October was great and all, but there’s something in the air when the calenders turn to November. Whether it’s thanksgiving, the upcoming holiday season, or the temperature drop, the ambiance is full of life and excitement. Here are a few events happening around the city of angels this month to help you get out of spooky season and back into reality.

This hybrid film festival shows future box office hits, niche indie masterpieces, and other compelling screenings. Returning this year with a mix of virtual and in-person screenings, the event will kick off at the Chinese Theater while premiering Lin Manuel Mirandas’ “tick, tick…BOOM!” There will also be an entire gala honoring the one and only Julie Andrews. Some other highlights include Pedro Almodóvar’s Parallel Mothers, Halle Berry’s Bruised, and King Richard starring Will Smith.

Date: November 10 – 14

Location: Chinese Theater

The zoo, but better! The Los Angeles Zoo will stay open after dark every night until January for their visually appealing holiday tradition. The light show is expected to take place this month after being forced to take a year off last year due to the pandemic. The lights were inspired and are said to reflect that zoo’s many animals; there will be decorated elephant statues, vibrant mosaic-like giraffes, sparkling butterflies, and more.

Date: November 19 – January 9

Location: Los Angeles Zoo

Another “lit” tradition is the illuminated installations in Descanso Gardens for their annual holiday lights showcase. Last year’s enchanted forest was canceled in light of the pandemic, but from November 21 through January 10, Descanso Gardens’ Enhanced Forest Of Light will be up and running once again. Alongside shimmery and celestial sound effects, the botanical gardens will be bursting with color at nightfall with mixes of hands-on art installations, bright and beaming forests, and a stunning backdrop of shining trees.

Date: November 21 – January 10

Location: Botanical Garden in La Cañada Flintridge, California.

After many pop-ups at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, the pan-Asian music and media collective 88rising will move up the ladder to a bigger and better venue outside the Rose Bowl. This year’s lineup comprises big names like 88rising’s Joji, NIKI, and Rich Brian alongside others like Saweetie, CL, DPR Live, Beabodoobee, Japanese Breakfast, keshi, and Linda Lindas. There will also be an accompanying food festival on the side from 626 Night Market.

Date: November 6 – 7

Location: Rose Bowl Grounds

Remember the days when Obama was president? If you’re a fan of the famous family, catch the two paintings of Barack and Michelle Obama (by Kehinde Wiley and Michelle Obama, respectively) at LACMA from November 7 to January 2.

Date: November 7 – January 2

Location: Los Angeles County Museum Of Art