Annual Hillcrest Festival of Fine Arts Enjoy a free art show and festival showcasing a wide variety of creative expression, including an art gallery, artist demonstrations, children’s art workshops, entertainment, and food. www.hillcrest-church.org. Hillcrest Congregational Church, 2000 West Road, La Habra Heights. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; next Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (562) 947-3755.
Costa Mesa Gem Faire Admire rare and unusual jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, silver, rocks and minerals from across the globe. Classes & demonstrations throughout the weekend. www.gemfaire.com. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive , Costa Mesa. Fri., noon-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; next Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Weekend pass $5. (503) 252-8300.
Chinese New Year Celebration Enjoy a traditional Lion Dance, Chinese acrobats and tai chi demonstrations at this festive cultural celebration. Additional highlights include traditional Chinese music, origami and Chinese writing demonstration and an on-site acupuncturist. www.callutheran.edu. California Lutheran University, Main Campus, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. Fri., 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 493-3302.
Advocates for Conserved Elders Volunteers train to visit elders under conservatorship in long-term care facilities throughout Los Angeles County. The program is intended to reduce and prevent elder abuse and neglect among seniors by providing them with a special advocate who collaborates with the Court’s Probate Investigations Office. Reservations required. The Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St., Los Angeles. Sat.-next Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (310) 394-9871, Ext. 445.
Irvine Park Railroad’s 14th Anniversary Celebration The railway celebrates 14 years of family fun and thanks its patrons by rolling back prices to 1996 rates, including all activities and concessions like hot dogs, sodas, face painting, ice creams, popcorn, bounce house tickets and cotton candy. www.irvineparkrailroad.com. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange. Sat.-next Sun., 10 a.m. Entrance fee $5, Train rides and activities $2. (714) 997-3968.
Cat Show: A Venetian Garden Party This cat fanciers showcase features views of more than 200 cats and kittens. Breeds include Maine Coon, Abyssinian, Burmese, Siamese, Cornish Rex, Persian, Ocicat and Himalayan. catsla.com. Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $6. (818) 269-3756.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery Walking Tour Visit the final resting places of silver screen luminaries such as Cecil B. DeMille, Marion Davies and Tyrone Power at this guided overview of the cemetery and its most famous residents. cemeterytour.com. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Sat., noon; next Sun., 2 p.m. $12. (818) 517-5988.
Chinatown Challenge Kick off the Year of the Tiger with an urban scavenger hunt. Out of the Box Events challenges thrill seekers to discover fascinating trivia and hidden Chinatown secrets. Advance registration required. www.outoftheboxevents.net. Chinatown, 988 N. Hill St., Los Angeles. Sat., 2 p.m. $25. (323) 799-1374.