Best things to do this weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: November 1 - 3

A Noise Within's latest production is the August Wilson classic The Piano Lesson, directed by Gregg T. Daniel. The second Wilson play to grace their stage this year, The Piano Lesson is part of Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle, which traces African American life in the 1930s through a variety of stories and characters. Broadway World calls Nija Okoro’s portrayal of Berniece a highlight, saying she gives her “a quiet ferocity and sensuality.” The show continues through next weekend.

The Fowler at UCLA hosts a Día de Los Muertos party for the whole family featuring a mariachi band, crafts and a gallery tour. Hosted by artist and founder of Dial Art, Maria Elena Cruz, the day will include make-your-own sugar skull pinñtas and the creation of a mini ofrenda.

The Diwali lights will brighten Chino Hills all weekend as the biggest celebration in the area of the Hindu holiday begins. The festival is open to all and includes a light and sound spectacular, rides for kids, food and traditional activities.

Somewhere, Phil Lesh and Jerry Garcia are looking down and reflecting on what a long, strange trip it’s been. Commune with your fellow Deadheads at Venice West’s Day of the Grateful Dead, featuring Dead tribute band Wall of Sound. Costumes are encouraged, so get your best tie-dye ready!

In this one-night-only special event, Oglala Lakȟóta artist Kite and Mexico City-based collective Interspecifics will perform at REDCAT in The Body Is the Interface. Kite performs the score she’s translated into Lakȟóta visual language using a computer manipulated by two hair braids, with her body as the intermediary between media. The Interspecifics collective uses heart monitors to create a live sonic and visual composition with a feedback processor that follows rhythms and synchronizations of the human heart.

If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own sword, turning coins into jewelry, learning how armor is made, or any other iron-clad event, head to Simi Valley for the Forge Festival. Adam’s Forge is a nonprofit organization making blacksmithing, metalworking and other creative handcrafts more accessible.

Loyola Marymount University is hosting its 13th annual Yoga Day, with free yoga practices, talks, a performance and conversations around social justice. The day is themed "What would Green Tārā Do? Confronting systems of oppression through women’s scholarship and leadership."

Trot down to El Segundo for the Rock & Run 5K. Plus, there’s an after-party at Rock & Brews. All proceeds will go to local charities including C.A.S.E. Pantry El Segundo, El Segundo Education Foundation, and The Armstrong Family.

Main description: New West Symphony is, fittingly, performing Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, "From the New World," at two venues this weekend, and I’m including it as a viewing pick because the highlight is the accompanying footage. The symphony is synchronized to drone imagery by photo historian Joseph Sohm and narrated by none other than William Shatner. Ragtime tunes by Scott Joplin, Three Spirituals for Orchestra by Adolphus Hailstork, “Love Will Find a Way” by Eubie Blake, and the 2024 Grammy-winning composition, Rounds, by Jessie Montgomery will also be performed, with pianist and KUSC radio host Lara Downes as the featured soloist.

Extended description: Written by our Best Things To Do columnist, Laura Hertzfeld. See her full columns here.

Chef Jordan Kahn is at it again. This time, after much pandemic success with bringing his Michelin-starred meals home for folks, he’s now doing Thanksgiving. But get on it fast; orders go live Nov. 1 and are only available until sold out.

SHOR Bazaar’s Diwali menu honors the Festival of Lights, with Nepalese dumplings called Momos ($14), Tandoori Aloo Bharwan ($13), Potato Bird Nest Cottage Cheese Eggs ($14): Paneer Lasagna ($21), and Daulat Ki Chaat / Gold Digger Chaat ($14): Milk and cream, chilled foam, topped with edible dollar.

Apple’s the word at Benny Boy Brewing for their fall Applefest with mulled cider, ice cider, comfort food and apple-themed desserts from River Street BBQ, Thicc Burger, and more. There’s also shopping from local vendors and live music. And the best part – you can get in on the fun by sorting, crushing, and pressing apples for cider. Join the waitlist here. To date, more than 200 volunteers have collectively crushed and pressed two tons of apples!

Wanderlust Creamery owner Adrienne Borlongan will be hosting an ice cream demo and book talk in Santa Monica. The chef, whose flavor combos inspired by travel wow ice cream lovers of all ages, will walk everyone through her Chicha Morada ice cream recipe. The ticket includes a copy of Borlongan’s World of Ice Cream cookbook.