2nd Annual West Coast BBQ Classic

Barbecue aficionados and grillmasters take note: The West Coast BBQ Classic returns to Long Beach. As contestants compete for a $9,000 cash prize and serious bragging rights, general-admission ticket holders can sample their wares for $2 each. Live bands are scheduled to perform throughout the day.

WHAT: 2nd Annual West Coast BBQ Classic

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

WHERE: Queen Mary Events Park, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach; (562) 435-5311.

COST: $10 presale ($15 at the door) for BBQ admission; $21.80 for watermelon-eating contest (does not include admission to BBQ)

11th Annual Springfest: Food and Wine Festival

Los Angeles Mission College's Culinary Institute will host a wine pairing with live entertainment and a silent auction. A part of the proceeds will benefit LAMC students.

WHAT: 11th Annual Springfest: Food and Wine Festival

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 2-6 p.m.

WHERE: Los Angeles Mission College, 13356 Eldridge Ave., Sylmar; (818) 364-7660.

COST: $50 per person

CUR-ATE: Latin America

Food historian Maite Gomez-Rejón leads a tour on the history of Mexico's art and cuisine, focusing on the 16th to 19th century. The tour includes a Latin American dinner by Kris Morningstar of Ray's and Stark Bar. Wine pairings by sommelier Paul Sanguinetti will be available at an additional cost.

WHAT: CUR-ATE: Latin America

WHEN: Monday, May 13, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; (323) 857-6000.

COST: $100 ($90 for members) per ticket, which includes parking, tour and dinner

And in related news:

– Baking Books: Modern Art Desserts, Where the Pastry Arts + Museum Art Collections Collide

– West Coast BBQ Classic

– Bludso's BBQ on La Brea Opens Today: Brisket, Ribs + Mint Juleps on Tap

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