Family friendly fairs and festivals: SouthFlorida.com

RIBFEST 2009
Nov. 6-8. National and local ribbers will compete for the coveted prize for best ribs, pork, brisket, chicken and sauce at the annual barbecue festival. Ribfest is the place for delicious food, great entertainment with concerts by local and national rock and country music artists, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Homestead Air Reserve Park, Southwest 288th Street and 122nd Avenue, Homestead. 305-668-4343 or www.miamiribfest.com.

FAMILY FEST
Nov. 7. The performances, hands-on demonstrations and mini-workshops will provide engaging opportunities for parents to share with their children while introducing performing arts. Families can make a puppet, learn a song or dance, while learning about the arts and other cultures. In addition, families enjoy face painting, make-and-take crafts, and performances on the outdoor stage. 11:30 a.m. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. 786-468-2000. Free.

FAMILY FUN FEST AND BABY EXPO
Nov. 8. This is a schoolwide community outreach program to highlight Congregation B'nai Israel's Mommy and Me and Preschool Programs. The event will introduce the community to the schools teachers, students and administration. Demonstrations of the programs will give insight into the activities offered and highlight the school's teachers. In addition, local valuable vendors and information will be available, along with fun Florida Panthers mascot, mini-Stanley and Dr. Kawa's mascot Danny the Dolphin. 1-3:30 p.m. Congregration B'nai Israel, 2200 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. 954-494-3596. Free.

JAMAICAN JERK FESTIVAL
Nov. 8. Fun, food, and music -- Jamaican-style. Absorb island culture with cooking demonstrations, including a Jerk Cook-off, cultural stages, rides and games for children. Enjoy an array of cultural and popular entertainment as well as a number of sporting contests and competitions. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road. 84, Sunrise. 954-389-2000 or www.jerkfestival.com. Advance tickets, $10; Day of, $20.

MIAMI BOOK FAIR
Nov.8-15. Make sure to venture out to the Children's Alley as this year brings the Green Planet Tent where children will learn how to build a birdhouse, plant trees and visit the ocean's dazzling species of fish. The Dr. Seuss Tent will feature interactive play and storytelling centered on the Lorax and Yertle the Turtle. In addition to storytelling children can enjoy Fantasy Theatre Factory's production of "The Dance Factory" and the Momentum Dance Company's performance of "Hansel and Gretel" and "Poetry on Strings" by David Plumb with Pablo Cano's marionettes. Northeast Second Avenue, Miami. 305-237-3258 or www.miamibookfair.com. General admission, $8; Seniors (62 and older), $5; Youth 18 and younger, free.

CAMELOT DAYS MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL
Nov. 14 and 15. Explore a kingdom full of musicians, artisans, eateries, knights and jesters. Cheer for your favorite side at a live chess game. Eat like a king, shop for handcrafted treasures in the Artists' Market, and enjoy games and exciting rides for all ages. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. T-Y Park, 3300 N. Park Road, Hollywood. 954-985-1980 or http://camelotdays.com. Adults, $12; Children 6-12, $3; Children 5 and younger, free. Park admission, $1.50 per person; Children 4 and younger, free.

STORYBOOK FESTIVAL
Nov.14. Children and their families are invited to attend "Adventure Into Books" at this family festival which features live entertainment, storytelling, crafts, free books, the Fantasy Forest Adventure, Tom Sawyer's Story Cave and more! Starting at noon, kids ages 3 to 10 can join in the StoryBook Parade dressed up as their favorite storybook adventurer. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines. 954-538-9996. Free.

GREAT GREEN LIVING FESTIVAL Nov. 14 and 15. This eco-friendly living festival includes a local organic farmer's market, alternative energy vehicles and fuels, medicinal herbs, oils and teas, natural foods and culinary plants, live musical entertainment, lectures and children's activities. Services to include aromatherapy, yoga, tai chi, reike and chair massages. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fruit and Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead. 305-247-5727. $7; Children 10 and younger, free.

SOUTH FLORIDA LIVING GREEN FAIR
Nov. 14 and 15. The Living Green Fair is an outdoor experience for those looking for simple and affordable ways to go green. The fair will include a Kids Eco Zone, interactive art, samplings of organic foods and more. Contests and activities will educate kids about being environmentally friendly, and seminars and demonstrations will educate adults on how to easily become engaged in a greener everyday life. 9 a.m. John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, 6503 N. Ocean Drive, Dania Beach. 561-241-7309 or www.livinggreenfair.com. Admission is $5 per family of five or free with the donation of two recyclable items per person. Entrance and parking at the State Park is $6 per car.

RAMBLE, A GARDEN FESTIVAL
Nov. 20-22. The Ramble is South Florida's most loved and oldest garden party. Come and experience a blend of old traditions and new introductions with Nell's Tea Garden, the largest plant sale in South Florida, antiques and collectibles, garden-themed art, old and rare books, Kid Way, live music and a ramble raffle of more than 60 items. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables. 305-667-1651. Adults, $20; Seniors, $15; Children 6-17, $10; Children 5 and younger, free.

MRS CLAUS CRAFT CORNER
Nov. 21 and 22. There will be more than 50 crafters showcasing their work, as well as a Kids Kraft Korner where kids can make their own hand craft. Come on out and enjoy some holiday shopping, festive music, raffle, kid activities and more. Admission is free with either canned goods for the homeless or an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. The Promenade at Inverrary, 4450 N. University Drive Lauderhill. 954-261-9730 or visit www.mrsclauscraftcorner.com.

TENTH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH ART FEST
Nov. 28 and 29. The artists will line the streets of Pineapple Grove with their professional display booths, transforming the area into a first-class outdoor art gallery. The public can meet and talk with the artists personally, asking questions about their art and inspirations. The media represented include paintings, sculptures, photos, glass, wood, jewelry, collage, and ceramics. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Pineapple Grove in Downtown Delray Beach, 200 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach. www.artfestival.com. Free admission.