photo: Dan Silberstein
Barbecue season is upon us. On May 9 and 10 the Los Angeles BBQ Festival returns to offer beer and 'cue from some of the country's best pit masters, with toques coming from as far as Kansas City and Chicago. Expect favorites like pulled pork sandwiches, babyback ribs and mac 'n' cheese, plus desserts. Entertainment will be provided by a Beatles cover band and others. General admission is just $10 per day (food costs not included), 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 (noon–6 PM; Santa Monica Beach North Parking Lot; 310-709-3969; visit www.labbqfest.com for more information and tickets).