November in the South Bay

Hello South Bay

We’re in November and you can feel it. It’s dark at five, the air’s turning cold, and everyone’s trying to figure out what to do with the extra hours inside.

Lucky for us, the South Bay doesn’t really slow down. There’s light at the Botanic Garden, new food popping up for Restaurant Week, and a full weekend of things that make this place feel alive.

If you’ve been hibernating a little since the time change, this is a good week to shake that off. Get outside, catch something local, and remember why we live here in the first place.

Here’s what’s happening around town 👇

🗓️ This Week in the South Bay

Thursday, November 6
🌟 Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars @ South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Estates

Friday, November 7
⚽ LA Galaxy Meet & Greet @ Absolution Brewing Co., Torrance

Saturday, November 8
🎪 Beach Cities Fall Fest & Health Fair @ AdventurePlex, Manhattan Beach
🍳 Depot Restaurant Cooking Class: “Untraditional Thanksgiving” @ Depot Restaurant, Torrance
🏖️ Sandy Sauté Beach Run (2-Mile Sand Run) @ Hermosa Beach Pier
🌕 Madrona Marsh Night Hike @ Madrona Marsh Preserve, Torrance
🎻 Spinphony @ Armstrong Theatre, Torrance
🎉 VetFest VI – Community Veterans Celebration @ Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Manhattan Beach

Sunday, November 9
🍴 Taste of the South Bay: Restaurant Week (All South Bay cities – runs through Nov 16)
🌟 Astra Lumina Night Walk (continues) @ South Coast Botanic Garden

Tuesday, November 11 (Veterans Day)
🇺🇸 Manhattan Beach Veterans Day Ceremony @ Veterans Parkway & Ardmore Ave
🎖️ Hermosa Beach Veterans Day Ceremony @ Hermosa Beach Community Center
🌊 Redondo Beach Veterans Day Tribute @ Veterans Park at the Pier

🌟 Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars

📍 South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates
🕗 Thursday, Nov 6 – Wednesday, Nov 12 | Evening (times vary)
💰 Tickets from ~$29 (adults); $20 (kids 4–12); under 4 free

If you’re looking for a little seasonal magic, Astra Lumina returns to the South Coast Botanic Garden this November. The 87-acre garden transforms into a glowing celestial wonderland — a mile-long light walk filled with illuminated sculptures, projections, and cosmic soundscapes. It’s the perfect mix of holiday spirit and outdoor adventure, especially for families looking to do something unique after dark.

🔹 Wander through thematic light installations that shimmer among the trees and paths, creating an enchanted nocturnal world
🔹 A kid-friendly nighttime adventure where every turn reveals a new “stellar” surprise
🔹 Seasonal music, special breathwork sessions (Nov 9, 13, 14), and cozy on-site snacks make it feel festive and serene all at once

👉 More Info

🍴 Taste of the South Bay: Restaurant Week

📍 Various South Bay locations (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes)
🕗 Friday, November 8 – Sunday, November 16 (all day)
💰 Varies by venue (prix-fixe menus & specials)

It’s the South Bay’s biggest dining week of the year, and your chance to try those restaurants you’ve been eyeing. From beachside bistros to hidden gems inland, dozens of local spots will be offering exclusive prix-fixe menus, creative specials, and chef surprises.

🔹 Indulge in fixed-price dinners and limited-time dishes designed just for Restaurant Week
🔹 Discover new local favorites in Hermosa, Redondo, Manhattan, Torrance, and Palos Verdes
🔹 Some tastings and dinner seatings fill fast, so make reservations early and bring your appetite!

👉 More Info

🎪 Beach Cities Fall Fest & Health Fair

📍 AdventurePlex, 1701 Marine Ave, Manhattan Beach
🕗 Saturday, November 8 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
💰 Free (some activities fee-based on site)

Kick off November with a fun, family-friendly day at AdventurePlex’s Fall Fest! Hosted by Beach Cities Health District, this free event mixes health and wellness with old-fashioned play — and a lot of smiles. There’s face painting, giant bubbles, a smoothie “blender bike,” seed planting, and wellness booths with local organizations.

🔹 Free health screenings and local wellness resources alongside fun kids’ activities like bead art and parachute games
🔹 Climb, jump, and explore — with paid access to the play structure, rock wall, and toddler zone
🔹 It’s one of those days where you’ll run into half your neighborhood, all having a great time together

👉 Event Info

🏖️ Sandy Sauté Beach Run - HB 2-Mile Sand Run

📍 Hermosa Beach Pier (start north of pier, 1 Pier Ave)
🕗 Saturday, November 8 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
💰 $38.10 (Adults); $11.60 (Ages 0–17)

Run for a cause — and maybe wear something silly while you’re at it. The “Sandy Sauté” is a lighthearted two-mile beach run (out and back from the pier) benefiting families affected by pancreatic cancer. Costumes are encouraged, prizes are given, and the energy is pure fun.

🔹 A 2-mile out-and-back loop on the sand, starting just north of the Hermosa Pier
🔹 Costume-friendly — expect everything from superheroes to tutus
🔹 Post-run happy hour at nearby pier restaurants for participants and supporters

👉 Race Info

⚽ LA Galaxy Meet & Greet at Absolution Brewing

📍 Absolution Brewing Co., 2878 Columbia St, Torrance
🕗 Friday, November 7 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
💰 Free

Here’s one for the soccer fans! Meet LA Galaxy players in person, snap a photo with the MLS Cup trophy, and hang out in Absolution Brewing’s relaxed taproom. The event is family-friendly, pet-friendly, and a fun excuse to grab a pint while celebrating LA’s team spirit.

