From an outdoor craft fair and seasonal ice skating to beachfront attractions, art exhibitions and coastal adventures, Los Angeles has plenty to offer this weekend.
LOS ANGELES, CA — The first full weekend of November brings a mix of entertainment, shopping, art and outdoor recreation to the Los Angeles coastline. Whether you’re looking to spend Saturday afternoon exploring Venice Beach, discover local artists in Santa Monica or enjoy a scenic drive through Malibu, there are several ways to make the most of November 7–8, 2026.
With the holiday season approaching, seasonal attractions are beginning to open across the Westside, while Southern California’s beaches, shopping districts and cultural destinations remain popular year-round.
Presence News has rounded up several activities worth considering this weekend, with an emphasis on Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu and nearby communities.
1. Renegade Craft Fair Returns to Santa Monica
When: Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Santa Monica Airport Interim Open Space, 3233 Donald Douglas Loop S.
Admission: Suggested $5 contribution.
One of the weekend’s featured shopping events is the Renegade Craft Fair, bringing more than 275 independent artists, designers and makers to Santa Monica.
Visitors can browse handmade jewelry, ceramics, artwork, home goods and other creative products while supporting small businesses and independent creators.
The two-day outdoor event also features food and beverage options, making it a potential afternoon outing for families, couples and groups of friends.
Free onsite parking is available.
2. Frost on Fifth Ice Skating Opens in Downtown Santa Monica
When: Saturday and Sunday, noon–10 p.m.
Where: 1324 Fifth Street, Santa Monica.
Admission: Starting at $22.
Santa Monica is welcoming the holiday season with the return of its downtown outdoor ice-skating rink, now operating under the name Frost on Fifth.
The seasonal attraction opened November 5 and is scheduled to continue through January 18, 2027.
Featuring approximately 7,200 square feet of real ice, the rink offers a winter-themed experience just blocks from the Pacific Ocean.
Visitors can combine skating with dinner, shopping or a walk through downtown Santa Monica.
Additional information is available at Frost on Fifth.
3. Explore Venice Beach, the Skatepark and Ocean Front Walk
When: Saturday and Sunday, daytime recommended.
Where: Venice Beach, Los Angeles.
Admission: Free to explore.
Venice Beach remains one of Southern California’s most recognizable coastal destinations, offering an eclectic combination of street performers, local artists, independent vendors and outdoor recreation.
Visitors can walk along Ocean Front Walk, watch skateboarders at the Venice Beach Skatepark, explore the public art walls or spend time near the historic Muscle Beach outdoor gym.
The boardwalk also offers numerous opportunities for photography and people-watching.
For visitors looking to spend a few hours outside without purchasing tickets to a formal event, Venice Beach provides an accessible option.
4. Discover Theater at the Santa Monica Playhouse
When: Festival continues through November 20; individual showtimes vary.
Where: Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth Street.
Admission: Free; check reservation requirements.
The 11th annual Binge Fringe Festival of Theatre is underway at the Santa Monica Playhouse.
The festival features a collection of theatrical performances, workshops and family-oriented programming, offering opportunities to experience local performing arts without the typical admission cost.
With approximately 40 productions and activities included in the festival’s broader schedule, visitors interested in theater and independent performance may find something worth attending.
Check the Santa Monica Playhouse calendar for this weekend’s performances and reservation details.
5. Visit the Getty Villa Along Pacific Coast Highway
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades.
Admission: Free general admission; timed-entry reservation required. Parking charges may apply.
Located along the coast between Santa Monica and Malibu, the Getty Villa offers visitors a chance to explore ancient Mediterranean art, architecture and gardens.
The museum’s collection includes works from ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria.
Visitors can also explore the Sculpted Portraits exhibition, listed as running through November 9, making this one of the final weekends to see it.
The Getty Villa is particularly appealing for those interested in history, photography, architecture and quieter cultural experiences.
Reservations and visitor information are available through the Getty.
6. Spend an Afternoon Shopping and Dining on Abbot Kinney Boulevard
When: Saturday and Sunday; individual business hours vary.
Where: Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice.
Admission: Free to explore.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard offers a different side of Venice, with boutique retailers, galleries, restaurants, coffee shops and independent businesses lining the popular shopping district.
Visitors can spend the afternoon browsing stores, discovering local designers or stopping for lunch before heading toward the beach.
