Summertime

August 7-13

Children's Festival of the Arts

Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd.; August 8, noon-4:30 p.m.; (213) 485-4474; free.

There will be activities to spark children's imaginations at this afternoon of creative fun, featuring lots of hands-on workshops, from mask creation to musical-instrument making. Performances, music and storytelling are included as well as a closing parade. Food vendors are on hand, or you can bring your own picnic.

August 14-20

Taste in San Pedro

Point Fermin Park, 807 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro; August 15-16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; (310) 832-1357; $6, $4 seniors and military, $3 children 4-17, children 3 and under free.

Restaurants from all over the Harbor and South Bay areas will bring the finest food to this scenic location on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. "Taste tickets" are available for $1 each. Kids can get in on the gobbling, too, with hot dogs and snow cones at the children's food court. Also featuring rides, a kiddie train, face painting and more. Beer and wine also available.

Marcus Garvey Day Parade and Festival

The Elegant Manor, 3115 W. Adams Blvd.; August 15-17; 10 a.m.-dusk; (213) 735-9642; free.

Centering on the legacy of Jamaican cultural icon Marcus Garvey, this celebration of unity begins with a parade and includes guest speakers from organizations such as the New Panther Vanguard and the African United Front, music, dance, a black-business expo, a Rasta revival, an African holistic-health fair, a grassroots museum and much more. a

August 21-27

Sunset Junction Street Fair

3600-4400 blocks of Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake; August 22-23, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; (213) 661-7771; $3 donation.

L.A.'s hippest hood hosts a prime selection of arts and crafts, ethnic foods, funky street shopping, and good old creaky carnival rides. Everyone who's anyone knows the best part of Sunset Junction is the music: this year's lineup includes legends Phoebe Snow and Martha & the Vandellas, local hero John Doe, rockers Fluorescein and tons more.

Los Angeles African Marketplace and Cultural Faire

Rancho Cienega Park, 5001 Rodeo Road; weekends, August 22-September 7; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; (213) 734-1164; $3, seniors and children under 10 free.

Acknowledging the cultural influence of peoples of the African diaspora, this very popular event will encompass over 250 hours of entertainment on eight stages. Also included are the Village Gourd & Food Festival, Celebrity Village Games, Homeland Soccer Tournament and more.

August 28-September 3

Ray Charles & Orchestra

Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave.; September 2, 7:30 p.m.; (213) 850-2000; $7.50-$65.

The Legend returns to the Bowl for an evening of rhythm & blues that will surely be tough to beat. With Nnenna Freelon; part of the Lexus Jazz at the Bowl series.

September 4-10 (Labor Day Weekend)

Broadway '98

Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave.; September 4-5, 8:30 p.m.; (213) 850-2000; $3-$40.

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to see legions of Trekkies converge with show-tune fanatics, this year's salute to the best tunes from the Great White Way features the captain himself, Patrick Stewart, along with Lynn Redgrave joining John Mauceri and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. On the program are selections from The King and I, Sweeney Todd and more. A spectacular fireworks display will accompany the finale.

Long Beach Blues Festival

Cal State Long Beach, Palo Verde Avenue at Atherton Street, N. Athletic Field; September 5-7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; (562) 985-5566; $28, $25 in advance.

Sponsored by KLON-FM, this highly anticipated annual festival could be the finest blues event this side of Chicago. This year's stellar lineup includes performances from Jimmy Vaughan, Taj Mahal, the Blues Brothers Band, John Mayall, Peter Green and a 30th-anniversary jam with alumni of Room Full of Blues. In addition, dozens of vendors will be on hand selling blues-related merchandise, records and memorabilia.