Some great things are happening in Los Angeles in November. From fairytale forests to hiking the highest peaks in the city, via red carpets and Academy Awards, we’ve got the lowdown for you, right here. Every month we produce this list of the ten top events or things to do in southern California. The list is designed for visitors to LA, and residents. Some things are free and some are not, but doing any one of them will give you an authentic experience of Los Angeles’ food, music, art and general joie-de-vivre. Have fun, be safe and let us know what you think of our list of the 10 Best Things to Do in LA in November.

Events & Activities in Los Angeles This Month

1. VISIT AN ENCHANTED FOREST (FROM NOVEMBER 16)

This is an interactive and after dark experience that’s well worth checking out. I mean come on, an enchanted forest? Who doesn’t want to see one? This version features a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences at the beautiful Descanso Gardens (which is always worth visiting anyway).

More information here.

2. GO TO A WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL (NOVEMBER 8)

This November the Water Lantern Festival is coming to the Santa Fe Dam, in the San Gabriel Valley. During the event participants launch thousands of glowing lanterns across the water, each carrying a private message (hopefully an uplifting one), creating a magical atmosphere that’s hard to beat and a sight you don’t see too often in Southern California.

More information here.

3. GO TO THE LA AUTO SHOW (NOVEMBER 21-30)

One of the oldest auto shows in the world takes over the LA Convention Center in downtown in November.

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®), is one of the most influential and best-attended auto shows globally and spans more than 1,000,000 square feet. Each fall, show creator ANSA Productions gathers the who’s who of the auto industry to unveil the future of mobility in the car culture capital of the world.

Los Angeles Auto Show

You might have heard that car culture is big here in Los Angeles. More information here.

4. VISIT THE NEW(ISH) ACADEMY MUSEUM (ALL MONTH)

The Academy Museum opened during the pandemic, so maybe it hasn’t got all the attention that it deserves. It joins a stellar list of institutions on Miracle Mile’s museum row: the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the La Brea Tar Pits Museum and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Nevertheless the Academy Museum holds a special place in the heart of LA because of our history. At some point you just have to make the pilgrimage, why not this month?

More information here.

5. VISIT THE LA ARBORETUM FOR HALLOWEEN IN THE GARDEN (VARIOUS DATES)

This is something aimed more at the kids. Don’t get me wrong, the Arboretum is interesting for all ages (if you like nature, and trees and stuff), but the Halloween show is especially delightful for the little ones. There are film screenings, trick or treating events and lots of other fun things going on too.

On November 1 there’s a Skulls and Marigolds Halloween event, and later in the month there’s a screening of The Grinch and there’s a Children’s Storytime every Thursday

More information here.

6. GO TO A COMEDY SHOW (ALL MONTH)

Who couldn’t do with a good laugh? Most of LA’s comedy clubs have reopened with shows featuring lineups of both household names and up-and-coming stand-ups.

Hollywood Improv has a full slate of shows and The Comedy Store is open almost nightly. Don’t Tell Comedy is an underground series of “secret” standup shows offering pop-up shows at outdoor venues, including parking lots and rooftops.

7. GO TO A CONCERT (ALL MONTH)

There are always great bands coming to Los Angeles to perform, and a lot of musicians live here (at least part of the year). This month some of the many highlights are:

Tate McRae: more information here.

Garbage: more information here.

Bryan Adams (with special guest Pat Benatar): more information here.

Any one of those concerts could easily be the best thing to do in LA in November.

8. WATCH AN AMAZING SUNSET OVER LA (ALL MONTH)

We have some great sunsets here (maybe it’s the pollution ;-), and with the weather getting a little milder this month, November’s a good time to hike up into the Hollywood Hills which run through the center of Griffith Park, and watch the sun set over the city of Angels.

Our Griffith Park & Hollywood Sign Hike starts at 3 pm at the Greek Theatre, finishing at the Griffith Observatory at around 5.30 pm. Is there better time to do it than this? If so we haven’t figured it out.

As the sun drops below the Santa Monica Mountains, after another day in the dream factory, with the Observatory’s dome on one side, the Hollywood Sign on the other, and the city lights coming on below you – it’s just a magical moment. That’s why you’ve see it in so many movies.

More information here.

9. CELEBRATE DIA DE LOS MUERTOS IN DTLA (NOVEMBER 1-2) 

Every year Grand Park, in front of City Hall in downtown, has a series of events and exhibits in celebration of Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday also known as Day of the Dead.

The annual Downtown Día de los Muertos welcomes parkgoers to pay reverence at over 20 altars created by professional artists and local community organizations.

The two-week exhibition features stunning altars, created by local artists and community organizations, along with vibrant family-friendly activities, a free film screening and the first Downtown Día de Muertos parade.

The Music Center, Gloria Molina Grand Park

More information here.

10. WATCH A SPORTS GAME (ALL MONTH)

Los Angeles has a host of world famous sports teams – ahem franchises – and catching one of them playing here can be a fantastic experience. Many of the athletes are superstars in their respective sports.

The Los Angeles Lakers: more information here.

The LA Clippers: more information here.

The Los Angeles Rams: more information here.

The Los Angeles Chargers: more information here.

Los Angeles FC: more information here.

LA Galaxy: more information here.

Los Angeles Kings: more information here.

Anaheim Ducks: more information here.

If you have any feedback on the 10 Best Things to Do in LA in November please email us or reach out on social media, we’d love to hear from you.

– By Damien Blackshaw (Twitter)