Even after the holiday season ends, Southern California offers numerous engaging activities throughout February 2026, all at no cost. These events cater to families, history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cultural explorers. Plan ahead to make the most of these opportunities.
Outdoor Adventures and Nature Experiences
Feb. 1: Fossil Hunt in Silverado
Families can join a “Fossils are Fun” day in Black Star Canyon, eastern Orange County, beginning at 8 a.m. This event suits participants aged 8 and older. From 9 to 11 a.m., start with a fossil-making activity followed by a 2.5-mile hike to explore ancient fossils. Expect a 200-foot elevation gain with scenic views of red rock cliffs and peaks. Pack water, a hat, and sturdy shoes. Meet at the Canyons Staging Area near the Library of the Canyons, 7531 E. Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado. Registration is required at letsgooutside.org/activities/2026/02/01/fossils-are-fun-24/.
Feb. 4 and 26: Farm Discovery in Costa Mesa
Bring children or satisfy personal curiosity at Centennial Farm in the OC Fair & Event Center. Discovery Days offer free tours and parking, with “farmers” available to answer questions across the 3-acre demonstration farm. Pick up a map at check-in to explore fully. Kids can pet chicks and plant radish seeds. Suitable for all ages; groups of 10 or more need reservations. Details at ocfair.com/centennial-farm/tours-and-reservations/self-guided-tours/.
Feb. 5: Bike Ride in Newport Beach
Pedal along the Upper Newport Bay from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on paved trails covering 10 miles of the Bay Loop Trail. Guided by experts, the 2.5-hour ride highlights local ecology and history with stops for interpretation. Bring your own bike and helmet; e-bikes are permitted. Aimed at ages 14 and up, with minors requiring adult accompaniment. Free parking and entry; rain cancels the event. Start at the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Register at letsgooutside.org/activities/2026/02/05/biking-the-bay-22/.
Feb. 21: Nature Walk in Rancho Palos Verdes
Join the monthly Los Serenos Nature Walk from 10 a.m. to noon, featuring a tour of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center’s native plant garden and a stroll through Vicente Bluffs Reserve and Ocean Front Estates. Learn about migrating gray whales and possibly spot them, as volunteers track sightings for the Gray Whale Census & Behavior Project. Meet at 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes. More info at losserenosrpv.org/nature-walk.
Cultural and Artistic Highlights
Feb. 1: First Sundays in Riverside
Experience free admission to the Riverside Art Museum and the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture from noon to 5 p.m. in downtown Riverside. Both venues showcase compelling exhibits. Locations: 3425 Mission Inn Ave. and 3581 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. Check riversideartmuseum.org/event/free-admission-first-sunday-of-every-month-in-collaboration-with-rac/2026-02-01/.
Feb. 7: Asian American Film Exhibit in Hollywood
Visit Barnsdall Art Park for the “Ancestral Dreamscapes: Asian American Film & Moving Image” exhibit from 1 to 5 p.m. At the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, enjoy films, video art, and performances, including a Lunar New Year Short Film Festival. Screenings and performances run 2-4 p.m., followed by a reception. Limited free parking available at 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. Reserve tickets at eventbrite.com/e/ancestral-dreamscapes-asian-american-film-moving-image-tickets-1980349581909.
Feb. 7: Botanical Garden Tour in Westwood
Participate in the monthly Drop-In Botanical Garden Tour at UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden. A Garden Educator leads a free one-hour guided walk starting at 10 a.m., sharing plant stories. Open to all ages; meet at the La Kretz Garden Pavilion. Arrive early, as tours depart promptly. Parking options include UCLA Structure 2 (fee applies) or metered spots. Address: 707 Tiverton Drive, Los Angeles. Tickets at eventbrite.com/e/drop-in-botanical-garden-tour-tickets-1978760036536.
Feb. 7: Chinese Folk Music Concert in Pasadena
Attend “Echoes of China: Folk Music Traditions” at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Instructors perform on traditional instruments like the pipa, guzheng, and erhu in solo and ensemble pieces. A Q&A session follows, with opportunities to try the instruments. Reserve at eventbrite.com/e/echoes-of-china-folk-music-traditions-through-pipa-guzheng-and-erhu-tickets-1979259061132. Venue: 100 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena.
Feb. 7: Lunar New Year Parade in Irvine
The Asian American Museum of Orange County hosts a Lunar New Year parade at 11 a.m. in Irvine Great Park, followed by a festival from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy live performances, games, activities, and food vendors. Parade entry is free; festival admission costs $2. Location: 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine. See instagram.com/p/DSRHVtZEby8/ for details.
Feb. 21: Golden Dragon Parade in Los Angeles
Chinatown’s 127th Annual Golden Dragon Parade runs from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring lion and dragon dancers, marching bands, cultural performers, and floats. It starts at North Hill and Ord Streets, ending at Broadway and Temple Street. Streets close from 10 a.m.; viewing is free, with grandstand tickets available. Reserve at eventbrite.com/e/2026-the-127th-golden-dragon-parade-grandstand-tickets-february-21-2026-tickets-1974653557948.
Feb. 28: Lunar New Year Festival in Alhambra
Main Street in Alhambra hosts this longstanding festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with live performances, cooking demos, art, and handicrafts. Established in 1993, it celebrates the Lunar New Year. Details at alhambralunarnewyear.com.
Historical and Educational Outings
Feb. 7: Historic Adobe Visit in Anaheim Hills
History fans should explore the Ramon Peralta Historic Adobe in Santa Ana Canyon, part of the original Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana. This 18th-century structure, the area’s only surviving adobe, houses a small museum with a furnished room and settler photos. Open the first Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. (except May). Address: 6398 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim. Learn more at ocparks.com/historic-sites/ramon-peralta-adobe-historic-site.
Family-Friendly Activities
Feb. 7: Fishing Clinic in Fountain Valley
Families learn fishing basics at Mile Square Regional Park from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Gear is provided, though personal items are welcome. Practice catch-and-release or take home catches (cooler optional). No guarantees on bites; those 16 and older need a license, available on-site. Free event, but parking costs $5. Meet at the south lake near the ranger station and Euclid Street entrance, 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley. Register at letsgooutside.org/activities/2026/02/07/fishing-clinic-2/.
Music and Film Events
Feb. 15: Youth Orchestra Concert in Los Angeles
The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles performs “I, Too, Sing America,” honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 West 8th St., L.A. Inspired by Langston Hughes’ poem, the concert celebrates American heritage. Free tickets at eventbrite.com/e/la-voices-icyola-i-too-sing-america-tickets-1980423946335.
Feb. 26: Movie Matinee in Chatsworth
Catch the comedy “The Fall Guy” (PG-13, 2024) starring Ryan Gosling at 1:30 p.m. at Chatsworth Library. Popcorn is provided for a relaxed afternoon. Location: 21052 Devonshire St., Chatsworth. Details at lapl.org/whats-on/events/thursday-movie-matinee-fall-guy-0.
Special Free Access Days
Feb. 16: National Parks Free Entry
On Presidents Day, February 16, national parks waive entrance fees for U.S. residents. California’s nine parks include Channel Islands (boat fees apply), Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Lassen Volcanic, Pinnacles, Redwood, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Note potential snow in Yosemite, Lassen, and Kings Canyon. Plan at nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm.
