November in Orange County and the Coachella Valley offers a delightful blend of autumnal charm and festive cheer.
As the crisp autumn air descends upon Orange County and the Coachella Valley, a world of enchantment unfolds. November paints a picturesque canvas of cozy festivals and vibrant cultural events. From the serene beauty of the desert to the coastal charm of the coast, this region offers a diverse array of experiences to delight the senses. So dive right in and make it a November to remember!
Central Orange County
Aloha Fair
When: Sunday, November 3 · 10 am – 4 pm
Where: 16160 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach
Redneck Rodeo
When: Friday, November 8 · 8 – 11 pm
Where: The Biergarten at Old World HB, 7561 Center Avenue, Huntington Beach
Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festival
When: Friday, November 8 + Saturday, November 9 · Friday, 10 am – 7 pm; Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: OC Fair + Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Sugar Plum, a beloved Southern California tradition for over 46 years, invites you to a magical holiday shopping experience. Discover thousands of handcrafted treasures from over 175 talented artisans. From personalized gifts and ornaments to stylish holiday apparel, stunning jewelry, and festive home decor, you’ll find everything you need to make this holiday season truly special.
California Wine Festival
When: Friday, November 8 + Saturday, November 9 · Friday, 6:30 – 9 pm; Saturday, 1 – 4 pm
Where: Pásea Hotel & Spa, 21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach
On Friday, indulge in an exclusive evening of rare and exquisite wines at the VIP event. Savor a curated selection of hard-to-find vintages, expertly paired with delectable bites from top regional chefs. On Saturday, experience a day of sun, sea, and sensational wine at the beachfront wine festival. Sample hundreds of premium California wines, craft beers, and gourmet bites from local artisans. Dance to live music, relax on the beach, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Orange County Wine Fest
When: Saturday, November 9 – Sunday, November 10 · Saturday, 12:00 – 3 pm + 5 – 8 pm; Sunday, 12 – 3 pm
Where: OC Fair + Event Center – The Hangar, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Ready to embark on a global wine adventure? Join us at the Orange County Wine Fest. For the price of a bottle, you’ll taste your way through a world of flavors, from crisp whites to bold reds.
Saint Martin Day Lantern Parade and Fest 2024
When: Sunday, November 10 · 5:30 – 7 pm
Where: The Biergarten at Old World HB, 7561 Center Avenue, Huntington Beach
South Orange County
Día de los Muertos
When: Saturday, November 2 · 4 – 8 pm
Where: La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point
The City of Dana Point invites locals and visitors to its inaugural Día de los Muertos celebration at La Plaza Park. Enjoy ofrendas, live bands, dancing, art, delicious food, and beverages at this family-friendly event supporting local nonprofit organizations.
Art + Nature Celebration Week
When: Saturday, November 2 – Monday, November 11 · Times Vary
Where: Various locations throughout Laguna Beach, including Laguna Art Museum, Main Beach, and Heisler Park
The Laguna Beach Art Museum’s Art + Nature celebration week is here, featuring outdoor art installations and free events for all ages to explore the intersection of art, nature, and environmental awareness. Highlights include an Upcycled Couture Fashion Show on Saturday, November 2, Laguna Live! music on Sunday, November 3, and the Ocean Ions installation opening on Thursday, November 7. Other events include the Portrait of Place art workshop on Saturday, November 9, Free Museum Day on Sunday, November 10, and a Drawing for the Planet workshop on Monday, November 11.
Family Sundays: Fall Harvest Festival
When: Sunday, November 3 · 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente
Family Sundays: Fall Harvest Festival at Casa Romantica offers free admission and fall-themed activities for the whole family! Enjoy live music by the Sweet Water Creek Band, apple cider and cookies at the hospitality table, apple painting, and a pumpkin scavenger hunt.
42nd Annual Holiday Faire
When: Saturday, November 9 · 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex, 270 Corsair, Irvine
The Irvine Fine Arts Center Holiday Faire returns on Saturday, November 9. This annual event features festive holiday music and an artisan atmosphere, giving patrons the chance to shop from unique local businesses and enjoy the excitement of the season.
Sixth Annual Coast Film and Music Festival
When: Saturday, November 9 – Sunday, November 17 · Times Vary
Where: Various venues throughout Laguna Beach, including Rivian South Coast Theater, Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center, and the Festival of Arts
The Sixth Annual Coast Film and Music Festival offers nine inspiring days of film, art, and music in Laguna Beach. Featuring over 80 curated documentary films from around the world, this year’s festival includes screenings celebrating the area’s natural beauty and rich artistic history.
