Top 4 Weekend Food Events: L.A. Food and Wine, Sunland Watermelon Festival, Lucques Rib Roundup + Ecuadorian Parade

2nd Annual L.A. Food & Wine Festival

With nearly 40 events over four days in Santa Monica, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and downtown, the LAFW looks to be one of the city's most ambitious food festivals. More than 150 chefs, including David Myers, Michael Voltaggio, Mark Peel, Michael Mina and Charles Phan, host everything from cooking demos to cocktail classes — and serve up a variety of stellar dishes.

WHAT: L.A. Food and Wine Festival

WHEN: Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 9-12

WHERE: Various locations and times; see lafw.com for more details

COST: $50-$250, depending on the event

Sunland-Tujunga Watermelon Festival

This summertime classic in the San Fernando Valley celebrates all things watermelon, including dozens of food vendors, live music, contests, games (seed-spitting contest, anyone?), carnival rides and, of course, free all-you-can-eat watermelon.

WHAT: Sunland-Tujunga Watermelon Festival

WHEN: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 10-12

WHERE: Sunland Park, 8651 Foothill Blvd., Sunland

COST: Free

Lucques Rib Roundup

Chef Suzanne Goin and sommelier Caroline Styne are holding their 12th annual Rib Fest at Lucques, featuring a family-style feast of slow-cooked ribs, hot wings and sides (long-cooked greens and baked beans), with peach cobbler with buttermilk ice cream for dessert. For reservations, call the restaurant.

WHAT: Lucques Rib Roundup

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 12, 12:30-9 p.m.

WHERE: Lucques, 8474 Melrose Ave., WeHo

COST: $55 per person

14th Annual Ecuadorian Festival & Parade.

More than 10,000 Ecuadorians will celebrate at La Placita Olvera with homemade Ecuadorian food (think patacones, ceviche and lots of stews) along with music and dance performances, carnival games and car shows.

WHAT: Ecuadorian Festival & Parade

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 12, noon-6 p.m.

WHERE: La Placita Olvera, 845 N. Alameda St., L.A.

COST: Free