Yes, it’s November again. The gateway drug to the holiday season. But it’s not all about the holidays yet. Here are fun things you can do all month long in November for free!
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Nov. 1 — Los Angeles: It’s the Third Annual Great Pumpkin Bash in mid-Wilshire’s Pan Pacific Park. Bring those leftover jack o’lanterns and get ready to smash them. There will be a Pumpkin Smash Zone (no paint, candle wax or glitter please) to turn your jack-o-lanterns into compost, as well as music, activities and more. There will also be a costume parade and eco-friendly giveaways. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 7600 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles. eventbrite.com/e/the-3rd-annual-great-pumpkin-bash-tickets-1602851946319
Nov. 2 — Riverside: Head over to the First Sundays celebration that includes free admission to the Riverside Art Museum, The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture and other downtown Riverside art venues. Every first Sunday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m. 3425 Mission Inn Ave. riversideartmuseum.org
Nov. 2 — Santa Ana: Enjoy the Mexican Day of the Dead Festival at the Bowers Museum in the museum’s Key Courtyard. Enjoy live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2002 North Main St. Santa Ana. bowers.org/index.php/programs/festivals/mexican-day-of-the-dead-2
Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25 — Long Beach: Get free Queen Mary ship admission for “Meet Me at the Mary” Tuesday happy hours in the Observation Bar (ages 21+). Live music and drink specials. Parking discounted to $15. Must reserve online for free admission. 4-8 p.m. 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. queenmary.com
Nov. 8 — Los Angeles: Yes, it’s Depot Day at Travel Town Train Museum in Griffith Park. Docent-led tours through the historic Pullman Sleeping Cars and Santa Fe Motorcar. Various times from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 5200 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, Los Angeles. traveltown.org/visit/calendar/
Nov. 8 — Pomona: Enjoy some festive fun at the Second Saturday ArtWalk and Day of the Dead festival. Activities include art galleries, car show, music and live performing stages, (paid) beer gardens, food and more. 5-10 p.m. 197 W. Second St., Pomona. downtownpomona.org/hastalamuerte
Nov. 8 — Temecula: Get cultural at Culture Days at the Temecula Valley Museum. The country being celebrated this month is Poland. Activities inlucde cultural learning, entertainment, crafts, fun and food for purchase. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 28314 Mercedes St., Temecula. temeculavalleymuseum.org/culture-days
Nov. 11 — Simi Valley: The Salute to Wellness Veterans Day celebration includes a special USO-style camp tribute show, mental health counseling, resources, fitness and veterans organization booths. Noon to 3 p.m. Veterans Plaza, Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. rsrpd.org/recreation/events/veterans_plaza_events.php
Nov. 11 — Redlands: Live music in honor of Veterans Day will be performed frp, noon until 2 p.m. at Citrus Plaza, 27320 W. Lugonia Ave., Redlands citrusplaza.com/events
Nov. 11 — Multiple locations: In honor of Veterans Day, all U.S. national parks will be free to visit on Tuesday, Nov. 11. If you’ve got the day off, this is a great time of year to get outdoors and visit almost any park, but I’d recommend getting there very early to avoid the crowds. And bring water and snacks. This is the last fee-free day this year. Enjoy! (If the federal government is still shut down, better check to see what’s open). nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm#free_entrance_days
Nov. 15 — West Covina: It’s time for the Holiday Magic Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Plaza West Covina, along with Santa and friends. There will be live holiday performances from local bands, choir and dancers. Also character photo opportunities and Angel City Market. A snow play area requires a paid ticket. 5-9 p.m. 112 Plaza Drive, West Covina. eventbrite.com/e/holiday-magic-tree-lighting-ceremony-2025-tickets-1901830629609
Nov. 19 — Manhattan Beach: It’s the annual Pier Lighting and Open House at the Manhattan Beach Pier. Find live choirs starting at 6 p.m. and the annual holiday lighting of the pier at 7 p.m. The downtown holiday open house will include Santa and his sleigh, treats, face painting, music and a balloon artist from 5-9 p.m. at Metlox Fountain Plaza. Other downtown attractions include strolling Victorian carolers, live music, Bubblemania and live reindeer. Go early and watch for closed streets. 5-9 p.m. The pier is at 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach. ManhattanBeach.gov
Nov. 20 — Huntington Beach: Bring a blanket for the free movie night on the lawn at the Pasea Hotel. Screening will be “The Holiday” (2006), starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Blacl Free admission, cocoa and popcorn. More food and drinks can be purchased on site. Discounted parking $15. 5 p.m. check in, movie starts at 5:30. 21080 Pacific Coast Highway. Huntington Beach.facebook.com/PaseaHotel