BOOK READINGS/ LECTURES

ALISA VALDES-RODRIGUEZ "Playing With Boys" is the sophomore novel by ‘The Dirty Girls Social Club’ author Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (see review, P. 66). Sept. 15. Barnes and Noble, 675 Sixth Ave., between 21st and 22nd streets. (212) 727-1227. 7 p.m. Free.

VIVA FRIDA

Learn about the fascinating life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Listen to a reading of "Frida," a picture book for kids by Jonah Winter. Oct. 2 and 3. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., between St. Marks Avenue and Prospect Place. (718) 735-4400. 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. $4,

ESMERALDA SANTIAGO

Author Santiago reads from her new book, "The Turkish Lover." Oct. 13. Community Bookstore, 143 Seventh Ave., between Carroll and Garfield streets. (718) 783-3075. 7:30 p.m. Free.

DR. LUIS LOPEZ TALLAJ

Dr. Luis Lopez Tallaj discusses his new book on plastic surgery in the Dominican Republic, "Aportes a la Cirugia Plastica Dominicana." Oct. 16. Libreria Lectorum, 137 West 14th. St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues. (212) 741-0220. 4 p.m. Free.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

HISPANIC HERITAGE WEEKEND

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Bronx Zoo invites you to enjoy the spirited sounds of Latin music. Sept. 18 and 19. Bronx Zoo, Bronx River Parkway and Boston Road (near Fordham Road). (718) 367-1010. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $11 adults, $8 for children (2 to 12) and seniors, children under 2 are free. Event activities are free with general Zoo admission.

FIESTA DE FLORES

The New York Botanical Garden presents a day-long festival celebrating the people and plants of Latin America. Sept. 18. The New York Botanical Garden, 200 St. at Kazimiroff Blvd., entrance on Mosholu Pkwy. (718) 817-8700, http://www.nybg.org/ . 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Garden is free until noon every Sat. Adults, $13, seniors and students, $11, children 2 to 12 years. old, $5 and free for children under 2.

SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA

Celebrated across the globe as ambassadors of salsa, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra take the stage at the second annual Pathmark Celebracion de la Herencia Hispana. Sept. 19. Pier 16 of the South Street Seaport at Fulton and South Street. (866) 893-1812 or visit http://www.mipathmark.com/ . 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free.

YOUNG LATINA WOMEN AND FRIENDS ENCOUNTER 2004

An open forum for young Latinas and other community members to explore identity issues. A Tempo sponsored event. Sept. 24. La Plaza Beacon School, 515 West 182nd St., between Amsterdam and Audobon avenues. (917) 363-1049. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free.

BOMPLENAZO 2004

A celebration of Afro-Puerto Rican culture. Festival includes an art installation, a photographic exhibition of panderos, a crafts market and performances by Yerbabuena and Los Pieneros del Batay. Sept. 29 through Oct. 3. Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street and Centro Cultural Rincon Criollo, Brook Avenue at 158th Street. (718) 518-4455. Orchestra seat package for concerts: $36.

CHILI PEPPER FIESTA

Celebrating the harvest, culinary use, and cultural significance of the chile pepper. Enjoy hot musical performances and spicy dance workshops. Oct. 3. Brooklyn Botanical Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., between Eastern Parkway and Flatbush Ave. Call (718) 623-7333. Noon to 5:30 p.m. Adults, $5, students and seniors, $3.

DOMINICAN FESTIVAL

Enjoy a mask making workshop, dance in a parade, and groove to the energizing sounds of Alianza Dominicana Children’s dance troupe and band. Oct. 9. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., between St. Marks Ave. and Prospect Place. (718) 735-4400. 12 Noon to 3 p.m. Admission: $4.

NATIONAL LATINO AIDS AWARENESS DAY

A multicultural fair dedicated to ending the the spread of HIV. Oct. 15. El Museo Del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Ave., between 104th and 105th streets. For more information call (212) 831-7272. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free.

ME GUSTA EL CHOCOLATE

Get a taste of chocolate’s rich history. Conclude the Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the delicacy’s Latin roots. Saturday’s program will be taught in Spanish and Sunday’s in English. Oct. 16 and 17. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., between St. Marks Ave. and Prospect Place. (718) 735-4400. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $4.

ART

"Off the Main," The Show of Contemporary African, Caribbean and Latin American Art to feature 40 premiere exhibitors of paintings, sculture and photography. A Tempo sponsored event. Oct. 7-10. Puck Building, 295 Lafayette Street. (212) 473-8649. Admission: $10.

MALENA REYES

Celebrate Chile’s independence as Malena Reyes sings "Canciones de Revolucion." Oct. 6. Carlito’s Cafe y Galeria, 1701 Lexington Ave., between 106th and 107th streets. (212) 348-7044. 8 p.m. Free.

VICTOR MANUELLE

See the salsa master live. Oct. 8. Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Ave. at 57th Street. (212) 247-7800. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35 to $85.

THREE KINGS OF MUSIC

Tito Rodriguez, Tito Puente and Machito collectibles presented by the Latin Music Collector’s Festival. This event will gather thousands of music buffs from around the world to swap memorabilia. Oct. 9. St. Paul’s Church, 60th St. and Columbus Ave. Call (212) 307-7420 ext. 3009. 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. $5.

EVA AYLLON

A superstar in Perú Eva Ayllón is the foremost exponent of the vibrant "Peruvian musica criolla," which combines African and Spanish traditions. (See album review, P. 71) Oct. 15. Town Hall, 123 West 43rd St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues. (212) 545-7536. Ticketmaster: (212) 307-4100. 8 p.m.

Tickets: $25, $35, $45, students, $15 with college I.D.

FILM

LATIN BEAT AT LINCOLN CENTER

The annual Latin-American film-fest includes novelist Rodrigo Rey Rosa making his directorial debut with "What Sebastian Dreamt," only the second feature film to be produced in Guatemala in the last 20 years. Festival ends September 28th. What Sebastian Dreamt" will be screened on Friday Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 26th at 5 p.m. at the Walter Reade Theater, 165 W. 65th St., between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. (212) 875-5600 or visit http://www.filmlinc.com/ .

LA BOCA DEL LOBO ITINERANT SHORT FILM FESTIVAL A showcase of the most relevant short films selected from the past seven editions of La Boca del Lobo Itinerant Short Film Festival. Sept. 23 through 25. New York University’s King Juana Carlos I Center, 53 Washington Square South, across from Washington Square Park. (212) 998-3652 or www.nyu.edu/kjc . Free.

— Compiled by Juana Guichardo
Email Tempo@nypost.com