Back in June, I thought I had...

Back in June, I thought I had the whole summer to hit the beach, take in some movies and visit some of those annual festivals that always seem to be taking place on the Westside.

So here it is the end of summer. I haven’t been to the beach once, and I’m still way behind on my movies. And the festivals? They’ve all come and gone without me.

A bit depressed, I called Anne, my most understanding friend.

“Christina,” she said, “get out of the house and enjoy yourself this week.”

She’s right, of course. Starting today, I am going to treat myself to an afternoon at the Los Angeles African Marketplace and Cultural Faire. Celebrating the cultures of the African Diaspora, there will be puppet performances, dance, music and theater performances at Rancho Cienega Park, 5001 Rodeo Road in Los Angeles.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Labor Day Weekend. Admission is free.

Among the high points will be “An African Serenade” of jazz held on center stage and beginning at noon on Sept. 6. Former Lakers star and UCLA basketball coach Walt Hazzard will be the master of ceremonies, and the lineup includes tenor saxophonist Harold Land Sr., the Billy Higgins Quartet, Black Note and the Billy Childs Quintet. Tickets for the serenade are $10.

For information, call (213) 237-1540.