Best Bets : Carnival-Fest Friday-Sunday

* Carnival rides, games, arts and crafts, food and drink, entertainment (including musicians from all over Southern California) and magic show are featured in the annual Starscene charity event. North Hollywood Park, Magnolia Boulevard and Tujunga Avenue. Free. (818) 508-5155.

L.A. a la Carte

Friday-Sunday

* Branford Marsalis, Poncho Sanchez and the Derek Bordeaux Group are among the performers at this festival of food and music. About 40 restaurants will participate. Also: Cooking and ice-carving demonstrations. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium grounds, Main Street. Friday, 6-11 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-11 p.m. $6; children 3-12, $3; tastes, $1-$5. (310) 986-2735.