WEEKEND FESTIVALS.

Byline: Simone Schramm

Rio comes to the Queen Mary 

This year, when Rio de Janeiro celebrates its four-day carnaval, you can join the action here in Southern California at the annual Queen Mary Brazilian Carnaval 2006. This year's theme is the World Cup Championship, where Brazil may win its sixth title, the most any country ever will have won. Get autographs from L.A. Galaxy's Brazilian soccer players and watch a live satellite feed of Brazil's carnaval. Feast on authentic Brazilian cuisine catered by Pampas Grill, and enjoy live music and dancers. The party starts at 8 p.m. Saturday and continues into the night. All ages welcome. Admission is $35 advance purchase ($40 at the door), $45 for reserved table seating ($50 at the door). Takes place in the Queen Mary Exhibit Hall, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. [phone]. www.braziliannites.com.

Also happening this weekend:

Commemoration of 1776 Anza Expedition: Celebrates the historic journey made by 240 colonists from northern Mexico to San Francisco Bay. Festivities will be led by the artillery of Soldados del Real Presidio de Santa Barbara, which will fire replica guns of the era. Begins 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Takes place rain or shine at the Soka University of America campus, 26800 W. Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. [phone].

Picasso's Fair: The first in a new weekly festival featuring art, music and food nestled in the center of Topanga Canyon. Picasso's Fair kicks off this week honoring the Chinese Year of the Dog, with customized animal clothing, jewelry and clothing. The fair also has more than 40 vendors and hosts a wide variety of live music performed by local talent. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children 12 and under. 139 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. [phone].