Goodbye, Year of the Dragon, and Welcome, Year of the Snake. Even though Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 10, LA’s vibrant Chinatown ushers it in on Feb. 16-17, with a firecracker-laden bang, kicking off festivities that draw more than 125,000 visitors. The centerpiece of the events is the 114th Annual Golden Dragon Parade (Feb. 16), which sends floats, decorated cars, traditional dancers and bands down North Broadway, with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LAPD chief Charlie Beck presiding as grand marshals. Following the parade, the Chinese New Year Festival shifts into high gear in the heart of Chinatown. The two-day event features live music, cultural performances in Central Plaza, children’s activities and cultural workshops, plus Chinese cuisine, food trucks and even a craft beer garden curated by Eagle Rock Brewery. Broadway, Chinatown. Chinese New Year Festival: PAMC Lot, 715 N. Hill St., Chinatown. 213.680.0243. chinatownla.com