12 Can't-Miss Events This February In SoCal

For only having 28 days, February can seem like a long month as winter in Southern California enters the final stretch and the promise of spring is in sight.

To ease the boredom and get Southern Californians out of the house, we've rounded up 12 can't-miss events, including the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour, Knott's Peanuts Celebration and Vintage Computer Festival SoCal.

Are you planning an event this winter? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here are our picks:

Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour

• When: Feb.16-March 26
• Where: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, La Jolla
• What: The Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour will feature themed activities throughout the aquarium, including a photo opportunity featuring characters from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game.

Gloria Molina Grand Park's Love Notes

• When: Feb. 14
• Where: Gloria Molina Grand Park, Los Angeles
• What: Community members and visitors and invited to experience the power of love with heartfelt song dedications, a classic car show, hands-on art activities and more.

Knott's Peanuts Celebration

• When: Saturdays and Sundays, Jan. 31-Feb. 22, plus Presidents Day
• Where: Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park
• What: The family-friendly event celebrates the beloved Peanuts characters. Parkgoers can step inside the pages of a Charles M. Schulz comic strip as the Peanuts characters take over the park.

Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker

• When: Feb. 28-March 1
• Where: Chinatown Central Plaza, Los Angeles
• What: The L.A. Chinatown Firecracker is one of the largest and oldest running races in the country, with its Lunar New Year run, walk, cycling and dog walk events taking place over the weekend from the historic Los Angeles Chinatown Plaza.

Lunar New Year

• When: Jan. 31-Feb. 16
• Where: SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego
• What: Celebrate the Year of the Horse with eight days of festive performances, vibrant decor, and traditions that honor energy, optimism, independence and new beginnings.

Lunar New Year Celebration

• When: Feb. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22
• Where: South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Estates
• Details: The celebration will feature interactive stations, a wishing tree and Zodiac Stroll, and a new dragon walk and morning tai chi class. Other highlights include include lion dancers, martial artists, folk dancers, drummers, specialty foods and hand-mixed cocktails.

Lunar New Year Celebration at The District

• When: Feb. 14
• Where: The District at Tustin Legacy, Tustin
• What: This free, family-friendly Lunar New Year celebration features lion dance performances, martial arts shows, glitter tattoos, crafts for kids, and a DJ.

Mardi Gras

• When: Jan. 24-Feb. 22
• Where: SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego
• What: Celebrate the spirit of carnival with a parade, live music, colorful costumes, and Creole and Cajun food.

Marinelli Bros. Circus

• When: Feb. 6-15
• Where: MainPlace Mall, Santa Ana
• What: The two-hour family-friendly show features jaw-dropping stunts, soaring aerialists and world-class performers, according to the website.

Saint Valentino Cruises with The Gondola Company

• When: Feb. 13-15
• Where: The Gondola Company, Coronado
• What: For couples looking to celebrate their love with a touch of old-world romance, The Gondola Company in the Coronado Cays offers a Venetian-inspired experience that includes a 50-minute private gondola ride complete with a heart-shaped box of See's chocolates and a single red rose.

The Kook Run 5K and 10K

• When: Feb. 8
• Where: Downtown Encinitas
• What: Kick off Super Bowl Sunday with a race down Coast Highway 101. There will also be a costume contest with prizes.

Vintage Computer Festival SoCal

• When: Feb. 14
• Where: Hotel Fera Anaheim, Orange
• What: This hands-on, family-friendly event allows adults and kids alike to explore interactive exhibits, play classic video games and see computers from decades past brought back to life.