Five for Friday (February 18-19, 2012)

What's happening this weekend in Southern California? 
Check out our Top 5!

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ORANGE COUNTY

Enjoy a free, family-friendly community celebration at the Rainbow Harbor Mardi Gras & Carnevale! Activities run from 1pm-7pm with a 3pm parade beginning at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Enjoy music, art and more and feel free to come in costume! Gondola rides, face painting and a samba show will take place throughout the event. Anyone can be a part of the parade! Click here for all the information.

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LOS ANGELES

Participate in a "whimsical, elegant festival of art, music, dance, theatre, fashion, circus, and the art & stories of beloved author Edward Gorey" at the 12th Annual Edwardian Ball at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles! This 21+ event takes place on Sunday, Feb. 19 beginning at 7pm. Tickets begin at $42 for general admission and VIP booths are available. Click here for ticket information.  Not sure what to expect? Check out the video on the right!

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SAN DIEGO

Come out to the 20th Annual Brazil Carnival this Saturday, 2/18 at 9pm at the 4th & B Showcase Theater in the Gaslamp! This 21+ Mardi Gras ball features nonstop Brazilian music, Capoeira performances, Samba dancers and more. All tickets include access to 6 bars & dance floor, free raffle entry for a round trip to Brazil and a Batucada-style parade through the dance floor. VIP admissions include even more perks, such as complimentary hors d'oeuvres, private restooms and VIP entrance. This event may sell out! Tickets are $25 General Admission and $50 VIP.

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SAN DIEGO

Image via alexwall Celebrate Carnevale Italian style at the 9th Annual Little Italy Carnevale! Visit India Street between W. Fir and W. Cedar Streets on Saturday, 2/18 from 5pm to 9pm for music, vignettes of entertainment and food at this family-friendly event. As a bonus, you'll receive 10% off at select restaurants if you come out in traditional Venetian Carnevale regalia. Over 12,000 people attended last year's Carnevale celebration.

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ONLINE

Image via Kookkai_nak Did you know that the spring season is typically the strongest of the year for real estate? Get your home prepped ahead of time with these weekend projects from HGTV! All are possible with a weekend's time and $100 or less. Our pick: Adding bathroom wainscoting *Bonus: This project is promised in less than half a day!

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Know something else that's happening this weekend? 
Share with us in the comments!