The Ancient Forest at Enchanted Forest of Light. Photo by Kathryn Rapier

Need plans to make it the best November ever in the city of angels? We’re here for the assist.

In view over the next thirty days you’ll find Noche de Muertos at Grand Park, holiday lights experiences like Astra Lumina and Enchanted Forest of Light, pop-up markets including Renegade Craft and Jackalope Pasadena, an Innovation Social at the Music Center, a Strangers Things-themed edition of CicLAvia, the MidCity Night Market, the LA Auto Show, and more.

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Things To Do This November

M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick

The 3rd Annual Great Pumpkin Bash (November 1) – FA > If you still need to get rid of your days-old jack-o-lanterns and want to make sure it gets composted correctly, why not make a party? Swing over to Pan Pacific Park on Saturday, November 1 for the 3nd Annual Great Pumpkin Bash where you’ll find a host of gardening workshops and demos, a costume parade, giveaways, bites from local faves, and of course a Pumpkin Smash Zone. Runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.

Dia de Los Muertos at Hollywood Forever -> The largest Día de los Muertos celebration in the U.S. returns to at Hollywood Forever Cemetery this November for its 26th installment. The day honors ancestors with dozens of altars, Aztec dancers, and vendors, anchored by two outdoor screenings of Disney•Pixar’s Coco on the Fairbanks Lawn. There are three separate admission windows: the early afternoon (1:30 PM) for altars and dancers; the sunset window (4:30 PM), which includes the 6:45 PM Coco screening and a spectacular drone show; or the late-night window (9:30 PM) for evening access and the 11:00 PM Coco screening. Tickets range from $16.46 all the way up to $363.95 for special VIP tix. Get more info here.

West Adams Dia de Los Muertos Festival (November 1) – FA > Join Midcity Mercado and L.A. City Council District 10 for the 3rd annual West Adams Día de los Muertos Block Party Festival. West Adams will come alive with two stages of live performances plus food trucks, art exhibitions, mural painting, carnival rides, and a community altar designed for collective healing and celebration. Runs noon to 8 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.

Día de los Muertos at PetSpace (November 1) – FA > Celebrate the lives of beloved pets at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace’s Día de los Muertos event. Guests can add a photo to the pet ofrenda, enjoy snacks from Cena Vegan, treats from La Pawnadería, and complimentary pet portraits, plus take home a free screen-printed tote. More info here.

Best Friends Super Adoption (November 1-2) – FA > Best Friends’ annual mega adoption event returns to the Rose Bowl Stadium, bringing together hundreds of adoptable pets from local rescues and shelters. Expect a lively weekend filled with vendors, interactive activities, music, giveaways, and great food—plus plenty of furry friends waiting for their forever homes. RSVP for a free Best Friends tote bag. More info here.

Noche de Muertos at Grand Park (November 2) – M FA > Celebrate the final day of Downtown Día de los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park with Noche de los Muertos. The closing celebration features a performance by Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Lupita Infante, the vintage-meets-hip-hop sounds of Boleros with Attitude (BWA), and DJ Sizzle Fantastic. PLUS: Expect hands-on activities, a community mercado, and glowing altars as you reflect with the community. Free to attend. Runs 3 to 7 p.m. More info here.

24th Street Theatre Día de los Muertos (November 2) – FA > 24th Street Theatre’s Día de los Muertos Festival is baa the annual event draws thousands of guests, offering an evening of live performances, food vendors, artisan booths, altars, art installations, and a cemetery of remembrance. Runs 6 to 10 p.m., and free to attend. More info here.

Wags & Walks Neighborhood Social (November 2) -> Wags & Walks is hosting its inaugural Neighborhood Social, an upscale outdoor block party benefiting rescue dogs at its Federal Avenue location. This dog-friendly celebration features tasty bites and sips from local favorites like Tito’s and Kismet, creative activations including pet portraits and custom embroidery, and a Pups & People Salon with Paul Mitchell and Barkbus. Pups can even enjoy special pizzas from JustFoodForDogs in partnership with Pizzana! It’s more than a block party—it’s a major community celebration of rescue and the incredible dogs that bring people together. Adult tickets are $25. Kids are $10. More info here.

