We’re sort of panicking as we look at the calendar and realize that it’s only a matter of weeks until the end of the year. But before we even hit Thanksgiving and the hysteria of holiday travel plans, we have our eye on these free things to do in L.A. in November. You’ll find inflatable light-up sculptures, a Downtown museum celebration, an open streets event and more—these are the best ways to make the most of your month without breaking into your wallet.
Through Nov 2
Day of the Dead at El Pueblo; Olvera Street
Peruse altars in the plaza of El Pueblo at this Day of the Dead celebration, with face painting in the evening.
Through Nov 10
Fantastic Planet; FIGat7th
Gaze up at four larger-than-life humanoid figures that’ll be taking over FIGat7th. The illuminated, inflatable works come from Australian artist Amanda Parer.
Through Feb 16
“Shirin Neshat: I Will Greet the Sun Again”; The Broad
Scope out this stunning photography exhibition for free every Thursday from 5 to 8pm.
Nov 1, 2
ARRAY 360; Amanda Theater
Director Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY 360 Film Series showcases cinematic works from people of color and female filmmakers.
Nov 1, 15
Fall Film Series at Union Station; Union Station
Take a seat inside Union Station’s handsome ticketing hall for a pair of animated features: The Adventures of Prince Achmed (Nov 1) and Waking Life (Nov 15).
Nov 2
Donna Huanca in Conversation with Cecilia Fajardo-Hill; Marciano Art Foundation
Bolivian-American artist Donna Huanca, whose Obsidian Ladder performance installation is currently on display at the Marciano, sits down with curator and art historian Cecilia Fajardo-Hill.
Nov 2
Festival of Flight; Long Beach Airport
Get up close and personal with some aircraft at this annual LGB open house.
Nov 2
Grand Ave Arts: All Access; Grand Avenue
Celebrate 11 Bunker Hill institutions with free performances, exhibitions and tours at spots like the Broad, MOCA and the Music Center.
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 9–Dec 29
“Facing the Giant: 3 Decades of Dissent”; Over the Influence
See new mixed media works from Shepard Fairey that respond to the street artist and graphic designer’s 30-year career.
Nov 10
Our Future Fest; LA Plaza De Cultura y Artes
If you care about (and are kept up at night by) the destruction of our planet and the injustices of late-stage capitalism but are also into free events, then this all-ages music and arts fest fits your very specific interests.
Nov 17
Christmas at the Grove; The Grove
L.A.’s shopping mall metropolis lights up its Christmas tree with a slew of special guests and fireworks.
Nov 17
Meet on Beach; Various locations
Slow down and see busy Beach Boulevard from a new perspective during this open streets event spanning seven Orange County cities.
Nov 23
The Great Los Angeles Walk; Various locations
Debunk all of those cliches about walking in L.A. during this 18-mile urban hike across the city.
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.