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Got plans for your L.A. weekend? You do now.
On deck for this November 7-9 in L.A. you’l’l find free 50th anniversary admission at Norton Simon Museum, Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden, iam8bit’s 20th Anniversary Show, LAte Night Train of Thought at Union Station, the Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, the Burbank Book Festival, Open Studios Day at Angels Gate Cultural Center, and more.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Free Anniversary Weekend at Norton Simon Museum – FA TP > The Norton Simon Museum is celebrating its 50th Anniversary Weekend with three days of programming this Friday to Sunday, and is offering free admission to all attendees. The festivities include live musical performances in the galleries, drop-in live model sketching in the theater, and a photo booth on Saturday and Sunday. Guests can also explore the anniversary exhibitions, including Gold: Enduring Power, Sacred Craft and Retrospect: 50 Years at the Norton Simon Museum. The Museum, located in Pasadena, is a cornerstone of Southern California art and culture, and tickets must be reserved in advance for entry. Get tickets and more info here.
Ajinomoto Gyoza Activations– FA > Japan’s cult-following gyoza brand Ajinomoto is throwing four free pop-ups across Los Angeles all this week.The activations will include Ajinomoto food trucks, chef-led demos, tastings, social media moments, games + prizes, all at the following dates/locations: Thursday at Long Beach’s Ralph’s from 2 to 6 p.m.; Friday at Baldwin Park’s Walmart from 2 to 6 p.m; Saturday at Cerritos’ Walmart from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday at Sherman Oaks’ Pavilions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More info here.
Wonmi’s WAREHOUSE Programs at MOCA – M > This weekend, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) kicks off its winter season of Wonmi’s WAREHOUSE Programs with the U.S. premiere of The Birds by choreographer Lenio Kaklea. This new dance work explores the relationships between human and non-human creatures, focusing on how birds structure their behavior through dance and song, echoing the human desire to be seen and heard. Featuring seven hybrid performers, the choreography highlights the tension between individual expression and collective movement, all while questioning the presence of societal control. Performances take place at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA on Friday (8 p.m.), Saturday, (7:30 p.m.), and Sunday (3:30 p.m.). Tickets are $12. More info here.
iam8bit Anniversary Show – FA > iam8bit is celebrating 20 years of games, art, and culture with a special gallery exhibition in downtown L.A. The weekend kicks off with a VIP Reception on Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., followed by two free public viewing days on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The show features over 70 renowned artists presenting contemporary works inspired by the consoles, characters, and games that defined the ’80s and ’90s. The gallery commemorates iam8bit’s influence on art and gaming. Attendees should plan for street or lot parking, or consider rideshare for the event. More info here.
Shark Lagoon Nights at AoP – FA > Get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators for free at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Shark Lagoon Nights this Friday. Attendees are invited to get up close to rays and large sharks in the main lagoon and even have the opportunity to touch smaller sharks, like bamboo sharks. This special evening event is free for everyone, but due to high demand reservations are required. Only the Shark Lagoon area is open during this time, and snacks and beverages are available for purchase. Runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.
Humans in the Loop -> Now showing in Los Angeles, catch the feature film Humans in the Loop at the Lumiere Cinema Music Hall in Beverly Hills from November 7-13. This timely human story follows Geeta, an indigenous woman hired to train AI in a remote Indian village, whose traditional ideals clash with her tech-focused employers. Evening screenings will be followed by a Q&A with the director, executive producer, and other personalities. The film questions the future of AI and whether one mother’s fight for inclusion can change the world’s most powerful technology. Use the code WELIKELA for $10 tickets. More info here.
OutfestNEXT -> This Thursday to Sunday, 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.
Chinatown First Fridays – M FA > Every first Friday of the month, L.A.’s Chinatown stays open late for an evening of exploring the unique small businesses and contemporary art and culture spaces that make up the historic neighborhood. West Plaza and Chungking Road activate with local pop-up vendors, DJ-spun music, and extended hours at neighborhood art galleries. There is also a concurrent Damnoen Saduak Night Market which pops up on weekends at Chinatown Central Plaza. This month catch a K-Chung Radio Takeover, which kids off at 6 p.m. More info here.
LAte Night Train of Thought at Union Station – M FA > LAte Night Train of Thought brings a free evening celebrating L.A.’s vibrant arts scene to Union Station’s Ticket Concourse this Saturday. Presented by Metro Art, Zócalo Public Square, and Grand Performances, the night begins with a conversation, “How Does Art Connect L.A.?” followed by stand-up comedy curated by Dynasty Typewriter, featuring Lauren Lapkus, Sasheer Zamata, Colton Dunn, and others. The event also includes spoken word by Da Poetry Lounge and a closing musical set by “art rap” artist Open Mike Eagle. Programming runs from 7 to 10 p.m. More info here.3
Wende Museum Fall Exhibitions Opening Day – FA > The Wende Museum invites the public to the opening day of its Fall 2025 exhibitions this Saturday, November 8th. The day begins with a noon tour, followed by a 2 p.m. reception featuring remarks from artists and curators. The new shows include The Sextant by Enrique Martínez Celaya, an immersive work that reconstructs his father’s Cuban home to explore themes of exile and memory. Also debuting is Intersections, which traces the collaboration of architects Victor Adegbite and Charles Polónyi in 1960s Ghana, examining design and ideology during the Cold War. All exhibitions, including the new installation in the East German Guardhouse, are free and open to the public.
