Critical 5 things to do in L.A.: do it differently, Feb. 15-17

This weekend is the perfect time to do the things you usually do...only completely differently. Angelenos certainly know their way around late nights and festivals -- our calendars are usually packed with music fests and late nights at our local bars. But, this weekend, we have the unique opportunity to try out an atypical version of our favorite things.

From a festival all about 'zines to late nights that favor gilled underwater creatures, this is the perfect time to get out there and shake things up.

114th Annual Golden Dragon Parade

Those in L.A. are lucky to live in a place that has a Chinatown. From being able to sample great food and culture, this area is a wonderful part of living in our city. We are especially fortunate this weekend as we are able to take part in a huge party for the Chinese New Year. 2013, the year of the Snake, will be celebrated with the 114th Annual Golden Dragon Parade. Stop by this weekend and experience paper folding, live music, beer gardens and more.

We Hate Everything Including This Film Series

The day after Valentines Day always has the potential to leave people feeling just a bit, well, bitter. Not to worry, the We Hate Everything Including This Film Series is there to feed your love of loathing everything by listening to accounts of the Los Angeles Punk Riots of the 70's. Alice Bag will be performing readings from her book Violence Girl, and discussing things such as the notorious Tom Waits fight and riot, as a prelude to an exclusive screening of footage taken from the Elks Lodge Riot. Originally set to start at 8pm, they've already added another screening at 10:30 due to the high demand of people that want to attend. So, make sure you get there early to get prime seating.

L.A. Zine Fest

The world, and especially Los Angeles, is brimming with talented writers that have now taken it upon themselves to cut out the middlemen and self-publish. This fest allows likeminded self-starters and 'zine appreciators to connect with each other, share their work and their ideas. With 100 exhibitors selling their 'zines and comics, over 1,500 attendees, and a list of helpful and interesting workshops this festivals is sure to be the best kind of mix between professional and playful.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Just before midnight Friday night, the Nuart Theatre will be showing the visually explosive, weird, comic book movie adaptation, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. With all sorts of special effects and oddities, this flick is definitely one worth seeing on the big screen. You'll definitely be glad you decided to make the drive to the movies instead of waiting for a grainy version of it to buffer on your laptop.

Late Night At The Aquarium

Anyone that's been at a bar in closing time when they flip on the fluorescents knows that things just look better in dim light. The Aquarium of the Pacific totally understands that concept. That's why this Sunday night they're staying open late after the sun goes down to allow people a chance to see their tanks full of interesting sea creatures all lit up at night. What's even better is that they've invited a slew of food trucks (this is a Los Angeles event after all), and DJ's to set the funky nighttime mood. Bonus: there's no chance of these sharks in the dark trying to pick you up.