Your Guide to Fall Fun in the San Fernando Valley & LA
The Daily News brings you a curated list of exciting activities happening from November 13th to 21st across the San Fernando Valley and broader Los Angeles area. Get ready to explore festive light shows, engaging book signings, vibrant farmers markets, and much more as fall officially settles in for making memories.
This Week’s Highlights: November 13-21
Today: Wednesday, November 13
L.A. Zoo Lights – Animals Aglow: Embark on a self-guided walking tour featuring nature-focused lantern sculptures and lights through diverse landscapes like river, alpine, and rain forests. Opens today and runs various dates through January 11th. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Timed tickets start at $29 (ages 13+) and $19 (ages 2-12). More Info
Book Soup: John C. Hampsey: Join John C. Hampsey as he discusses his book “Soda Lake” at 7 p.m. at Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Book Soup Website
Friday, November 14
Granada Hills Grubfest and Farmers Market: Experience the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce’s food truck “Grubfest” from 5-10 p.m. on Chatsworth Street. Concurrently, the Farmers Market runs from 6-10 p.m. on White Oak Avenue, continuing every Friday. Chamber Website | Food Trucks
Book Soup: Simon Raymonde: Simon Raymonde discusses and signs “In One Ear – Cocteau Twins, Ivor and Me” at 7 p.m. This is a ticketed event for $21.97, including admission and one book. Book Soup Website
Saturday, November 15
NoHo Farmers Market: Find fresh produce and local goods from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at 500 Colfax Ave., Valley Village. Farmers Market North Hollywood
Canoga Park Farmers Market: A certified market running rain or shine from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at 7248 Owensmouth Avenue. Facebook Page
El Nido Farmers Market – Pacoima: The market operates from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Pacoima Family Source Center, 11243 Glenoaks Blvd. El Nido Website
Woodland Hills Farmers Market: Open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 5650 Shoup Ave. Facebook Page
Autry Museum of the American West: Opening today, “Creative Continuities: Family, Pride, and Community in Native Art” runs through June 2027. Also, the special exhibit “Black Cowboys – An American Story” continues through January 4th. Admission is $19 for adults. Autry Website
Friends of the Norwalk Libraries Fall Book Sale: Fill a bag for $5 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. An additional buy one, get one free offer is available from 4-5:30 p.m. at 12350 Imperial Highway, Norwalk. Event Details
Autobooks-Aerobooks: Dave Wolin: Dave Wolin signs his books “Thunder in the Desert” and “Bridgehampton Raceway” from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. Autobooks-Aerobooks
DroneArt Show – Rose Bowl: Experience a “concert in the sky” at 7 p.m. at the Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. Check the website for tickets. Rose Bowl Stadium
Ballet BC – Bolero X: A performance at 8 p.m. at The Soraya, California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St. Limited tickets available. The Soraya
Sunday, November 16
Encino Farmers Market: ONEgeneration presents this market from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 17400 Victory Blvd. ONEgeneration Website
Farmers Market – The Vineyards at Porter Ranch: A certified market from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 20000 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. Bring your reusable shopping bags. The Vineyards
Good Times Farmers Market: Open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Los Angeles Valley College, parking lot A, 5800 Fulton Ave., Valley Glen. Good Times Farmers Market
Museum of Tolerance – Book Event: Bianna Golodryga and Yonit Levi discuss and sign their middle-grade novel “Don’t Feed the Lion” from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free with reservation, or watch on Zoom. 9786 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. Reservation Details
Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna – All Souls Memorial Concert: The Wagner Ensemble and St. Francis de Sales Choir perform at 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 (adults), $15 (seniors), free for students 17 and younger. At 13370 Valleyheart Drive, Sherman Oaks. SFDS Choir
Enchanted – Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens: An interactive, approximately 1-mile walk through a display of lights, opening today and running through January 4th. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance ($27+ adults, $17 ages 2-12). Tickets and Details
Monday, November 17
Spider Pavilion – Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: Explore 10-15 species of spiders in an outdoor structure, along with tarantulas indoors. Runs through November 30th. Admission is $10 for a reserved 30-minute time slot, plus museum admission ($18 adults). NHM Spider Pavilion
Tuesday, November 18
Vroman’s Bookstore: Pyet DeSpain: Pyet DeSpain discusses and signs “Rooted in Fire – A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking” at 7 p.m. at 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Vroman’s Bookstore
Looking Ahead: November 19-21
Vroman’s Bookstore: Jerry D. Moore & Brian Schaefer (Nov 19-20): Jerry D. Moore discusses “Cat Tales – A History” on Nov 19, followed by Brian Schaefer and “Town & Country” on Nov 20, both at 7 p.m. Vroman’s Bookstore
Los Angeles Auto Show (Starts Nov 21): Enjoy days of comparison shopping, test drives, and exploring automotive brands from November 21st-30th at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St. All tickets must be purchased online. LA Auto Show
Enchant Christmas – Santa Anita Park (Starts Nov 21): Discover the “world’s largest Christmas light maze,” an ice skating trail, Santa Claus, and more from November 21st-December 28th at 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia. Enchant Christmas LA
Imaginarium – Land of Oz – Fairplex (Starts Nov 21): This family-friendly, walk-through illuminated event opens at 5 p.m. on November 21st and runs on selected dates through January 4th at Fairplex – Pomona, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. Tickets start at $21 for adults. Imaginarium Pomona
Light Up Your Fall: A Comparison of LA’s Best Illuminations
Don’t miss these spectacular light shows transforming venues across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley into dazzling wonderlands.
