13 Events In Southern California That Have Nothing to Do With Valentine's Day

Talk about Valentine's Day dominates in February, but for multiple reasons, it's not everyone's day of choice. We won't go into them, but there are other things to do in Southern California at this time of year.

Monday is Presidents Day. It's a free-admission day at facilities operated by the National Park Service. San Diego Museum Month is also underway, offering half-off admission through February at more than 70 museums and attractions across San Diego County and Tijuana.

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

Here are some other events to round out your February calendar:

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.

Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale

• When: Feb. 20-March 8
• Where: South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa
• What: The classic fairy tale gets a modern makeover as a bouncy, bilingual musical.

Knott's Peanuts Celebration

• When: Saturdays and Sundays, through 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.

Lego Ninjago Weekends

• When: Feb. 14-16
• Where: Legoland California Resort, Carlsbad
• What:

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: Through 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. 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: Through 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: Through Feb. 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.

Palm Desert Greek Festival

• When: Feb. 21-22
• Where: Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, Palm Desert
• What: The 29th annual festival will feature Greek music and dancing, food and drinks, games and a kids' zone.

Vintage Computer Festival SoCal

• When: Feb. 14
• Where: , 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.

World Wildlife Day Community Celebration

• When: Feb. 28
• Where: Newport Beach Civic Center Community Room, Newport Beach
• What: The event will feature an art and fashion exhibit, a mini fashion show, an interactive painting and pollinator planting in the park, youth and community art, wildlife talks, conservation exhibitors, and a monarch butterfly presentation.