Fun things to do in Southern California

A curated list of the best upcoming events in Southern California.

“Eyes on the Road: Art of the Automotive Landscape”

Ongoing While most drivers often don’t consider the design of street signs and roadside amenities, many modern and contemporary artists have been inspired by the art found on and around our roadways. This new exhibit examines everything from the mundane (Ed Ruscha’s paintings of gas stations and road signs) to the flashy (the 1956 Astra-Gnome, a futuristic vision of what a car would look like in 2000), with an emphasis on the decisions that come to define a city’s aesthetic and how those choices infiltrate artistic creations for future generations. Adults, $21. Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles. 

“Yves Saint Laurent: Line and Expression”

FREE! Through October 27 Twentieth-century French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent’s designs were immensely popular in Europe and the United States, and he was a fixture of social scenes in New York and Paris in the ’60s and ’70s. When Saint Laurent wasn’t appearing in nightlife columns, he was known to decamp to a villa in Marrakech, sketching his days away. This show explores those sketches and the flowing designs that resulted from his North African sojourns. Orange County Museum of Art, Costa Mesa.

Dark Harbor

Through November 2 (select nights) As one of the most notoriously “haunted” places in Southern California, it's fitting that the retired ocean liner is the place to be for spooky season. In addition to a host of spooky mazes, live bands and several bars ensure a fun night out. Ticket prices not yet listed. Queen Mary, Long Beach.

“Yolanda López: Portrait of the Artist”

Through January 26 The late Chicana artist and activist Yolanda López impacted the world by addressing her feminist perspective as a Mexican American woman in 20th-century California. Her self-portraits, notably 1978’s Portrait of the Artist as the Virgin of Guadalupe, capture her role in challenging the patriarchal notions of using the Virgin as a role model for women. That work and dozens of others will adorn the walls of the museum’s second floor as the first solo museum show of López’s work. Adults, $15.95; kids 12 and under are free. The Cheech, Riverside. 

“Unmasking Anna May Wong”

Through January 26 Anna May Wong is widely considered to be one of the first Chinese American movie stars. She grew up in Los Angeles, landing her first movie job as an extra at age 14. She worked in film and television until her death at the age of 56, defying Hollywood stereotypes and carving out a memorable career for herself—memorable enough that she was featured on the quarter in 2022 as part of the United States Mint’s American Women Quarters Program. This exhibit showcases personal items and movie memorabilia that help illuminate her unique American story. Adults, $3. Chinese American Museum, Los Angeles. 

Boo at the Zoo

October 19, 20, 26, and 27 Trick-or-treaters of all ages can visit 10 stations offering up goodies while the train, carousel, and Ferris wheel operate past sunset. It's a fun glimpse of the charming zoo’s nocturnal operations. Costumes are encouraged, and this year’s funds go toward primate habitats and other zoo improvements. Adults, $35. Santa Ana Zoo, Santa Ana.

Star Party

FREE! November 6, December 14, January 11 A clear, cloudless night can reveal countless galactic wonders. On the second Saturday of each month, the Palmer Observatory opens its doors to the public to use its state-of-the-art telescope. Join the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit and fellow star enthusiasts to learn about the night sky. Palmer Observatory at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara. 

Coronado Island Film Festival

November 6–10 The Hotel del Coronado has been a major destination for Hollywood stars since the early 1900s, including Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford. This film festival celebrates that long history with five days of screenings, including classic films, premieres, and panels. Most films will be screened at the Village Theater, a recently restored art deco gem with its own colorful Hollywood history. Tickets start at $15. Various locations, Coronado.

Roar Cultural Festival

FREE! November 8–10 This festival celebrates Korean culture with traditional and modern dance performances, live music, a wish lantern festival, a Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) festival, cultural exhibitions and workshops, a Korean food show, and a craft marketplace. Activities for kids include pottery experiences, fine art workshops, Korean games, Hanbok dress-up, and photo ops. Donations are welcome. Fullerton Downtown Plaza, Fullerton. 

Festival at Pilgrim Place

FREE! November 8–9 The senior community Pilgrim Place puts an emphasis on justice, peace, and care for the Earth. Its 76th annual festival promises activities and treats for families; a marketplace selling antiques, plants, and handcrafted goods made by artisan residents. All proceeds benefit long-term care and support for the residents. Pilgrim Place, Claremont. 

