Citadel Outlets Tree-Lighting: It's good, really, that most people aren't on the decorating schedule of SoCal's big shopping destinations and theme parks. While we may be still stowing the Halloween cut-outs, with weeks to go before we think about where the ornaments box might be, Citadel Outlets is lighting its huge tannenbaum, "the tallest live cut tree in the world," on Saturday, Nov. 7. Madison Beer, Sabrina Carpenter, and Laura Marano will perform at the free event, Mario Lopez hosts, and the 115-foot white fir'll sparkle nightly through the holidays. Really, where is that box of ornaments?
Veterans Day Festival: While a number of locations around Southern California will take Nov. 11 to remember and honor those who have served, the U.S.S. Iowa in San Pedro is starting the observation early. A daylong Veterans Day Festival, on Saturday, Nov. 7, will include the landing of an Army helicopter (right on the ship), a sailor's bar, autos brimming with history, and '40s-era swing-style tuneage. Bring a pair of shoes to give to the "Show Your Soul by Donating Your Sole" drive, too, should you plan to visit during the fest.
NKLA Super Adoption: A couple of times a year great swaths of the Southern California animal rescue community come together, with adoptable pooches and felines in tow, and everyone meets at the La Brea Tar Pits, with one goal in mind: Make people-pet forever pairings. It is a heartwarming weekend, adoption fees aren't all that much, the adoptable animals are microchipped and spayed/neutered, and there is much to see, learn, enjoy. Will you find your Fido or Frisky there on Nov. 7 or 8? We're rooting for you.
Japanese Garden Festival: Every moment at Descanso Garden feels a bit precious, even crystallized in time, thanks to the clear air and the sunlight and the rustle of those epic oaks. But to have both a fest full of Taiko drumming and sake sips and Ikebana arrangements and the start of the annual camellia bloom, all over one weekend, seems as though a crystallized moment has stretched to encompass a full Saturday and Sunday. Need some peace, culture, eats, sounds, and sunlight? Follow the drums into the La Cañada Flintridge space on Nov. 7 and 8.
Croquet, Champagne & Oysters Fundraiser: If you were to visualize something sporting happening outside the jewel-like Hollyhock House, out on the lawn, what game would you see? Yep, thought so, you're picture mallets and wickets and old-style, knock-an-opponent's-ball croquet. Which is handy, since there happens to be a croquet-themed fundraiser happening right next to the Hollyhock, in honor of Barnsdall Art Park, on Sunday, Nov. 8. How's your swing, your swig, and your slurp? In pretty good order? Sign up and help out this Hollywood-based gem.
