7 things to do this Veterans Day weekend in SoCal

You don't have to spend this weekend counting down the days until Thanksgiving and Christmas. Instead, start celebrating because there's tons of holiday events already getting started, from Veterans Day parades to Christmas tree lightings and tofurky trots. What is that, you ask? Keep reading.

HOLIDAY PICK

Veterans Day Parade and Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach
COST: Free

Veterans and their families are the stars this weekend. Long Beach is celebrating with a street festival and parade on Saturday. Last year they had marching bands, old vehicles and some air demonstrations, so watch out for how they entertain this time around. Other patriotic events going on around L.A. include a San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade featuring more than 20 veterans groups and a Veterans Day Music Festival in front of the Battleship USS Iowa.

CULTURE VULTURE PICK

MOCA Day Party

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WHERE: The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, DTLA MAP
COST: Free

If you've been to LACMA and you couldn't get tickets to the Infinity Mirrors exhibit at the Broad, this might be the next best thing. In honor of the the recently opened exhibition, "Adrián Villar Rojas: The Theater of Disappearance," MOCA is offering free admission to their location in a former police garage. There will be food trucks, DJ sets and family-friendly activities.

ARTS PICK

Sherman Oaks Art Walk

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 12, 12:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks MAP
COST: Free

Sherman Oaks has undergone a bit of an artistic transformation. If you haven't seen the new murals yet on Ventura Boulevard, check it out this weekend. The Sherman Oaks Art Walk will have meet-and-greets with some of the artists, plus food trucks, vendors and dog photo booths. Dog photo booths! (It's unclear whether you're taking photos with dogs at the photo booth or vice versa.)

MOVIE PICK

AFI Fest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMKX2tE5Luk

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 9 - Thursday, Nov. 16
WHERE: Various locations in Hollywood
COST: Free

You live in La La Land. Take advantage of your proximity to Hollywood and see one of the classic or new films screening at AFI Fest this year. You can get free tickets online or hop in the standby line to score a seat. Some films to check out include the James Franco-directed "The Disaster Room" and the Margot Robbie-starring "I, Tonya."

18+ PICK

Night Dive

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
WHERE: Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach MAP
COST: $17.95 for non-members, free for members Get tickets

It's an adults-only night at the aquarium. Rock out to local bands and DJs, sip cocktails and sample food from food trucks, and get your face painted in glow-in-the-dark colors. While you're at it, check out the jellyfish, which always look like they're having a party in their backlit tanks.

FUR-FRIENDLY PICK

2017 L.A. Tofurky Trot

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: Griffith Park, Los Angeles MAP
COST: $15 - $40 Get tickets

This is a true L.A.-style Thanksgiving: tofurky and lots of dogs. Get the family, friends and furry friends together for this annual 5K, which is moving to Griffith Park this year. Every entrant gets a tote bag full of swag and can compete for prizes for the best costumes. After the race, feast at the vegan food fest with local vendors.

SEASONAL PICK

A California Christmas at the Grove

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Grove, Los Angeles MAP
COST: Free

Christmas comes earlier every year and this weekend is one of the first opportunities to get in the spirit. Check out the annual lighting ceremony at the Grove, one of L.A.'s most festive and photogenic spots during the holiday season. Not only can you spot Santa, you might even see snow.

How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @inkwaves and @LeoHasACat.