Although the monthly First Fridays food-truck event took place November 6, the boulevard remains a weekend destination for shopping and dining.
For those interested in supporting local businesses, Abbot Kinney offers a walkable collection of independently operated establishments alongside established retailers.
7. Take a Scenic Walk Through the Venice Canals
When: Saturday and Sunday, daylight hours recommended.
Where: Venice Canal Historic District.
Admission: Free.
Just a short distance from Venice Beach, the Venice Canals offer a quieter alternative to the busy boardwalk.
The historic residential neighborhood features pedestrian bridges, landscaped walkways and waterways inspired by Venice, Italy.
Visitors can explore the canals on foot, enjoy the architecture and take photographs of one of Los Angeles’ more distinctive neighborhoods.
8. Enjoy a Coastal Afternoon in Malibu
When: Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Malibu and Pacific Coast Highway.
Admission: Free for public beach access; parking fees may apply.
For those hoping to get away from the busier sections of Los Angeles, Malibu offers a scenic coastal destination with beaches, oceanfront viewpoints and restaurants along Pacific Coast Highway.
Visitors can consider spending time at Zuma Beach, exploring the Malibu Pier area or enjoying a meal overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The region is also known for its natural scenery and hiking opportunities, although trail access and coastal conditions should be checked before departure.
Malibu can be an appealing choice for a relaxed Sunday afternoon, particularly for visitors who prefer outdoor recreation over crowded entertainment venues.
9. Visit the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park
When: Saturday and Sunday; attraction hours vary.
Where: Santa Monica Pier.
Admission: Free to enter the pier; rides and games cost extra.
The Santa Monica Pier remains a popular destination for visitors and residents looking for ocean views, entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Pacific Park features amusement rides, including the recognizable Pacific Wheel overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Visitors can also explore the pier’s shops, food stands and historic carousel or simply enjoy the coastline.
For those planning an afternoon in Santa Monica, the pier is within walking distance of downtown shopping and restaurants.
10. Explore Local Art and Exhibitions Across the Westside
When: Saturday and Sunday; museum schedules vary.
Where: Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades and surrounding Westside neighborhoods.
Admission: Several exhibitions offer free general admission.
Art enthusiasts have additional options this weekend, with exhibitions continuing at museums and cultural institutions across the Westside.
The Getty Villa offers ancient-world collections, while the Hammer Museum in Westwood features contemporary art and rotating exhibitions.
Among the exhibitions listed this season are Huguette Caland: A Life in a Few Lines and Hammer Projects: Gê Viana.
For visitors interested in spending a quieter afternoon indoors, local museums provide an alternative to the beaches and outdoor shopping districts.
More Events Happening Across Los Angeles
Visitors willing to travel beyond the coastal neighborhoods can also consider several major events scheduled for November 7–8.
On Saturday, November 7, the Corita Day Festival at SCI-Arc celebrates artist Corita Kent with art activities, live music and community programming. The same day, Self Help Graphics & Art hosts its annual Día de los Muertos celebration in Boyle Heights, featuring a procession, live performances and cultural activities.
On Sunday, November 8, the Los Angeles Chargers are scheduled to face the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
These events provide additional options for visitors interested in arts, culture and sports.
Supporting Local Businesses This Weekend
As November begins, local restaurants, independent retailers, galleries and entertainment venues are preparing for the busy holiday season.
For residents exploring Venice, Santa Monica or Malibu this weekend, visiting locally owned businesses can be another way to participate in the area’s community and cultural life.
Whether purchasing coffee from a neighborhood café, shopping at an independent boutique or attending a local arts event, weekend outings can also support the businesses that help define Los Angeles’ coastal neighborhoods.
Share Your Weekend With Presence News
Are you attending an event in Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu or elsewhere in Los Angeles this weekend?
Presence News welcomes community event announcements, photographs, local business updates and stories from residents across Southern California.
Event organizers, photographers, businesses and community members are encouraged to share information about upcoming activities for potential editorial coverage.
Submit your event or story at presencenews.org/submit-content for videos & photos – email story to editor@presencenews.org.
For additional event information, readers can consult Discover Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Daily Press.
Event schedules, admission prices and availability are subject to change. Readers should confirm details with organizers before attending.
Presence News | Los Angeles, California – this article was created by ChatGPT please double check dates with organizers / local businesses to check for any schedule changes.