By Maggie McKay, afternoon anchor

In case you missed last weekend’s Chinese Festival at the Hammer Museum, this weekend is the big parade in downtown L.A.’s Chinatown.

(Photo credit: LA Dragon Parade.com)

Saturday kicks off the Golden Dragon Parade which you MUST see once in your life. There will be a giant crowd so plan ahead, go early, have a little lunch, get some confetti poppers (they’re sold everywhere) and stake your claim on the sidewalk.

If you can’t make it Saturday, the party continues Sunday with more events.

Location: Central Plaza, 943-951 N. Broadway, Los Angeles.

Festival hours: Feb. 16 from 12-8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 17 from 12-5 p.m.

The 114th Annual Golden Dragon Parade, with spectacular floats, decked-out cars, dancers and bands, is on Saturday, beginning at 1 p.m. with Grand Marshals Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.

The Chinese New Year Festival gets underway following the parade with cultural performances, children’s activities and hands-on cultural workshops for all ages. Additionally, there will be live music stage and new for 2013, a unique singing competition that can only be witnessed in Chinatown.

Nosh on traditional Chinese cuisine offered at many Chinatown restaurants, street food and non-traditional dishes offered by food vendors and some of LA’s hottest gourmet food trucks. There will also be a craft beer garden curated by Eagle Rock Brewery featuring local breweries pouring their favorite brews.

To find out more go to  http://www.chinatownla.com/calendar.php