🔹 Autographs, selfies, and a chance to chat with Galaxy players
🔹 Get a close look at Major League Soccer’s trophy
🔹 Enjoy Absolution’s craft beers, food truck bites, and live music in a laid-back brewery setting

👉 Event Info

🍳 Depot Restaurant Cooking Class: “Untraditional Thanksgiving”

📍 Depot Restaurant, 1250 Cabrillo Ave, Torrance
🕗 Saturday, November 8 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
💰 $60 per person (plus tax)

Before the holiday rush hits, learn some new tricks for your Thanksgiving menu. Depot’s chefs lead this hands-on cooking class where guests prep and enjoy an inventive multi-course meal that breaks tradition in the best way. Think small group, good laughs, and great food — the kind of local experience you’ll talk about all season.

🔹 Cook alongside Depot’s culinary pros as they share recipes and technique
🔹 Discover creative spins on fall flavors — it’s Thanksgiving, just not the way Grandma did it
🔹 Enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared together in Depot’s cozy dining room

👉 Class Details

🌕 Madrona Marsh Night Hike

📍 Madrona Marsh Preserve & Nature Center, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance
🕗 Saturday, November 8 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
💰 $5/person; $10/family

Trade city lights for moonlight and join this guided evening hike through Torrance’s own urban wetlands. The Friends of Madrona Marsh lead a gentle, educational walk where you’ll listen for frogs, spot bats, and learn how the marsh comes alive at night.

🔹 See nocturnal animals and learn from naturalist guides about their habitats
🔹 Happens the second Saturday of each month — November’s is especially nice before winter sets in
🔹 Bring a flashlight or borrow one there; it’s a budget-friendly night out for families and nature lovers

👉 Register Here

🎻 Spinphony

📍 Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance
🕗 Saturday, November 8 | 8:00 PM
💰 Tickets: $35–$45

Part rock concert, part string performance — Spinphony blurs the line between classical and modern music. This all-female electric string quartet brings a high-energy mix of Bach, ACDC, Vivaldi, and Bruno Mars into one unforgettable night. Their mashups — like “Bach in Black” and “Don’t Stop Beethoven” — are smart, fun, and totally unique.

🔹 Instrumental crossover blending classical, rock, and pop
🔹 A fresh take on strings with choreography and beats
🔹 Energetic, creative, and family-friendly

👉 Event Info

🎖️ Veterans Day 2025 in the South Bay

Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Community

This Veterans Day, communities across the South Bay come together to honor the men and women who have served our nation. From heartfelt ceremonies to lively community celebrations, there are several meaningful ways to show your gratitude and participate in the day’s tributes.

🇺🇸 Manhattan Beach – 28th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

📍 Veterans Parkway at Valley Dr & Ardmore Ave
🕗 Tuesday, November 11 | 11AM – 11:45AM

A time-honored local tradition, Manhattan Beach gathers at the Veterans Monument for a moving ceremony featuring patriotic music, wreath-laying, and remarks from civic leaders. All are invited to join the community in a moment of silence at 11 AM to reflect and give thanks.

👉 More Info

🎖️ Hermosa Beach Veterans Day Ceremony

📍 Hermosa Beach Community Center (East Lawn), 710 Pier Ave
🕗 Tuesday, November 11 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Hermosa Beach honors local service members with tributes, musical performances, and a wreath-laying beneath the Veterans Memorial. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to a post-event reception at the Hermosa Beach Historical Society Museum — a warm community gathering that celebrates unity and remembrance.

👉 More Info

🌊 Redondo Beach Veterans Day Tribute

📍 Veterans Park, 309 Esplanade, Redondo Beach, CA
🕗 Tuesday, November 11 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Set against the ocean backdrop, Redondo Beach’s annual Veterans Day tribute includes remarks from local leaders, patriotic performances by the high school band, and the presentation of the colors. Veterans and first responders are treated to a complimentary post-ceremony barbecue hosted by the Redondo Beach Elks Lodge.

👉 More Info

🎉 VetFest VI – A Community Veterans Celebration

📍 Kinecta Federal Credit Union, 1440 Rosecrans Ave, Manhattan Beach
🕗 Saturday, November 8 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Kick off Veterans Day weekend at VetFest VI, hosted by the Manhattan Beach Rotary. This lively outdoor celebration features live bands (Joe’s Band and Pine Mountain Logs), a kids’ play zone, and unlimited tastings of local craft beer and wine. Proceeds benefit local veterans’ causes — a fun way to give back while enjoying a patriotic afternoon with family and friends.

👉 Event Info

💙 United in Gratitude

Across the South Bay, these gatherings remind us of what unites our coastal communities, respect for service, appreciation for freedom, and the shared joy of coming together in thanks. Whether you attend a ceremony, share a meal at VetFest, or simply pause for a moment of silence at 11 AM, each gesture honors those who’ve served.

South Bay Snapshot

🌊 That’s a Wrap on This Week’s Lineup

Thanks for reading and keeping up with what’s happening around the South Bay. The days feel shorter and the light’s fading fast, but the calendar’s still full. It’s a good time to get out, see something local, and stay connected.

If you know someone who’s been saying there’s nothing to do this time of year, send this their way.

See you out there,
Jaime
Editor @MySouthBay