Hot Dogs With Cultural Works and Museum Exhibit on the Side

Looking for a free lunch? Try the hot dogs at the Long Beach Museum of Art this Saturday--they come with the 12th annual Children’s Cultural Festival, also free.

The afternoon event in the museum’s ocean-view sculpture garden includes 30-minute performances of musical theater, Japanese drumming and children’s songs, Mexican folklorico dance and classical ballet, much of it performed by youths.

The entire event is free, including the hands-on art stations, a poster contest and the eats: a hot dog barbecue sponsored by the Long Beach Police’s community relations department.

According to the museum’s community outreach coordinator, Guillermo Hernandez, about 1,000 visitors are expected at the multicultural festival.

The festival is being held in conjunction with LBMA’s current exhibit, “When Brightness Comes: Japanese Paintings From a Southern California Collection.”

Visitors are invited to tour the gallery at no charge. Volunteer docents will be available to answer questions and to lead children in projects, including the making of masks, puppets and multimedia posters.

* What: Children’s Cultural Festival.

* When: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday.

* Where: Long Beach Museum of Art Sculpture Garden, 2300 E. Ocean Blvd.

* Whereabouts: Exit the San Diego (405) Freeway at Cherry Street; follow it south to Ocean Boulevard. Turn right onto Ocean; the museum will be on your left.

* Wherewithal: Free.

* Where to call: (310) 439-2119, Ext. 41.