Yes, the weather has cooled off, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay home staring at the boob tube, right? Here are 21 free fun things to do, even if you don’t want to spend any money. And stay tuned. We’ll also be posting a list soon of free things you can do with your annoying relatives visiting for the holidays from out of town.
Nov. 5 — Norco: The city invites you to The Barn at Ingalls Event Center from 6 to 8 p.m. to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Horsetown. Colorful theme attire is encouraged along with skull face painting. Bring photos of departed loved ones for the communal altar. Contest for Most Festive Fashion. 96 Sixth St., Norco. norco.ca.us/events-attractions/community-events/day-of-the-dead
Nov. 5, 12 — Long Beach: Get free ship admission to hear live jazz and blues aboard the Queen Mary from 6 to 10 p.m. on frequent Thursdays in the Observation Bar (ages 21+). Parking is discounted but you must reserve online to get in for free.1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. queenmary.com
Nov. 6 — Buena Park: Learn about nature
Nov. 6 — Buena Park: Learn about nature journaling or bring your own journal to Clark Regional Park from 8 to 10 a.m. The morning will start with an introduction to nature journaling, a warm-up activity and then a walk in the park to find a good space. Bring a sketch pad, journal and your own materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors. A chair is a good idea, as is sun protection, water and snacks. Registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome. Come to the amphitheater tables near Park Lot A. Ages 10 and over; minors need an adult present. The program is free but parking costs $3. Bad weather may cancel. Clark Regional Park, 8800 Rosecranz Ave., Buena Park letsgooutside.org/activities/2026/11/06/nature-journaling-at-clark-park-15/
Nov. 6 — Pioneertown: Want to learn more about photographing the beauty of the night sky? Check out this beginner-friendly (and up) class on astrophotography from 6 to 9 p.m.. The class will start indoors, learning the right camera settings, equipment, composition and editing. Then, the class will head outdoors for a night shooting session in beautiful Pipes Canyon, with an expert to help out. You need a mirrorless or DSLR camera and tripod. It’s not suitable for cellphones. You may be able to borrow a tripod if you reserve in advance. Ages 18 and over. Get free tickets online in advance. Pioneertown Mountains Preserve, 51010 Pipes Canyon Road, Pioneertown. wildlandsconservancy.org/events/
Nov. 7 — San Juan Capistrano: Explore the night sky at Caspers Wilderness Park, which is a designated “Star Park” in California. This outdoor Starr Party includes telescopes and expert guidance, family activities and more. Bring your own binoculars, telescopes or cameras if desired. At the nature center from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. Bad weather cancels, call 949-923-2210. Register here (or just show up)parks.oc.gov/events/starr-party-7
Nov. 7-8 — Riverside: The 23rd annual Riverside
Nov. 7-8 — Riverside: The 23rd annual Riverside Day of the Dead festival takes place over two days, Nov. 7 from 1 to 10 p.m. and Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This event will be held downtown on Market Street between University Avenue and 14th Street, and also in White Park. Live entertainment on multiple stages, community and classic car altars, Lucha Libre, face painting, craft booths, Aztec dancers and a Catrina pageant.instagram.com/p/DZ8SfwpEgka/
Nov. 7 — Ontario: Take a run for Kite Day at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. sponsored by county Supervisor Jesse Armendarez. Learn to fly a kite, and get one for free (first come, first served). Leashed pets are welcome. Fishing is also available; those 16 and older must buy a license. Cucamonga-Guasti is located at 800 N. Archibald Ave. in Ontario. Early registration is strongly recommended at parkreservations.sbcounty.gov/san-bernardino/programs
Nov. 7 — Santa Ana: This year’s Noche de los Altares will run from noon until 9 p.m. People are invited to view local altars or, for a donation, make their own altars to celebrate their loved ones. Live music, kids face painting and more. El Centro Cultural de México, 837 N. Ross St., Santa Ana. dominguezrancho.org/
Nov. 7 — Rancho Dominguez: Watch live mariachi
Nov. 7 — Rancho Dominguez: Watch live mariachi and folklorico performances and other cultural touchstones at the historic adobe rancho’s Día de Muertos Celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can submit an application to put up your own ofrenda, too. 18127 S. Alameda St., Rancho Dominguez. dominguezrancho.org/
Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28 — Torrance: Take a guided walk around theMadrona Marsh Preserve to learn about the plants and wildlife found in the area. This freshwater marsh provides increasingly rare habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. These family-friendly walks occur from 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday, weather permitting, and don’t require reservations. Madrona Marsh Nature Center, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance. friendsofmadronamarsh.com