Self Care: Yoga and Soundbath at CAAM (November 2) -> Dedicate a Sunday to self-care with a special Yoga and Soundbath session at the California African American Museum. The session begins with a 60-minute yoga flow and meditation led by Constance Hartwell, followed by a deeply relaxing 60-minute sound bath experience from Sol & Sound. No previous experience is necessary, just make sure to bring your own yoga mat. Starts at noon. More info here.

23rd Annual Encuentro de Jaraneros (November 2) – M FA >Celebrate the rich folk traditions of Veracruz at the 23rd Annual Encuentro de Jaraneros at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes on November 2. This annual festival unites Jarocho musicians and dancers for a full day of performances, workshops, and shared celebration. Experience vibrant ensembles like Conjunto Jardín, Tenocelomeh, and Son de San Diego, culminating in a mini-fandango. Starts at noon. Free to attend. More info here.

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It’s Alive Marketplace at Common Space (November 2) – FA > It’s Alive Marketplace, the ultimate Horror Market featuring 100% Vegan eats, pops up at Common Space Brewery with 35+ vendors selling spooky shopping, horror collectibles, morbid art, and creepy cosmetics. Enjoy dark tunes from DJs and delicious plant-based food from vendors like The Frankenstand and Vegan Jam Taqueria. FREE entry, all ages, and dog friendly! Costumes and cosplay are strongly encouraged. Runs noon to 5 p.m. More info here.

Dia de Los Muertos at NHM (November 2) – M > The Día de los Muertos Celebration at the Natural History Museum includes live music, an up-close look at NHM’s interpretive ofrenda (altar), and a mercado of Latino/a/x vendors. Highlights include a performance by Mariachi Las Catrinas and a bilingual storytime of Huesos with Lil’ Libros. The event is free with paid Museum admission and for all Members. Programming runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info here.

Artist Tour at The Skirball (November 4) – FA > Join artist Trenton Doyle Hancock for a special, free guided tour of the new exhibition, Draw Them In, Paint Them Out: Trenton Doyle Hancock Confronts Philip Guston, at the Skirball Cultural Center on November 4. The exhibition showcases the unexpected connections between two trailblazing American artists, Hancock (Black) and Philip Guston (Jewish), exploring their lives and creative journeys. Program begins at 6 p.m. More info and free tickets available here.

See NOW Festival (November 6–22) -> REDCAT’s annual NOW Festival returns for its 2025 edition, spotlighting nine bold new works in dance, theater, and music from Los Angeles artists. Over three weeks, the festival brings together timely, risk-taking performances exploring themes from immigration to mental health through opera, movement, clowning, and more. Each weekend features three artists sharing the stage Thursday–Saturday at 8 p.m., with Saturday shows livestreamed. A full festival pass to see all nine works costs $50.More info here.

OutfestNEXT (November 6–9)-> OutfestNEXT returns with 20 bold, emotional, and delightfully campy films that push the boundaries of LGBTQ+ storytelling. Screenings at the LA LGBT Center’s Renberg Theatre and LOOK Cinema Glendale include highlights like Yen Tan’s heartfelt dramedy All That We Love starring Margaret Cho and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Bryan Fuller’s directorial debut Dust Bunny with Sigourney Weaver and Mads Mikkelsen, and a 25th anniversary screening of The Broken Hearts Club. Tickets are $24 per screening. More info here.

Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars (starting November 6) -> ​​The South Coast Botanic Garden again morphs into a multi-sensory celestial pathway where guests will walk amongst the stars thanks to brilliant lights, cosmic visions, and astral song. Expect nine immersive zones decked out with radiant light installations, 360º soundscapes, and cosmic narratives. Adult tickets start at $32.90 and there’s an additional fee for parking. More info here. 

Renegade Craft (November 8-9) – FA > Renegade Craft market once again pops up for a day-two affair at the Santa Monica Airport open space featuring over 275 craft designers, artists, and creative vendors. Free to attend. More info here.

