From the opening of a major space museum expansion and outdoor ice skating to live music, professional sports and a powerful Pacific Ocean swell, Southern California has plenty happening this weekend.
Los Angeles residents and visitors have a busy weekend ahead as November brings a combination of entertainment, cultural attractions, sporting events and early holiday festivities.
From downtown Los Angeles to Inglewood and Pasadena, several major attractions and events are scheduled for Friday, November 13, through Sunday, November 15.
Meanwhile, a powerful storm system over the Pacific Ocean is generating exceptionally large waves along California’s coastline. The most dangerous surf is expected farther north, particularly around San Francisco, Monterey Bay and Big Sur, where forecasters are warning of hazardous conditions.
Here are some of the events and developments worth knowing about this weekend.
1. Space Shuttle Endeavour’s New Home Opens at the California Science Center
Friday, November 13 | Exposition Park, Los Angeles
One of the weekend’s biggest attractions is the opening of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center.
The approximately 200,000-square-foot expansion features the Space Shuttle Endeavour displayed in a launch-ready vertical configuration, alongside new galleries dedicated to aviation and space exploration.
The new facility offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history of human spaceflight and the technology behind modern aerospace engineering.
Families, students and aviation enthusiasts may find the opening particularly appealing.
Visit the California Science Center for admission and reservation information. Discover Los Angeles+1
2. Holiday Ice Skating Returns to Pershing Square
November 12 – January 3 | Downtown Los Angeles
The holiday season is beginning to take shape in downtown Los Angeles with the return of the outdoor ice skating rink at Pershing Square.
Opening November 12, the rink brings a seasonal winter experience to Southern California, where visitors can skate beneath the downtown skyline.
The attraction will remain open into early January, with additional themed events planned throughout the holiday season.
It’s an option for families, couples or groups of friends looking for a festive activity without leaving Los Angeles.
3. Los Angeles Clippers and Kings Host Weekend Games
Friday–Sunday | Inglewood and Downtown Los Angeles
Professional sports fans have several opportunities to catch a game this weekend.
The Los Angeles Clippers are scheduled to host the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Intuit Dome on Friday, November 13, before returning Sunday, November 15, to face the Charlotte Hornets.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings are scheduled to face the Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, November 14.
The games offer another opportunity to experience Los Angeles’ professional sports scene as the NBA and NHL seasons continue.
4. Live Music Across Los Angeles
Friday–Sunday | Multiple venues
Several major musical performances are scheduled across Los Angeles this weekend, offering everything from heavy metal to hip-hop and electronic music.
Friday’s lineup includes Slayer at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, performing in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Reign in Blood.
Saturday brings L7 to The Wiltern and electronic music producer Eli Brown to City Market.
On Sunday, hip-hop artists Ghostface Killah, Raekwon and GZA are scheduled to perform at The Novo in downtown Los Angeles.
For music fans, the weekend provides a variety of options across the city’s established entertainment venues.
5. CicLAvia Brings Car-Free Streets to Pasadena
Sunday, November 15 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | Free
Pasadena will welcome CicLAvia on Sunday, temporarily transforming portions of Colorado Boulevard and Raymond Avenue into car-free public spaces.
The event includes nearly three miles of open streets, along with two additional miles of temporary bike lanes. Participants can walk, bicycle, skate or simply explore local businesses along the route.
CicLAvia is free and open to the public, with no registration required.
Motorists should anticipate road closures and parking restrictions throughout the area, beginning before the event.
More information and route maps are available through CicLAvia’s official website. CicLAvia
6. Downtown Los Angeles Welcomes Holiday Lights at The Bloc
Saturday, November 14 | 4:30–7 p.m. | Downtown Los Angeles
The Bloc shopping and entertainment destination is scheduled to host the grand debut of its SPARKLE holiday light show on Saturday evening.
The celebration includes seasonal entertainment, music and family-friendly activities, marking another early start to the holiday season in downtown Los Angeles.
The event offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the city’s growing holiday atmosphere before Thanksgiving.
Admission is free, although visitors should check RSVP requirements before attending. Nov 15)+1
7. Enjoy Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu — With Extra Caution Near the Ocean
Friday–Sunday | Los Angeles Westside
For those looking for a more relaxed weekend, the coastal communities of Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu remain popular destinations for dining, shopping and sightseeing.
Visitors can explore the shops and restaurants along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, enjoy Santa Monica’s downtown shopping district or take a scenic drive along Pacific Coast Highway.
However, those planning beach activities should pay particular attention to this weekend’s ocean conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for the Malibu coast, Los Angeles County beaches and Ventura County beaches, warning of dangerous rip currents and elevated surf.
Visitors should favor inland activities and avoid entering the water when hazardous conditions are present.
Major California Wave Event: What Los Angeles Residents Should Know
A powerful series of storms moving across the North Pacific is expected to generate some of California’s largest waves in recent years.
The most extreme conditions are forecast for Northern and Central California, with a high surf warning covering coastal areas around San Francisco, Monterey Bay and Big Sur.
According to the National Weather Service, breaking waves of approximately 25 to 30 feet are expected in portions of those regions, with the warning in effect from Friday morning through early Sunday.
Some surf forecasts have suggested that isolated waves could be even larger in particularly exposed locations. However, these higher estimates should not be confused with the National Weather Service’s general forecast of 25–30-foot breaking waves in warning areas.
How large will the waves be in Southern California?
Los Angeles-area beaches are expected to experience elevated surf, but not the same 25–30-foot conditions forecast farther north.
Forecast surf heights for November 13–15
Northern and Central California
25–30 ft
High surf warning areas
Exposed west-facing LA beaches
7–10 ft
Up to 12 ft at Ventura beaches
National Weather Service forecasts available November 12, 2026. Heights refer to different coastal forecast areas and may change.
The National Weather Service’s Los Angeles/Oxnard office expects the swell to increase Friday night, with the greatest impacts likely Saturday.
A beach hazards statement remains in effect through Monday morning, November 16, for Los Angeles County beaches, Malibu and Ventura County beaches.
The risks include powerful rip currents, coastal erosion, waves washing people off rocks and potentially dangerous conditions for small boats.
Readers can monitor updated conditions through the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard office. National Weather Service
Why are the waves getting so large?
Powerful storm systems over the Gulf of Alaska generate strong winds that transfer energy into the Pacific Ocean, creating long-period swells capable of traveling hundreds or thousands of miles.
When these swells reach shallower coastal waters, they can develop into large breaking waves.
The direction of the swell, underwater topography and local coastline all influence how large waves become at individual beaches.
Northern California’s exposed coastline is particularly vulnerable to powerful winter swells arriving from the northwest.
Safety precautions for the weekend
The National Weather Service recommends that beachgoers remain out of the water during hazardous conditions or stay near staffed lifeguard towers when conditions permit.
Visitors should avoid rocks, jetties and seawalls exposed to breaking waves. Even seemingly dry areas of the beach can become dangerous when unexpectedly large waves surge inland.
Those planning to visit the coast should check official alerts before leaving home and follow any beach closures or lifeguard instructions.
Planning Your Los Angeles Weekend
With major museum openings, sporting events, live music, holiday activities and outdoor community gatherings, Los Angeles has a wide range of entertainment options this November weekend.
For those interested in coastal sightseeing, the powerful Pacific swell serves as an important reminder that ocean conditions can change quickly, even along familiar beaches.
Whether visiting downtown Los Angeles, exploring Pasadena or spending time on the Westside, residents and visitors are encouraged to check event schedules, transportation updates and weather conditions before heading out.
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