NOVEMBER 1 (FIRST TUESDAY)
FREE ADMISSION DAY—Conservatory of Flowers, Contemporary Jewish Museum, DeYoung Museum, Legion of Honor Museum, Museum of Craft and Design, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
NOVEMBER 1-5
JAZZ FESTIVAL
Jazz musicians are playing in the City’s restaurants and cafes through the first week in November. Call (800) 850-7353 for more specific information.
NOVEMBER 2
UNION SQUARE ICE RINK OPENS
The opening event features a performance from Buyi Zama, who plays Rafiki in the North American touring production of Disney’s “The Lion King,” a guest appearance from the San Francisco Giants’ Lou Seal, and DJ Von spinning live music. Union Square, 9:30 am–10 am. Free to watch; charges apply for use of rink. Rink hours thereafter are from 10 am–11:30 pm daily. http://unionsquareicerink.com/
NOVEMBER 2
DAY OF THE DEAD (DIA DE LOS MUERTOS)
Day of the Dead includes a 7 pm procession starting at Bryant & 22nd St., plus candle-lit altars in Garfield Park (26th and Harrison, 4-11 pm) to honor the departed. https://dayofthedeadsf.org
NOVEMBER 6 (FIRST SUNDAY)
FREE ADMISSION DAY—Asian Art Museum
NOVEMBER 10–13 (NOV. 19 IN PALO ALTO)
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
See films from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka at the New People and Castro Theaters. Selected films are shown at a later date in Palo Alto. http://www.thirdi.org/festival/
NOVEMBER 11-13
SAN FRANCISCO GREEN FESTIVAL
This joint project of Green America and Global Exchange brings individuals, businesses, and investors together to work cooperatively on positive social and economic solutions for communities and the environment. This is one of the largest and most authentic sustainability events in the world. Pier 35, 800-584-7336.
www.greenfestivals.org
NOVEMBER 12–13
5TH ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO VETERANS FILM FESTIVAL
The festival explores veteran and military-related topics through the work of veteran and civilian filmmakers. The films, panels, and discussions at this festival provide a forum for veterans to express their creativity and share their stories—bringing healing and increasing society’s awareness of the multitude of challenges facing our nation’s veterans. Koret Auditorium, SF Main Library, 100 Larkin St., Civic Center. 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Free. www.sfveteransfilmfestival.org
NOVEMBER 19-DECEMBER 18 (FIVE WEEKENDS, INCLUDING THE FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING)
THE GREAT DICKENS CHRISTMAS FAIR
This fair revives the traditions of an old English Victorian Christmas with theaters, a music hall, dance parties, taverns, shops, stalls, food, street vendors, and period costumes. Cow Palace, 415-897-4555.
NOVEMBER 19-27
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOBILE SHOW
Featuring some of the world’s major manufacturers displaying model cars, SUV’s, trucks, and vans: almost 800 vehicles in all. Some test drives may be available. Moscone Center, 415-331-4406.
NOVEMBER 24
TURKEY TRAIL TROT, GOLDEN GATE PARK
This invigorating run or walk has become a popular Thanksgiving Day tradition for many.
NOVEMBER 25
TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION: UNION SQUARE
Expect crowds at Macy’s Union Square tree lighting, which begins with a ceremony and singers. Free. Entertainment starts at 6 pm. The tree is lit at 6:40 pm.
http://unionsquareshop.com/TreeLightingUnionSquare.html