WEEKEND FESTIVALS MAN'S BEST FRIENDS.

Byline: Barbara De Witt  Staff Writer

Every dog has his day, and this year it's Sunday.

The first-ever Dogs Family Festival at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an entire day of canine capers, from the hound-dog-themed music to the dog-bone-shaped treats for children. To guarantee a howling success, Uncle Matty of the PBS series ``Woof! It's a Dog's Life'' has been collared to talk about using love, praise and patience to train your dog and will field questions from the audience.

The entertainment schedule include Scooby-Doo, the Beagle Brigade, U.S. Customs dogs, a police K-9 squad and fire department mascots (no Dalmatians!) that will demonstrate their roles in search and rescue operations.

Visitors will also be able to see members of the California Canine Discmasters club show off their skills at catching fly balls and Frisbees, as well as performing circus tricks.

Other canines on exhibit will include a wolf and fox from the Topanga- based Wildworks organization, but they won't be loose, says festival coordinator Peter Szanton.

After the outdoor events on the south lawn of the museum, children can participate in a variety of free games and crafts, including dog-dish painting.

Throughout the day the festival folks will hold drawings for free dog food, videos and gifts, with booths offering free dog food samples and veterinarian advice. The SPCA will have a pet adoption booth, and dog-themed crafts and gifts will be for sale.

Inside the museum is the handicapped-accessible, multimedia, interactive new exhibit ``Dogs: Wolf, Myth, Hero & Friend!'' which will remain through Jan. 5 before leaving on a five-year national tour.

DOGS FAMILY FESTIVAL: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. To get there from the San Fernando Valley, take the 101 south to the 110 and exit at Exposition Boulevard. Drive west and follow signs to museum parking lots. Parking is $6. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission to outdoor activities is free. Museum admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens and students; $2 for ages 5 to 12; free to children under 5. Food and crafts sold separately. Handicapped accessible; restrooms; no pets. Call [phone] or see www.nhm.org.

Also happening this weekend:

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL: Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition that traces its roots to the Aztecs and the goddess Mictecacihuatl, otherwise known as Lady of the Dead, is held the first two days of November to celebrate the dead by placing flowers at their graves and bringing all the loved one's favorite foods.

On Saturday, anyone can take part in the fun of Dia de los Muertos, which includes music, food, flowers and crafts at the Mercado la Paloma (Dove Marketplace).

The event is a project of the nonprofit Esperanza Community Housing Corp., and will include community altars for flowers, exhibits by local artists and a variety of workshops and activities for children that include sugar-skull painting and mask-making.

Mercado la Paloma, 3655 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, two blocks east of Exposition Park at Grand Avenue and 37th Street. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Parking and admission are free; food and crafts sold separately. Handicapped accessible, restrooms; dogs on leashes allowed. Call [phone] or see mercadolapaloma.com.

SAFARI FOR LIFE: This annual family car show is a chance to look under the hood of 100 of your favorite dream hot rods and classics and meet a few wild animals in a benefit for the Wildlife Waystation in the Angeles National Forest. It's not just revved-up engines, however - there also will be live music, food and trophies for your favorite cars. Sportsmen's Lodge, 12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. Parking and admission are free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Handicapped accessible; restrooms; no pets. Call [phone] or see www.sportsmenslodge.com.

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

DOGS: WOLF, MYTH, HERO & FRIEND