WEEKEND FESTIVALS SEAWORTHY FLASHBACKS.

Byline: Barbara DeWitt Staff Writer

THE TALL SHIPS - the kind of Peter Pan and pirate lore with cannons roaring - will be sailing Friday morning into the Port of Los Angeles and dropping anchor at San Pedro.

More than 30,000 visitors are expected to witness the Los Angeles Festival of Sail, a race among 14 historical ships that originally set sail from Vancouver. While they're in port, it's one big party, and everybody is invited to join the festivities.

The ships are expected to arrive at 9 a.m. Friday, with a harbor parade at 1 p.m. followed by public tours of the ships, mock cannon battles outside the breakwater and an open house at the Maritime Museum. Among the most famous ships in the race are the Ecuadorean tall ship Guayas as well as the Europa of Amsterdam and L.A.'s official tall ships, the twin Brigantines Exy and Irving Johnson, which were built by the Los Angeles Maritime Institute at the water's edge, says museum director Dr. William Lee.

In addition to the ship tours, souvenir stands, food and entertainment, there will be the official unveiling of the newly renovated Red Cars, which took L.A.'s downtown residents to the seaside back in the '20s. The vintage trolleys are fare-free and will take visitors back and forth from the waterfront to the parking lots and restaurants.

Since there's so much walking involved between the Maritime Museum and the Ports O' Call Village, as well as those slippery gangplanks and ship decks, you'll need flat, rubber-soled shoes. Also wear sunscreen and bring along a jacket, as ocean breezes can get chilly in the late afternoon.

FESTIVAL OF SAIL: Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro. To get there, take the San Diego Freeway (405) south to the 110 Freeway south and exit at Harbor Boulevard. Continue driving south, following signs to the festival and Ports O' Call Village. Parking is free at Ports O' Call Village and at off-site lots at 22nd and Miner streets and 22nd and Signal streets. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday through Monday. Admission: Wharf activities, ship inspections and museum admission are free; food and souvenirs priced separately. Tickets for boat ride with mock cannon battle are $50; call [phone] for reservations. Ships are not handicapped-accessible. No pets or alcohol allowed. General information: [phone] or www.brigantines.com.

Also happening this week:

ALPINE VILLAGE OKTOBERFEST: If you can't get to Bavaria for the real Oktoberfest (also held in September), try this local festival that attracts 100,000 visitors a year. It opens Friday night with a benefit (adults 21 and older) for local charities, including the Van Nuys-based First Marine Division Association. Nightly fare includes Bavarian bands, beer, bratwurst and traditional souvenirs such as the heart-shaped gingerbread cookies on a ribbon for women and ``chicken'' hats for men. Festival highlights include a stein-holding contest with relay teams and also polka dancing in the beer garden. Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance. To get there, take the San Diego Freeway (405) south to the 110 Freeway south, continue south and exit at Torrance Boulevard. Parking is free. Weekends through Oct. 26. Friday and Saturday events from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. are for adults 21 and older only. Admission: $5. Sunday is family day, from noon to 7 p.m. Admission: $4, free to ages 12 and under. Food and souvenirs sold separately. Call [phone] or see www.alpinevillage.net/oktoberfest.htm.

PORTUGUESE BEND NATIONAL HORSE SHOW: This 45th annual equestrian benefit for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles will feature three days of events, including the $10,000 Seahorse Jumper Classic. But it's not just a spectator event, as there will be pony rides, puppet shows, face painting and other children's activities as well as food booths and an arts and crafts fair. Ernie Howlett Park, 25851 Hawthorne Blvd., Rolling Hills Estates. To get there, take the San Diego Freeway (405) south, exit Hawthorne Boulevard and drive south, following signs. Parking is free. Events begin at 8 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $5 for adults, $2 for children 4 to 12, free to ages 60 and over and children under 4. Call [phone] for reserved ringside seating or see www.pcch.net.

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Tours of the tall ships heading toward the Port of Los Angeles will be offered after the Festival of Sail race.