You've already started planning for Thanksgiving and making holiday travel arrangements, but there are plenty of free things to do in November before it's time to cut into the turkey. From a free film fest to a new Downtown museum opening, these are the best ways to make the most of your month without breaking into your wallet.
Nov 1-30
Red Bull Sound Select 30 Days in L.A. ; Various locations
Catch cheap live music events every night this month, plus free events like the Stones Throw Super Fest and the Left-Over.
Nov 2
Self Help Graphics & Art Día de los Muertos Celebration; Self Help Graphics & Art
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at the four-decade-old Boyle Heights tradition.
Nov 4
Film Noir at Union Station; Union Station
Catch the 1949 film Criss Cross—which was partially shot at Union Station—screened inside of the historic train depot.
Nov 5, 6
Festival of Flight; Long Beach Airport
Get up close and personal with some aircraft at this annual LGB open house.
Nov 5-Mar 19
Creature; The Broad
Examine different approaches to figuration and self-representation through more than 50 post-'80s works.
Photograph: Michael Juliano
Nov 10-17
AFI Fest; Hollywood
See future box office hits as well as niche, indie gems at the 30th annual free film fest.
Nov 15
Marina Abramović talk; Getty Center
Listen to the performance artist recount an emotional career that's pushed her body past the limits of fear, pain and exhaustion.
Nov 19
The Great Los Angeles Walk; Various locations
Debunk all of those cliches about walking in L.A. during this 17-mile urban hike across the city.
Nov 20
Mariachi Festival; Mariachi Plaza
Step into Mariachi Plaza to be dazzled by this local musical tradition.
Oct 30-Nov 20
Performance Lessons: Suzanne Lacy Teaches Andrea Bowers Performance Art; The Main Museum
Kick off the under-construction museum's "beta" phase with this performance series and drawing exhibition.
Photograph: Michael Juliano
Nov 24
Westside Thanksgiving; Veteran’s Association of Greater Los Angeles
Volunteer your time on Thanksgiving Day at this heartwarming community feast.
Nov 26
Holiday Marketplace; Craft & Folk Art Museum
Have a crafty start to the Christmas shopping season at CAFAM's annual Miracle Mile marketplace.
Nov 27
Hollywood Christmas Parade; Hollywood
Watch floats and bands make their way through Hollywood during this 84-year-old tradition.
Ongoing
Free concerts; Various locations
Listen to some tunes without breaking the bank with free shows at the Echo, the Satellite, Grand Park and more.
Ongoing
Free museum days; Various locations
Make the most of free days at LACMA, the Natural History Museum and more, plus always-free museums like the Hammer, Getty and Broad.
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