photo: Dan Silberstein
On September 13th and 14th, the LA BBQ Festival fires up the grill in Santa Monica with a two-day tribute to the joys of 'cue. Pitmasters will include those from the nearby Baby Blues BBQ, as well as from much farther afield, hailing from Southside Market in Elgin, TX, Ubon's Championship BBQ in Yazoo, MS, and L.C.'s BBQ in Kansas City. Expect favorites like pulled pork sandwiches, babyback ribs and mac 'n' cheese, plus desserts. General admission is just $10 per day, but if you anticipate craving seconds, you may want to opt for the VIP pass for $50, which includes admission both days, a T-shirt and priority on the lines; food costs not included (noon–6 PM; Santa Monica Beach North Parking Lot; 310-709-3969; www.drinkeatplay.com/bbq).