Open Studios Day at Angels Gate Cultural Center – FA > San Pedro’s vibrant arts community comes into focus at Open Studios Day this Saturday at Angels Gate Cultural Center (AGCC). This free, all-ages event allows the public to peek into the practice of over 50 local artists who open their creative spaces for a self-guided tour. Visitors can explore the gallery exhibition, Sustainers of Life, featuring seven Native and Indigenous women artists, participate in an All-Ages Art Workshop, and observe community class demonstrations, including dance, printmaking, and ceramics. No registration is needed. Programming runs noon to 4 p.m. More info here.
The Land of the Twisted Tree – A Music & Art Festival -> Join multi-platinum producer and artist Mike Sabath for the launch of his new album and short film at The Land of the Twisted Tree – A Music & Art Festival this Saturday. Held at TreePeople on Mulholland Drive in partnership with YouTube, the evening features a live debut performance of Sabath’s new album from atop an RV stage. Attendees can also catch the official short film premiere, browse curated thrifting from @outfit.repeater.la, and enjoy food from @greentruck_la. Event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. More info and RSVP to attend here.
Mix at the Museum – M FA > This Saturday, catch free admission at The GRAMMY Museum as part of Mix At The Museum: A Roland Free Day. Attendees can enjoy a full day of workshops, performances, and exhibits. Featured events include a live jam session with four-time GRAMMY winner Jairus “J-Mo” Mozee and his band, J.Mo & The Greats, a specialized workshop on developing sustainable artist careers, and a “Track Talk” and performance by five-time Latin GRAMMY nominee Ali Stone. DJs will also be spinning on the Ray Charles Terrace rooftop. Visitors can explore current exhibits, including the interactive Sonic Playground and displays on Luther Vandross and Michael Jackson. RSVPs are strongly encouraged for this free event. Runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More info here.
Burbank Book Festival – FA > The second annual Burbank Book Festival returns to the Buena Vista Branch Library on Saturday. This community celebration of reading and local authors features an all-day schedule of panels, signings, and vendors. Attendees can enjoy a Picture Book and Graphic Novel Signing (10:00 a.m.), a Romance Panel (11:15 a.m.), and dedicated signings for Middle Grade, Adult Fiction, and Memoir authors throughout the day. It’s all free to attend, and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Renegade Craft – FA > This Saturday and Sunday, Renegade Craft market 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.
Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival -> The Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival returns for a three-day celebration of the city’s culinary scene at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, running this Friday to Sunday. This all-inclusive event, hosted by Tastemade, features walk-around tastings, craft cocktails, and live entertainment. Attendees can experience food from top culinary talent, including headliner chefs like Antonia Lofaso, Brooke Williamson, and Ludo Lefebvre, alongside local favorites such as Alisa Reynolds (My 2 Cents LA), Rashida Holmes (Bridgetown Roti), and the teams behind BADMAASH and Sqirl. Single day general admission starts at $175. Get more info here.
Bardfly Theatre at Boomtown -> Catch Bardfly Theatre Co.’s production of Shakespeare’s hard-to-define play, “The Winter’s Tale,” at Boomtown Brewery this Sunday. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for the 5:00 p.m. show, but the Taproom is open from noon if attendees wish to arrive earlier. Bardfly Theatre Co. specializes in site-specific Shakespeare in casual settings, ensuring their epic, genre-spanning tale—which covers 16 years and half of Europe—runs for no more than 90 minutes and keeps the dirty jokes intact. General admission tickets are $15, with seating available first-come, first-served. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Lucia Fundraiser for Hurricane Melissa (November 9) -> This Sunday, Lucia steps up for the Caribbean by matching 100% of all proceeds and donating the total to the American Friends of Jamaica and World Central Kitchen to support Hurricane Melissa relief efforts. Guests can dig into Lucia’s new seasonal menu, featuring bold, shareable plates like Smoked Beef Short Rib with black pepper–pimento glaze and grilled scallion roti, a 36 oz Dry-Aged Tomahawk Steak with jerk-spiced jus, and Guyanese Lobster “Chow Mein” with whole grilled lobster and shallot sauce. Signature cocktails round out the evening, from the refreshing Lychee Margarita to the inventive Oxtail Old Fashioned, crafted with oxtail-washed bourbon and Creole bitters. More info here.
ZEF BBQ Community Meal (November 9) -> This Sunday, ZEF BBQ, in partnership with A Hidden Fortress, is giving back with a free community meal from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Simi Valley. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re in need of a hot meal or simply want to support the cause. Those able to contribute in exchange for a meal are encouraged to donate money, canned goods, dried foods, or formula, with all donations benefiting a local food bank. More info here.
Nawal Fundraiser for Feed The Streets (November 9) -> This Sunday, Nawal pops up in Elysian Park for a heartfelt neighborhood fundraiser supporting Feed The Streets. Enjoy their signature Syrian–Circassian falafel, and know that each falafel sold helps feed three to four people experiencing food insecurity. All profits go directly to the nonprofit. More info here.
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