Veterans Day Ceremony
When: Monday, November 11 · 11 – 12:30 pm
Where: Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, 4 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine
The City of Irvine invites the community to a Veterans Day Ceremony in the Formal Garden at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park. This ceremony honors veterans and their families, expressing gratitude for the dedication of those who have served in the U.S. military. Special recognition will be given to local veterans, veterans groups, and military organizations.
Coffee Concerts with High Tide Coffee
When: Friday, November 15 · 10 – 11 am
Where: Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente
In partnership with High Tide Coffee, Coffee Concerts invites you to enjoy a cozy cup of coffee and an acoustic performance by local musician Corey Angeli on November 15. Admission is free with general entry, and while RSVPs are optional, they are appreciated.
47th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 28 · 10K, 7 am; 5K, 8:30 + 9:30 am; Kids One-Mile Gobble Wobble, 10:15 am
Where: 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point
Join the 47th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving Day in Dana Point Harbor! Kick off the holiday with a 5K, 10K, or Kids One-Mile Gobble Wobble. Registration includes a 2024 commemorative T-shirt, finisher medal, race bib with timed results (except for the Kids Gobble Wobble), and a virtual goody bag.
Santa’s Jolly Trolley + La Plaza Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, November 30 · 1:30 – 5:30 pm
Where: Various parks throughout Dana Point (Sunset Park, Dana Woods Park, Sea Canyon Park, La Plaza Park)
Santa and his elves will be visiting local parks on the Jolly Trolley, handing out pre-packaged treats for kids up to 12 years old and collecting letters to Santa (be sure to include your address for a special reply!). The final stop at La Plaza Park from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm will feature the annual community tree lighting ceremony at 5:15 pm, with carolers, hot chocolate, and cookies. Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy for the Toy Drive!
Desert Cities
Run with Los Muertos
When: Saturday, November 2 · 4 pm
Where: Old Town Coachella, 1515 6th Street, Coachella
Join the lively Run with Los Muertos, celebrating health, wellness, art, music, and culture. This unique event brings together community groups, artists, musicians, and runners. Leading up to a block party in Old Town Coachella, enjoy workshops, a procession, an art walk, car show, 5K run, vendor village, and live entertainment on three stages. Experience local talent and cultural exchanges with artisans from Oaxaca, Michoacan, and Mexicali.
NoirCon
When: Thursday, November 7 – Sunday, November 10 · Times Vary
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Immerse yourself in mystery at NoirCon, a four-day celebration of noir literature, film, and art at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Join fellow enthusiasts for engaging panels, guest screenings, author events, and book signings.
9th Annual Indio BBQ Festival
When: Saturday, November 9 · 3 – 9 pm
Where: Downtown Indio, 82881 Miles Avenue, Indio
The 9th Annual Indio BBQ Festival is coming! Bring the whole family for a day of smoky, savory goodness with BBQ dishes from local favorites like Uncle D’s Smokehouse BBQ, Smokey Lips BBQ, Big Dev’s BBQ, and more! Enjoy live entertainment, free games for the kids, face painting, and a craft beer garden hosted by Indio Taphouse. Don’t miss out on the fun—see you there for a BBQ experience you won’t forget!
Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade
When: Monday, November 11 · 3:30 pm
Where: Downtown Palm Springs
On Monday, November 11, the Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade begins at 3:30 p.m. in downtown Palm Springs, featuring a patriotic concert and a fireworks finale immediately following the parade!
10th Annual Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: Friday, November 22 – Sunday, November 24 · Times Vary
Where: 68526 Ave Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City
Come down for the 2024 Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festiva, a three-day event filled with fun for the whole family! Enjoy balloon tether rides, nighttime balloon glows, live music, romantic dinners, gourmet food trucks, a Kids’ Zone, art show, outdoor market, and more.
Coachella Valley Water Lantern Festival
When: Saturday, November 23 · 2:30 – 6:30 pm
Where: Palm Desert Civic Center Park, 43900 San Pablo Avenue, Palm Desert
The Coachella Valley Water Lantern Festival offers a memorable experience where thousands of families, friends, and strangers come together to celebrate life. People of all ages and backgrounds join in this emotional evening, cherishing the beauty of thousands of lanterns as their lights reflect upon the water.
Of course, there are too many amazing events throughout Orange County and the desert to list. That’s one of the many reasons Southern California is one of the best places in the world to live! If you’re ready to live the ultimate Orange County or desert lifestyle, visit SurterreProperties.com today! You can also explore our exclusive listings now.