NatGeo Live at BroadStage (November 13) -> Experience the thrill of science in the wild with National Geographic Explorer Gregg Treinish at BroadStage Santa Monica this November 13th! In his talk, “Adventure for Change,” Treinish shares stories of his team’s mission to hike frozen peaks and kayak remote rivers, all to collect raw data for scientists. Follow their challenging, high-altitude adventures and discover how their work is changing our understanding of the planet. The 75–90 minute presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $60. More info here.

Flux, Fall 2025 at The Hammer (November 13) – FA > The fall edition of the Hammer’s Flux screening series returns this November celebrating the best in short films and music videos from around the globe, plus wildly inventive filmmaker presentations and performances. Following the program, enjoy a courtyard party with a DJ and cash bar. Admission is free, with seats assigned first come, first served. Parking is an $8 flat rate after 6 p.m. at the museum. Event starts at 7:30 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.

L.A. Zoo Lights ( November 13 – January 11, 2026) -> The Los Angeles Zoo’s brightest annual tradition will transform the zoo grounds into a world of light and holiday magic. The after-hours event offers brightly lit displays and festive family-friendly experience every night throughout the entire holiday season. Adult tickets start at $19, depending on the desired date to attend. More info here.

The Music Center’s Innovation Social (November 14) – M FA > Experience the future of storytelling at The Music Center’s Innovation Social. These free, speakeasy-style gatherings (previously known as the Black Bar Social) feature reality-bending projects that merge performance and technology. The November “Connection Through Movement” iteration includes Aya Umoh’s Rhythmic Wave (Nigerian dance meets digital avatars), Ari Melenciano’s Cosmeage (Pan-African sound and identity), and a film showcasing the Black and Queer aspects of sign language. Event runs 6 to 9 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.

The 2nd Annual Pasadena Armenian Festival (November 15) – FA > Celebrate Armenian culture at the Pasadena Armenian Festival, showcasing traditional arts, music, and cuisine at Centennial Plaza in front of Pasadena City Hall. The festival runs 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and is open to all. More info here.

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Getty Villa Theater Lab: Thieves of California (November 15-16) – FA > Experience the timely and unique theatrical event, Thieves of California, presented as part of the Villa Theater Lab series at the Getty Villa! Set in the year 2031, after California has seceded from the union, this adaptation of Aeschylus’s Seven Against Thebes explores the challenges of making art when the world is crumbling. Performances run Saturday, November 15th (3 & 7 p.m.) and Sunday, November 16th (3 p.m.). Tickets are free, but a reservation is required. More info here.

Autumn Festival at The Aquarium (November 15-16) – M > This annual two-day event at The Aquarium of the Pacific celebrates Asian culture through traditional craft demonstrations, music, dance, cultural arts exhibits, and storytelling. Festival activities are included with general admission to the Aquarium, which starts at $44.95 for adults. Get more info here.

Jackalope Pasadena (November 15-16) – M FA > Indie craft market Jackalope returns to Central Park in Old Pasadena for a two-day, pop-up marketplace with over 200 local, hand-selected artisans. Free to attend. Runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. More info here.

Enchanted Forest of Light (Starting November 16) -> Descanso Gardens’ dazzling winter tradition, Enchanted Forest of Light, returns to illuminate the season from November 16th through January 4th! Wander through a one-mile pathway of large-scale, interactive installations, including the glowing stained-glass cottages by Tom Fruin and the geometric works of HYBYCOZO. New this year are two special ‘Music & Mixology’ nights on December 10th and 11th, featuring live “yacht rock” hits from Yachty by Nature while you sip craft cocktails. Timed entry starts at 5:30 p.m. on open dates. Adult, non-member tickets run $27-$45. More info here.

“Can Comedia Help Us Understand California’s Past? (November 20) – FA > Can 17th-century Spanish theater help us understand modern L.A.? Find out at the free panel “Can Comedia Help Us Understand California’s Past?” at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. This special event—co-presented by Zócalo Public Square—will feature readings from the Golden Tongues anthology, with contemporary playwrights adapting classic comedia to explore L.A. themes like gentrification, sexuality, and Black, Korean, and Latino identity. Playwrights Diana Burbano (Flickers), June Carryl (Florence and Normandie), and Luis Alfaro (Painting in Red) will offer remarks and sign copies of the book at a post-reading reception. Free to attend. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.

