November is when the festive season starts getting into full swing — Halloween is over, Thanksgiving is fast approaching and Christmas is right over the horizon. There’s also a coolness in the air, with nature extending its invitation to take part in outdoor activities before winter arrives. Take a look at a few of the best events coming up this month.
Events
Nov 1 Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square
Set in San Francisco’s iconic Union Square, this ice rink — the only outdoor one in the city — kicks off its season of outdoor skating and special on-ice events with an opening celebration on Nov. 1.
Nov 4 Dia de los Muertos
This one-night-only concert at the San Francisco Symphony Hall is a celebration of Latin American music and culture, featuring vocalist Edna Vazquez along with lobby installations by local artists.
Nov 7 Tuesday Night Comedy at the Throckmorton
Each Tuesday’s evening lineup at the Throckmorton Theatre ranges from on-the-rise talent as well as headlining comics from around the world — many of whom stop by to try new material before filming specials or continuing onto their international tours.
Nov 9 Glide Annual Holiday Jam
This year’s annual benefit concert, which provides funding for Glide’s myriad programs, celebrates the 60th anniversary of Reverend Cecil Williams’ arrival to Glide. Led by illustrious songwriter and performTer Valerie Simpson along with the nationally renowned Glide Ensemble and the Change Band, this show features the legendary music of Ashford & Simpson along with meaningful tributes to Williams.
Nov 10–12 The World’s Largest Bounce House
Head over to Sausalito to take your turn in a set of bouncy houses of all shapes and sizes with giant slides, ball pits, climbing towers and basketball hoops galore—including one which has been classified by the Guinness World Book as the world’s largest bouncy house.
Through Nov 12 Milagros and Memories
Now appearing at the Sausalito Center for the Arts: Milagros and Memories, an exhibit sharing the voice and spirit of contemporary Bay Area Mexican American and Latino artists. Among other artists, it features the work of the late Michael Roman, known for his artwork and clothing pieces designed for Carlos Santana and Madonna; and of Talavera Ballón, a San Francisco-based based oil painter and muralist who will appear at the museum on November 12 to discuss his work, “Stories of Migration Told through Art.”
Nov 18 David Brooks
As an Op-Ed contributor for The New York Times, a commentator on PBS NewsHour, and the author of bestselling books like The Road to Character and The Social Animal, David Brooks brings keen observations to a range of subjects, including politics, education, foreign affairs, and cultural trends. He talks about this and more in person at the Sydney Goldstein Theater.
Nov 23 Marin Turkey Trot
Run off your turkey dinner in advance on Thanksgiving Day at the Marin Turkey Trot, which winds along Novato’s Ignacio Blvd before finishing at College of Marin’s Indian Valley campus. Race proceeds benefit School Fuel, Novato’s education foundation.
Nov 24–26 FanExpo San Francisco
This three-day pop pop culture convention is the largest of its kind in Northern California, bringing together fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming and cosplay, along with celebrity appearances from William Shatner, Sean Astin and more.
Nov 25 Aretha, Queen of Soul
The immensely talented Charity Lockhart, accompanied by spectacular vocalists and musicians, celebrates the legendary, six-decade-spanning life and music of Aretha Franklin at the Marin Center.
Through Dec 23 There Is Magic Here
MarinMOCA’s national juried artist exhibition asks the question, “Imagine a sanctuary where we embark on a collective journey to rediscover pleasure and joy in the aftermath of a transformative period in human history?” There Is Magic Here envisions a future built on collective effort and understanding, and celebrates our unwavering capacity to find solace, beauty, and meaning in the face of adversity.