Cathedral City International Balloon Festival

FREE! November 22–24 This 10th annual event offers the chance to ride in or witness the soaring majesty of hot-air balloons. On-the-ground activities include balloon tether rides, evening balloon glows, live music, gourmet food trucks, an outdoor market, a kids’ zone, and an art show. On November 23, LeAnn Rimes will perform at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater; afterward, a balloon glow will take place in downtown Cathedral City. A limited number of free concert tickets will be available to Cathedral City residents ages 21 and over. Festival and balloon glows are free; Friday-evening opening is $15 for adults (children under 4 are free). LeAnn Rimes concert tickets start at $50. Various locations, Cathedral City and Rancho Mirage. 

WinterFest OC

November 22–January 5 (select dates) The holiday spirit shines with more than two million lights at this annual event. Guests can glide across the Ice Skating Rink, tube down the icy Snowflake Summit, watch a new holiday light show, nosh on seasonal food and drinks, and wander through the immersive North Pole Journey to snap a photo with Santa. Online adult admission, $29.99; children ages 3–12, $24.99. OC Fair and Event Center, Costa Mesa.

Apple Butter Festival

FREE! November 29–December 1 Apple butter originated in 16th-century Europe, when farmers would combine the last of their produce at the end of harvest season to preserve their fruit. The technique involves cooking apples for many hours, distilling the fruit into a concentrated spread. Oak Glen apple growers celebrate this tradition each Thanksgiving weekend with live music, pumpkin painting, kids’ crafts, cider tasting, carriage tours, and—of course—apple butter making and sampling. Los Rios Rancho, Oak Glen. 

Nights of 1,000 Lights

December 8, 12–15, and 19–22 This holiday event allows guests to see the Sherman Library & Gardens transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a carnival. Visit Santa in his workshop, roast s’mores over a fire, and shop for holiday gifts. $25 for members, $35 for non-members. Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar. 

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights

FREE! December 13–14 This boat parade is so nice, they do it twice. The two-day evening festivities include carnival rides and games for kids, live music performances, and a snow machine churning out the perfect holiday backdrop. After dark, decked-out boats make a few laps before a festive fireworks show. Harbor Village, Ventura. 

Candy Caneland and Craft Fair

FREE! December 14 This annual family-friendly event, which has been running for more than half a century, promises food, games, raffles, a snow slide, a craft fair, and an appearance by Santa. Ehlers Event Center, Buena Park.

International Celebration of Christmas

FREE! December 15 This event turns Christmas into a celebration of diversity. Expect singing performances in Vietnamese, Korean, and Spanish, along with dancing and a live Nativity play, each with holiday flair and a unique perspective on the Christmas season. Old World Village, Huntington Beach. 

Snowtopia

December 20–22 Play in 60 tons of real snow on the tarmac behind the Palm Springs Air Museum. Firepits, craft making, a bouncy house, games, holiday shopping, and photo ops with Mr. and Mrs. Claus round out this winter wonderland in the desert. Train rides, s’mores, and eats from food trucks will be available for purchase. Tickets, $12 ($55 for a family of six); kids 3 and under are free. Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs.

Animé Los Angeles 20

January 9–12 Last year’s arcade-themed blowout drew more than 17,000 costumed folks to the Long Beach Convention Center. With an international array of artists, musicians, and even souped-up cars taking over the sprawling convention space, this annual event is a big draw for fans of nearly every aspect of Japanese anime culture. This year’s theme is “Historical”: Expect a cosplay masquerade, industry panels, a fashion show, an exhibit and art hall, and extremely bright colors. Single-day presale tickets start at $35; $40 at the door. Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach.

SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach

FREE! January 20–26 This World Surf League qualifying event is an opportunity for up-and-coming surfers to shred modest but challenging waves and earn recognition for their skills. Surfing for Hope sponsors the event between fundraising for cancer research and providing surf classes for children who have a family member affected by cancer. South side of Pismo Beach Pier, Pismo Beach. 

FREE! indicates free admission to the event, but additional fees may be required. Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.