Common Ground Dinner: A Taste of Sigd—An Ethiopian Jewish Holiday (November 20) -> The Skirball Cultural Center invites guests to gather around the table for a special Common Ground Dinner celebrating Sigd, the ancient Ethiopian Jewish holiday of renewal and unity. Diners will use tableware from the Common Ground installation while sharing a communal meal that weaves together traditional Ethiopian flavors, music, and storytelling. Leading the evening’s dialogue is Beza Abebe, a cultural scholar and advocate for underrepresented voices across Ethiopia, Israel, and the U.S. Tickets are $90 and include dinner, drinks, and a night of cultural connection. More info here.

Pershing Square Holiday Ice (November 20 – January 11, 2026) – M > The 7,200 square foot skating rink in the heart of DTLA returns for the holiday season. GA tickets, including skate rental, cost $22 for adults. More info here.

MidCity Night Market (November 21) – FA > Mid City Night Market lights up a stretch of Washington Blvd. between West Blvd. and Vineyard Blvd. with live music, food trucks, and local vendors. It’s the perfect time to grab dinner, meet your neighbors, and get a head start on holiday shopping while making the streets safer and brighter. Runs 5 to 9 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.

LA Auto Show (November 21-30) – M > Get up close with the future of driving at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, returning to the Los Angeles Convention Center from November 21-30. Expect to explore and compare hundreds of the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, and EVs, all folded into new attractions like the Creator Studio and The Underground for custom car culture, alongside favorites like the Showcase Hall and hands-on experiences like the Camp Jeep and Ford Bronco Built Wild Adventure Courses. Adult tickets start at $18. Get more info here.

Venice Winter Fest (November 22) -> Kick off the season by the sea at Venice Winter Fest, a festive block party blending retro ski lodge charm with surf-town energy. Enjoy artisan markets, live music, hot cocoa, festive bites, and winter-themed activities for all ages. Snap photos at cozy holiday installations, shop one-of-a-kind gifts from local makers, and soak up the cheerful community spirit by the water. Free to attend. More info here.

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LA Opera Presents La Bohème (November 22 – December 14) -> LA Opera celebrates its 40th Anniversary Season with the return of Herbert Ross’s beloved production of Puccini’s La Bohème, a timeless tale of love, art, and heartbreak in 19th-century Paris. Conducted by Resident Conductor Lina González-Granados, the revival runs for six performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Tickets start at $37.50. More info here.

Great Los Angeles Walk ( November 22) M FA – The longstanding bi-pedal tradition will meet at the oldest palm tree in Los Angeles, found in Exposition Park and then the group will make their way all the way to UCLA. More info here.

‘Netflix x CicLAvia-Melrose Ave: Stranger Things 5 One Last Ride’ (November 23 ) – M FA > CicLAvia is teaming up with Netflix to turn a 4-mile stretch of Melrose Ave into Hawkins, Indiana for one day only, all to celebrate the final season of Stranger Things. Bike, skate, or stroll the route connecting Fairfax, Larchmont, and East Hollywood while channeling your favorite character or monster with neon, windbreakers, or any totally awesome retro fit. Costumes encouraged! Free and open to the public. Runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info here.

Annual Moby Dick Reading (November 22-23) – FA > Join the Venice Oceanarium for a beloved Venice Beach tradition, now in its 30th year! From sunrise to sunset, the public is invited to listen or volunteer to read from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. More info here.

Pasadena Doo Dah Parade (November 23) – M FA > The Pasadena Doo Dah Parade returns for its 46th edition, featuring an irreverent and oddball cast of characters marching down Colorado Blvd in Old Pasadena. More info here.

Hollywood Christmas Parade (November 30) – M FA > Get ready for the start of the holiday season with the 93rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade. The dazzling, U-shaped parade starts on Hollywood Blvd. at Orange Drive, travels east to Vine, then down to Sunset Blvd. and back. To avoid heavy traffic and road closures, take the Metro Red Line directly to the Hollywood/Vine or Hollywood/Highland stations, which put you right on the route. Parade starts at 6 p.m. More info here.

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