From cutting edge film and comedy to the opening of 189 by Dominique Ansel, here are the top LA weekend events for November 9-12.

By Christina Xenos.

EVENTS

AFI Fest
Nov. 9-16. Each November, filmmakers, celebrities and movie lovers all pour into Hollywood theaters for the American Film Institute’s annual AFI Fest. 2017 marks the 31st edition of the event, making it L.A’s longest-running international film festival. Expect a lineup of highly anticipated new films and awards-season contenders. This year’s fest closes with Ridley Scott’s All the Money in the World, starring Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Williams. See website for theater venues. 866.234.3378. afi.com

 

 

L.A. Comedy Fest
Nov. 9-19. Featuring films, live comedy acts and a screenplay competition, this showcase attracts up-and-comers and established comics alike. Check website for schedule and ticket information. Let Live Theatre, 916 N. Formosa Ave., L.A. lacomedyfest.com

 

 

 

 

Citadel Outlets’ Tree Lighting Concert
Nov. 11. Get in the holiday spirit early this year at this 16th annual tree lighting. Forever In Your Mind will headline the evening and a 30-person chorus will sing holiday classics as the world’s tallest live-cut tree (115 feet) lights up the night. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to be donated to a local children’s charity. 5-8 p.m. Free. 100 Citadel Dr., L.A. citadeloutlets.com

 

 

 

Designer Con
Nov. 11-12. The annual art and design convention amasses offerings from every corner of the design world. Find collectible toys, customs, plush, designer apparel and more with urban, underground and pop art. The convention also features panels, parties and access to exclusive merchandise. $10-$35. 300 East Green St., Pasadena. designercon.com

 

 

 

American Indian Arts Marketplace
Nov. 11-12. Celebrate Native American Heritage month at Southern California’s largest dedicated Native American arts fair. Discover unique wares from 200 artists representing 40+ tribes, plus enjoy food, films, poetry, informative demonstrations and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Autry Museum in Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, L.A. theautry.org

 

 

 

Sausage Fest 2017
Nov. 12. Bring your wurst and spend the afternoon with L.A. chefs Youself Ghalaini (FIG Restaurant) and Joel Miller (The Wallace). Enjoy live music, brats and artisan beers from local breweries like Verdugo West Brewing, Boomtown and Santa Monica Brew Works. Hops not your thing? Opt for FIG’s newest dry, white wine, the Georgina Jones Grüner Veltliner—named after the wife of Senator Jones, the founder of Santa Monica—which makes its debut at the festival. 1-5 p.m. $50/pp. Ticket includes all you can eat and sip. FIG Restaurant at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. figsantamonica.com

 

 

FOOD + DRINK

Dominique Ansel
Opens Nov. 10. The James Beard Award-winning pastry chef who sparked the Cronut craze across the world makes his West Coast debut with a bright new restaurant (189 by Dominique Ansel) and namesake bakery at The Grove. Expect a full range of French pastries—including the sought after Cronut—in addition to L.A. exclusives in the ground-level bakery. The second-floor restaurant starts dinner service starting Nov. 11 and also offers Ansel’s decadent take on weekend brunch during the day. The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, 323.602.0096 (restaurant), 323.601.1167 (bakery). dominiqueansella.com

 

 

Winston Pies
Ongoing. Eating pie is perfect no matter what time of year, but the new Brentwood cafe and pie heaven has arrived just in time for the holidays. The concept hails from Brianna Abrams, who has tantalized the tastebuds of her loyal following over the years with her ButterCrust pies. She offers a variety of selections, including her signature Cowgirl Pie: a handmade salted caramel chocolate pie with an oat crust. They come in slices, 11-inch round pies, 5-inch mini pies, 4-inch square hand pies and the cafe’s original PieBites. You can also eat your pie a la mode with a scoop of McConnell’s ice cream, and enjoy it with a cup of artisan coffee. Pre-order your Thanksgiving pies now through November 17. Open daily. 11678 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.207.5743. winstonpies.com

 

 

Cole’s 109th Anniversary
Nov. 10. The city’s oldest restaurant is celebrating its birthday with a multi-course dinner prepared by chefs Neal Fraser (Redbird) and Christian Page (Cassell’s Hamburgers). Enjoy gourmet French dip sandwiches, lamb and salmon, along with classic American sides and pie. Tickets also includes two cocktails from Cole’s and The Varnish, live jazz music and more. $70/pp. Cole’s, 118 East 6th St., downtown. Tickets

 

 

 

Strfsh Santa Monica
Ongoing. Chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio go fast-casual with their newest restaurant concept in The Gallery, a recently revitalized food hall in Santa Monica. Dine on sustainably sourced, freshly grilled swordfish and salmon, that you can customized to be seasoned with a rotating roster of housemade rubs. All sandwiches are made to order and served on a toasted potato roll or gluten-free tostada. Round it out with natural cut and lightly salted boardwalk-style fries. Open daily 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1315 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica. strfsh.com

 

 

ARTS + CULTURE

‘Taking Shape: Degas as Sculptor’
Opens Nov. 10. Exhibition exploring the improvisational nature of renowned artist Degas through Norton Simon’s collection of modèles—the first and only set of bronzes cast from the original wax and plaster statuettes. Su 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; M, W, Th noon-5 p.m.; F, Sa 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 411 West Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. $12 adults; $9 ages 62 and above. nortonsimon.org

 

 

 

 

Quiet Mornings: Art x Mindfulness @ MOCA
Nov. 11. After an acclaimed run at MoMA in New York City, Quiet Mornings makes its L.A. debut this weekend. Blending immersive art and meditation, experience Adrián Villar Rojas’ powerful site-specific work and a group meditation session with instructor Light Watkins. 9:30 a.m. Free for MOCA members, $10 GA. The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., downtown. moca.org

 

 

 

‘Chasing Mem’ries: A Different Kind of Musical’
Opens Nov. 7. Tyne Daly and Robert Forster star in this touching play—having its world premiere here—with songs written by legendary lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.org

 

 

 

AFI photo courtesy of AFI Fest. Dominique Ansel Bakery photo by Thomas Schauer. Winston Pies photo by Christina Xenos. ‘Chasing Mem’ries: A Different Kind of Musical’ photo by Chris Whitaker.

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