The San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area present a varied calendar of events for the week of November 12 to 20, 2026. Activities range from cultural exhibitions and culinary gatherings to family-friendly outdoor events and book signings. Residents and visitors have multiple opportunities to engage with local history, arts, and community traditions across several cities including Pasadena, Woodland Hills, and North Hollywood.
On Thursday, November 12, the American Red Cross hosts a blood drive at the Van Nuys Branch Library in the community room at 6250 Sylmar Avenue. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. and is open to those looking to donate. Simultaneously, Circus Vargas opens its Masquerade season at 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Woodland Hills. The initial performance is scheduled for 7 p.m., with additional shows planned throughout the following days at various times.
Friday brings several notable highlights, including the opening of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center. The new exhibit features the space shuttle Endeavour on permanent display. Timed tickets are required for viewing the shuttle and for riding the Launch Tower, which costs $10 per person. The center is located at 700 Exposition Park Drive in Los Angeles. Also on Friday, the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a food truck event on Chatsworth Street and a farmers night market near Yarmouth Avenue.
Saturday offers artistic and culinary engagements. The Artazan Handcraft Market opens at the Pasadena Convention Center on 1300 E. Green Street. The two-day event features fine art, ceramics, glass, clothing, jewelry, and specialty foods. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the door, with children 17 and under attending for free. Additionally, author Jim Chevallier presents a talk on medieval food at the Los Angeles Central Library, followed by a themed reception.
Sunday marks the return of CicLAvia to Pasadena for the first time in 11 years. The car-free event allows the public to enjoy a 2.7-mile route on November 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants can bicycle, jog, skate, or walk the designated paths on Colorado Boulevard and Raymond Avenue. The event is free and open to all ages, with hubs at Memorial Park and the Colorado hub. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art opens a new special exhibit titled Paul R. Williams: Architect for Living, which will run through May 2027.
The week continues with a chamber music concert by Salastina at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music on Sunday. Performers will play works by Arnold Bax, Debussy, and other composers. On Monday, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County invites visitors to its Spider Pavilion, an outdoor structure housing 10 to 15 species of spiders. Visits require a reserved time slot and an additional fee on top of standard museum admission.
Tuesday features a program by the Southern California Garden Club in Encino, focusing on organic gardening and the benefits of mulch in the fall. The Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys also announces new operating hours for Tuesday, Thursday, and weekend visits. The museum offers a look at San Fernando Valley history with admission fees of $15 for adults and free entry for children under 10.
Wednesday brings an evening with Alton Brown at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. In Pasadena, author Matt O’Hara discusses and signs his book The Flying Death at Vroman’s Bookstore. Thursday includes a holiday tree lighting celebration at The Vineyards in Porter Ranch and registration for the Encore Adult Education Program at Los Angeles Pierce College, offering free classes for those age 50 and older.
The week concludes on Friday, November 20, with the opening of the LA Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event runs through November 29 and requires online ticket purchase. Also opening that day is Enchant Christmas at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, featuring a large light maze, ice skating, and holiday entertainment. Circus Vargas also begins a new run at the Lakewood Center Mall in the evening.
Upcoming events beyond the week include the Best Friends Super Pet Adoption at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on November 21 and 22. The event offers free cat adoptions and low-cost dog adoptions. A piano concert featuring Japanese music is scheduled for the same day at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena. The Topanga Vintage Market will also take place on November 22 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, offering collectibles and handcrafted items.