| Event Name | Location | Theme/Highlight | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| L.A. Zoo Lights – Animals Aglow | Los Angeles Zoo | Nature-focused lantern sculptures, animal themes | Nov 13 – Jan 11 |
| Enchanted – Forest of Light | Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge | Interactive 1-mile walk through illuminated gardens | Nov 16 – Jan 4 |
| Enchant Christmas | Santa Anita Park, Arcadia | World’s largest Christmas light maze, ice skating | Nov 21 – Dec 28 |
| Imaginarium – Land of Oz | Fairplex – Pomona | Family-friendly illuminated walk-through Land of Oz | Nov 21 – Jan 4 |
Upcoming Performances & Special Events
Beyond this week, mark your calendars for these notable events at The Soraya and other venues:
- Momix – Alice (Nov 22): Moses Pendleton’s show inspired by “Alice in Wonderland” at The Soraya. Details
- Topanga Vintage Market (Nov 23): Discover collectibles and handcrafted items from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at Pierce College, Woodland Hills. Admission $5. Market Website
- Glendora Genealogical Group (Nov 25): Learn about the “California Pioneer Project” and “Ancestors Who Were Federal Employees” at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively at La Fetra Senior Center, Glendora. Free admission.
- The Soraya – Holiday Concerts (Dec 6-22): Enjoy a festive lineup including Gregory Porter, The Klezmatics, Christian Sands, and Nochebuena performances. Full Schedule
Ongoing Local Attractions
These cultural institutions offer continuous enjoyment in the Los Angeles area:
- La Brea Tar Pits and Museum: Explore Ice Age fossils daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $18 for adults. Tar Pits Website
- Museum of the San Fernando Valley: Open 1-5 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free admission at Rancho Cordillera del Norte, Northridge. Museum Website
- Natural History Museum Los Angeles County – Fierce! The Story of Cats: This international exhibit runs through February 18th (requires an add-on ticket). Museum hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. NHM Website
- Valley Relics Museum: Take a trip down San Fernando Valley memory lane from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at 7900 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys. Admission is $15. Museum Website
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Are tickets required for all events?
A: Many events, especially light shows and ticketed author discussions, require advance online ticket purchases with specific time slots. It is always best to check individual event websites for detailed admission and booking information. - Q: What happens if it rains?
A: Most outdoor light shows, such as L.A. Zoo Lights and Enchanted Forest of Light, typically operate rain or shine. However, policies can vary, so always consult the event’s official website for specific weather-related updates or cancellation information. - Q: Are the farmers markets open weekly?
A: Yes, most of the listed farmers markets operate on a weekly basis on their designated days. For any potential holiday closures or seasonal changes, it’s recommended to check their respective websites or social media pages. - Q: Is parking available at these venues?
A: Parking availability and cost vary significantly by venue. Large attractions like the LA Auto Show or Fairplex usually offer dedicated parking lots (often with a fee). For smaller events or those in urban areas, consider public transportation or be prepared to look for street parking. - Q: How can I submit a local event for consideration?
A: If you have an event you’d like to see featured, you can send calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to handres@scng.com for consideration.
Whether you’re looking for family fun, cultural enrichment, or a unique fall experience, the San Fernando Valley and greater LA area offer a vibrant array of activities to explore this week and beyond.
LA Valley Fall Activities This Week
