Los Angeles

Weekend roundup

November 14-17

Events

Noon to Midnight: Field Recordings

Nov. 16. The LA Phil’s new-music marathon offers 12 hours of live performances and art installations across the venue. Curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ellen Reid, this year’s festival, Noon to Midnight: Field Recordings, explores art, technology and nature through the theme of field recordings—capturing audio from natural or built environments outside a studio. With a focus on deep listening, the event also includes food trucks, a beer garden and interactive installations. Saturday at noon. 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com


L.A. Zoo Lights

Starts Nov. 15. This seasonal holiday event transforms the L.A. Zoo into an immersive landscape filled with stunning lantern sculptures of oversized animals and festive displays, celebrating nature in a magical way. This year’s experience brings new attractions and a special visit from Santa. Highlights include VIP packages, sensory-friendly evenings, Pride Night and a holiday pajama weekend. Opening night starts this Friday at 6 p.m. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. lazoo.org


Enchanted Forest of Light

Opens Nov. 17. Descanso Gardens’ holiday tradition returns with about 10 illuminated installations, blending interactive art with glowing forest landscapes and shimmering soundscapes. This year’s event also features the garden’s new model railroad, beautifully lit for the season, adding a touch of whimsy to the enchanting nighttime experience. Open daily, 5:30–10 p.m. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. descansogardens.org


Grown in L.A.: A Festival of Los Angeles Wine

Nov. 15. Reclaiming its winemaking heritage, the city hosts a unique festival dedicated to local wines, presented by the L.A. Vintners Association. This event offers attendees unlimited tastings of over 30 small-batch wines from 11 wineries sourcing grapes from vineyards in Malibu, Bel Air, Santa Clarita, the Antelope Valley and nearby areas, celebrating the city’s rich viticultural roots. Friday at 4-9 p.m. 1646 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles. lavintners.com







Food + Drinks

Tokyo Noir Speakeasy

Now Open. Behind El Barrio Cantina in Long Beach, Tokyo Noir is an intimate 25-seat speakeasy with a hidden side-alley entrance and a sophisticated cocktail program, crafted by restaurateur Jesse Duron and certified Ice Master Kevin Lee. Known for his meticulous approach, Lee presents a refined menu featuring highballs, nostalgic drinks like the Astro Boy with Haku vodka and bold options like the Truffle Fashioned with Yoichi and truffle. Chef Ulises Alfaro-Piñeda pairs the drinks with an izakaya-inspired menu of elevated small plates, offering a discreet yet memorable bar experience. Wedsday, Thursday and Sunday, 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. 1731 E. 4th Street, Long Beach. Reserve Now


DTLA Oyster Festival

Nov. 16-17. Shellfish master Christophe Happillon returns to curate the DTLA Oyster Festival at Grand Central Market, a two-day celebration of oysters making its comeback after five years. Attendees can sample a variety of briny, fresh oysters from across the coasts, meet the farmers, enjoy unique oyster-inspired dishes from market vendors and savor French wines. Saturday and Sunday, runs from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles. dtlaoysterfestival.com


Rita’s Deluxe is Back

Now Open. After a hiatus for city construction, Chef Luke Reyes’ Rita’s Deluxe is back with expanded patio seating and fresh November offerings. This month’s highlight is the hot turkey sandwich in brown gravy on griddled Texas toast with caramelized onions and English peas in a lemon vinaigrette. The featured milkshake is a malted pumpkin milkshake, topped with sweet cream cheese butterscotch, sea salt and whipped cream. Fan favorites like the Rita’s burger, Rita’s Chicago dog and fried cheese curds also remain on the menu. Tuesday–Saturday, noon–7 p.m. ritasdeluxe.com


Hotel Amarano Wine Tasting and Bites

Nov. 17. This weekend, enjoy a curated wine tasting with Halleck Vineyard at Burbank’s luxury boutique hotel. Ross Halleck of Halleck Vineyard will guide guests through a selection of artisan wines, each paired with chef-curated bites from FYC Bar + Kitchen for a refined tasting experience. Sunday from 3:30–5:00 p.m. 322 N. Pass Ave., Burbank. More Information


Brunch with Stella

Now Serving. West Hollywood’s Stella debuts a new weekend brunch, inviting guests to enjoy Italian-inspired flavors. Highlights of the curated menu include zucchini flower scarpaccia—a savory Tuscan flatbread topped with delicate zucchini blossoms; pluma steak paired with a perfectly crispy duck egg and crespelle abruzzese, featuring thin Italian crepes filled with rich, seasonal ingredients. Each dish is designed to bring a taste of Italian tradition to a stylish West Hollywood brunch setting. Every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 8899 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood. Reserve Now


Arts + Culture

Sabrina Carpenter

Nov. 15-18. The “Short n’ Sweet” tour, with headliner Sabrina Carpenter and special guest Declan McKenna, brings an engaging mix of pop and indie rock energy to fans across the country. Known for her chart-topping hits and dynamic stage presence, Carpenter showcases tracks from her critically acclaimed album Emails I Can’t Send, while McKenna, celebrated for his socially conscious lyrics and compelling performances, adds his distinctive style to the lineup. Friday, Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m. For specific information about location, click Get Tickets now

Vulture Festival

Nov. 16-17. Curated by editors, this weekend of live panels brings fans together with top stars and creators for a pop culture celebration presented by Vulture. Held at Nya Studios in Hollywood, the lineup includes a writers panel for Abbott Elementary featuring Quinta Brunson, a retrospective on The Skeleton Twins with Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, an acting workshop led by Henry Winkler and a stand-up show hosted by Joel Kim Booster. Expect Q&As, sneak peeks and live table reads. Hours vary. 1541 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles. vulturefestival.com



Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival

Nov. 16-17. The Tyler, the Creator–curated hip-hop festival returns to Dodger Stadium with two days of live music, carnival rides, games, food trucks and more. The 10th edition features performances by Playboi Carti, Daniel Caesar, Mustard & Friends, Kaytranada, the Marías, Omar Apollo and André 3000. Tyler, the Creator will also debut tracks from his latest album, Chromakopia, live for the first time. Saturday-Sunday at noon. 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles. campfloggnaw.com

WestEdge Design Fair

Nov. 14-16 The 9th annual WestEdge Design Fair returns to Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, offering an immersive event for design professionals and enthusiasts. With over 150 top design brands showcasing the latest in interior decor, explore cutting-edge products and ideas. It will also include engaging panel discussions with industry experts, culinary demonstrations, book signings and an opening night party benefiting the Hollywood community. Hours vary, check website for details. 3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica. Get Tickets Now

Photo credit: Sabrina Carpenter courtesy of Ticket Master. Descanso Garden’s Ancient Forest of Lights courtesy of Kathryn Rapier. Tokyo Noir courtesy of Wonho Frank Lee.Stella courtesy of Jeffrey Chan. Rita’s Deluxe courtesy of Dusty KesslerWine Event courtesy of Hotel Amarano. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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