Things To Do This Veterans Day Weekend in L.A. [11-10-2023 to 11-12-2023]

The Getty Center Courtyard
The Getty Center Courtyard / Photo by: Christina Champlin

As we lean into a holiday weekend (thank you for your service to all the veterans out there!), we want to get you ready with a jam-packed list of to-dos. And there are lots of choices.

For this November 10-12 in Los Angeles, you’ll find Night Games at The Music Center, Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden, Inglewood Open Studios, the Autumn Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Creative Babe Market at the Original Farmers Market, Selected Shorts at The Getty, a KCRW dance party on the L.A. Waterfront, a series of 70mm screenings at the newly reopened Egyptian Theatre, and more. Check out all your options below.

advertisements

Make Metro Part of Your Weekend

Night Games at The Music Center -> This Friday and Saturday head over to the Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center for Night Games, a weekend of gameplay under the stars featuring multiplayer showdowns and single-player experiences, all created by independent developers. Runs 6 to 11 p.m. each night. More info here.

Go Metro: Take the B or D Lines to Grand Park / Civic Center station OR take the A or E Lines to Grand Ave Arts / Bunker Hill Station.

More Things To Do This Weekend

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


California Festival at Walt Disney Concert Hall – M > This month’s California Festival is a statewide showcase of new works featuring 100 participating organizations and ensembles, including symphony orchestras, chamber music groups, jazz ensembles, opera companies and choirs, all performing compositions created in the past five years. As part of the series, Walt Disney Concert Hall will be hosting a dozen concerts between Nov 7-19, including this Thursday-Sunday. Get more info here.

Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The StarsTP > ​​Starting this Thursday evening, 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. The seasonal attraction runs on select evenings through December 31. Adult tickets start at $35 and there’s an additional fee for parking. More info here

Ice Santa Monica -> Ice Santa Monica is back with an 8,000 square-foot ice rink pop-up at the intersection of Arizona Ave and 5th St in Downtown Santa Monica. Skate rental and admission is $22. The rink is open daily through January 15. More info here.

Drunk Theatre -> Bay Area import Drunk Theatre is exactly what it sounds like: A comedian downs five quick shots of whiskey and then sees if he/she/they can make through an improvised set with five sober counterparts. The is back this Friday at the Santa Monica Playhouse. Pre-sale tickets are $20 per person online, or it’s $25 at the door. Show begins at 9 p.m. More info here.

The Last ImprovM > This Friday at Dynasty Typewriter, The Last Improv gathers an A-list lineup of comedians to perform skits based on the stories of a guest monologist who offers impromptu diatribes inspired by audience suggestion. Dan Black hosts with special guests to Lauren Lapkus, Brandon Scott Jones, and Bobby Moynihan, plus guest monologist Pauley Shore. GA tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 the day-of. Starts at 7:30 p.m. More info here.

Movie Fridays on the Third Street PromenadeM FA > Every second Friday of the month through December, Santa Monica hosts a free outdoor movie on the 1200 block of Third Street Promenade, between Arizona & Wilshire. This Friday, catch a screening of Jurassic World beginning at 7:30 p.m. No RSVP necessary, but you can get more info here. More info here.

Inglewood Open StudiosM FA TP > This annual two-day Art Walk happening this Saturday and Sunday takes visitors on self-guided tours of art spaces and exhibition spaces in the City of Inglewood. All galleries will be free to enter, and some will offer special programming and workshops to accompany the art walk. There will also be free shuttle service provided by the city during the two day event. Runs noon to 5 p.m. both days. Get more info here.

Autumn Festival at The Aquarium M > Stop by The Aquarium of the Pacific this Saturday or Sunday to celebrate 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.

Vulture FestivalM > The Vulture Festival is back this Saturday and Sunday for a slate of programing that includes actors in conversation, special screenings and panels, rare performances and workshops. This time the fest takes over NYA studios. Highlights include A Henry Winkler Acting Class, a n advanced screening of Peacock’s Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain and much more. Tickets for individual sessions range from $30 to $45. More info here.

Ivy Station Night MarketM FA > The Ivy Station Night Market returns this Saturday to help you holiday shopping at this autumnal edition of our monthly night market on the Ivy Station lawn in Culver City. Shop 25+ local vendors, food trucks, craft beer, games, and music. Runs 5 to 10 p.m. 

The Performance Project at Hauser & Wirth and Del Vaz Projects Present ‘Our name is Moving’M FA > This Saturday Hauser & Wirth hosts a performance by Puerto-Rican collective Poncili Creación as part of an exhibition programming series for Nonmemory. More info here.

Getty Center’s Selected Shorts -> This year, the Getty Center’s Selected Shorts is back in collaboration with the online reading community Belletrist. Join them this Saturday for a series of performances showcasing classical and contemporary short stories, performed by stars from film, TV, and stage, including Tony Hale, Judy Greer, Emma Roberts and Randall Park. Tickets cost $20. More info here.

North Hollywood’s Berman Ceramic Arts Annual Sale -> Berman Ceramic Arts, the longest-running ceramics studio in Los Angeles (founded in 1972) will host their annual sale this Saturday and Sunday. This exclusive event showcases the work of over 50 local ceramists, offering a wide array of artistic treasures for sale with many items priced under $50. More info here.