Nov. 8 — Laguna Beach: Take a guided nature meditation walk in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. The walk’s less than one mile on reasonably flat terrain. Walkers will stop along the way to connect with nature, and end with a tea ceremony. Tell the leaders if you can’t drink tea. Age 10 and older. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, close-toed shoes and sun protection. A yoga mat or chair is a good idea. Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. The walk is free, parking costs $3. Carpooling encouraged. You must register in advance at lagunacanyon.org/event/nature-meditation-walk-4/ Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Nov. 14 — Santa Ana: Come enjoy
Nov. 14 — Santa Ana: Come enjoy the third annual Community Powwow to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. It’s open to all, including kids and pets, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event is slated to include authentic dancing and singing, arts and crafts, information booths, fry bread and Indian tacos and more. Grand Entry at noon. Free parking at Mitchell Child Development Center or on the street where permitted. Sponsored by the Heritage Museum of Orange County and the city of Santa Ana. 3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana. heritagemuseumoc.org/event/powwow-2026/
Nov. 14 — Pomona:Visit the “Downtown Hasta La Muerte,” a Day of the Dead Celebration with live music and performances, altar displays, art galleries, car show, food for sale and more. Coincides with the 2nd Saturday Artwalk and its market in Shaun Diamond Plaza. Main festival: 197 W. 2nd St., Pomona. downtownpomona.org/hastalamuerte
Nov. 14 — Riverside: Join the annual patriotic celebration of veterans themed “The Music of Active Duty” with marching bands, airplane flyovers, color guards, mounted horse units, classic cars, float, military vehicles and more. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parade starts by Riverside City College at Magnolia Avenue and Ramona Drive and finishes up at the Expo, near the historic county courthouse. Best viewing is along Market Street. The expo will offer live music, booths, food for sale and family activities. Free parking in downtown parking garages. Learn more atriversideveteransparade.org.
Nov. 14-15 — Rancho Cucamonga: Explore the world
Nov. 14-15 — Rancho Cucamonga: Explore the world of Mexican folk art at the 24th annual Mexican Folk Art Weekend at the Maloof. This free event allows you to view and buy works from some of Mexico’s finest artisans, as well as local artists and a tour of the historic Maloof home. Saturday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts is based in the former home of one of the nation’s finest woodworkers. malooffoundation.org/workshops-and-events/mexican-folk-art-weekend-2026-day-1
Nov. 15 — Encino: Visit theLos Encinos State Historic Park from 1 to 3 p.m. to see live history demonstrations about what life was like on a 19th Century Mexican rancho, including the blacksmith forge. Play old-fashioned games for all ages and explore the historic De La Ossa adobe. This rancho was originally the site of a Native American village and then became part of a large Spanish land grant. Small family picnics are allowed. Free street parking. 16756 Moorpark St., Encino arcg.is/1rfH9y1
Nov. 18 — Fullerton: Enjoy the classic caper movie “The Sting” (1973 PG) with Paul Newman and Robert Redford, shown on the Fullerton Library’s 184-inch screen with surround sound. The movie screens at 4 p.m. in the library’s Conference Center. 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton. fullertonlibrary.org/movie-program
Nov. 18 — Manhattan Beach: Enjoy the annual
Nov. 18 — Manhattan Beach: Enjoy the annual ceremonial lighting of theManhattan Beach Pier, along with a holiday open house going on in local shops and restaurants. There will be choir performances, carolers and family fun going on around downtown. Pier lighting is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the fun — including face painting, balloons and a visit from Santa — runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at Metlox Plaza, 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd. downtownmanhattanbeach.com/holiday-open-house
Nov. 21 — Riverside: You’ll want to arrive early to see the downtown Riverside Festival of Lights ceremony, when the elaborate light displays are turned on for the season. These lights illuminate not only the historic Mission Inn but also the entire downtown surrounding it. The light ceremony is at 5 p.m. but you need to arrive considerably earlier to find parking and a place to watch. This is a huge community tradition that includes fireworks. It’s free to see the beautiful light displays. There’s a charge for other activities, including ice skating, carnival rides and more. This is the first year since ownership of the Mission Inn has changed hands, so its unknown what other changes will take place. The epicenter is at Orange Street. and Mission Inn Avenue. https://riversideca.gov/fol/
Nov. 21 — Ontario: It’s time for the quarterly Downtown Ontario Art Walk and that means visiting theOntario Museum of History and Art, a hands-on art-making experience and shopping the local artisan booths. This runs from 6 to 9 p.m. The city’s Dia de Los Muertos exhibit will be up through Nov. 22. The museum is at 225 S. Euclid Ave., Ontario. A map of the arts district is here: ontarioartwalk.org
Nov. 22 — El Monte: Head to the San Gabriel Valley Airport from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to view the free monthly display of classic, antique, and vintage aircraft. See the aircraft up close and meet and speak with owners. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 626-448-6129. San Gabriel Valley Airport4233 Santa Anita Ave., El Monte. eventbrite.com/e/aircraft-display-day-tickets-1988835183572