Forest Lawn’s 64th annual Veterans Day CelebrationFA > Forest Lawn’s annual Veterans Day Celebration invites the public to the Hall of Liberty in Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills on Saturday for a salute to the American armed forces. The day time event features a flyover, patriotic music, an invocation and benediction, a color guard, a wreath laying, family-friendly activities, and more. Let’s come together to honor and show appreciation for the members of the United States Military in this special commemoration. Starts at 11 a.m. More info here.

advertisements

Disco TripM > Disco Trip, Insomniac’s disco music festival is happening this Saturday at Grand Park DTLA. The line-up includes SG Lewis, Disco Dom, DJ Harvey, Bears in Space and more. Tickets start at $79. More info here.

Ultra Cinematheque 70: Hollywood M TP > The American Cinematheque’s Ultra Cinematheque 70: Hollywood is back at the Egyptian Theatre from Saturday, November 11 through Tuesday, November 21, showcasing 70mm films including West Side Story, Spartacus, The Wild Bunch, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Lawrence of Arabia. Attendees can catch these cinematic gems for $17 per screening. More info here.

Creative Babe Market -> On Saturday, Creative Babe Market pop-ups at The Original Farmers Market highlighting 100+  small female-owned businesses. Vendors will offer an assortment of items such as clothing, jewelry, home goods, and much more. The event will also include a live DJ and face painting for children. Free to attend. More info here.

How Does a Community Move With Music? A Diaspora Dance PartyFA TP > This Sunday, Zócalo and KCRW are hosting a dance party at the Port of L.A., bringing together people to celebrate the music and cultures from our global diasporas. With sets by KCRW DJ Raul Campos, Wilmington DJ Mario “Dred” Lopez, and special emcee Gustavo Arellano from the Los Angeles Times, it’s a chance to dance, enjoy art activities by LA Commons, explore a pop-up Wilmington Art Walk, and connect with new music and each other. Best part? It’s free to attend! The first 100 guests to check in and get a wristband will receive complimentary food from local vendors. More info here.

REPENTANCE Comedy Show -> Join Ahamed Weinberg (Colbert) and Mekki Leeper (Jury Duty) as they present REPENTANCE this Sunday at Elysian Theater. REPENTANCE is a monthly comedy benefit for the Downtown Women’s Center, showcasing the finest comedians in Los Angeles. Tickets are available for $15. More info here.

3rd Annual Making Memories FestivalM > November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and for the third year in a row Alzheimer’s Los Angeles hosts a special benefit concert at LA State Historic Park to raise funds and awareness for the cause. Happening this Sunday, this year’s festival lineup features with Ozomatli and special guests J.Rocc, Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse, La Misa Negra, and Monalisa. Expect food truck vendors, games, special activities, and an exhibitor area as well. Tickets are $35 in advance online, or $40 day-off. Get more info here.

Wellness & WavesM > The Santa Monica Pier hosts a community Wellness & Waves series on six select dates this fall. The next one takes place this Sunday from 9 to 10 a.m. More info here.

advertisements

Pajama Drive at The Original Farmers Market -> Huntington Meats and Farmers Market Poultry’s 3rd annual holiday kids pajama drive is back for the month of November. Donate new, unwrapped pajamas for kids ages 0-18 and receive a pound of ground beef, homemade sausages or a dozen eggs – it’s your choice. More info here

Dining & Drinking

(picks by Christina Champlin)
budonoki-grilled-dishes
A medley of grilled dishes at Budonoki. Photo credit Budonoki Instagram.

Budonoki & Holy Basil Thai-zakaya Night -> This Sunday, East Hollywood izakaya Budonoki and Holy Basil are coming together for a special “Thai-zakaya” event. The mash up menu teased on social media includes Crying Tiger Zabuton Steaks, Fish Collar Tom Yum, Grilled Issan Sausage, and Thai Tea soft serve. Reservations are available on Resy, and some walk-ins will be accommodated, but spots are filling up fast. More info here

L.A. Restaurants Forever: 86 Red Tape -> This Sunday, experience a culinary celebration in support of the Independent Hospitality Coalition’s advocacy work, featuring an array of delectable dishes from top Los Angeles restaurants like Anajak, Pijja Palace, All Day Baby, Pizzana, Tacos 1986 and more. Enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, and DJ entertainment while helping to advance crucial initiatives, from preserving outdoor dining to promoting unisex bathrooms. Happening at the ChowNow HQ in Culver City. Entry options include $75 for adults (includes all food and drinks), $30 for kids (ages 4-12), and free admission for kids aged 3 and under. Adults can also get really fancy with a $200 VIP upgrade. More info here.  

A Reverse Happy Hour at Jonah’s Kitchen -> Night owls in Santa Monica can head to the Flamingo Bar at Jonah’s Kitchen for a ‘Reverse Happy Hour’ from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursdays through Sunday. Patrons can nosh on Wagu Sliders at $3 each, Jonah’s Hot Dog at $6, and Guacamole and Chips at $8. There are plenty of $12 specialty cocktails on the menu, $6 to $10 house drinks, wine and beer. 


Want to get the best things to do in L.A. sent straight to your inbox? Join over 60,000 Angelenos who subscribe to our twice weekly email newsletter!

Sign-Up for We Like L.A.’s Emails

* indicates required
Additional Newsletter Options
By subscribing, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy and consent to receive emails from We Like L.A. about news, events, offers, and partner promotions.

advertisements