Fall for Art & Culture Events in November

There’s something about fall that gets us in the mood to indulge – culturally, of course. The arts are alive in San Diego and taking shape on screens, stages and galleries.

Discover art & culture events in November

Film: San Diego Asian Film Festival – Nov. 1-9

As the largest showcase of Asian cinema in the Western United States, the San Diego Asian Film Festival wows us with nine days of film, live discussions with filmmakers and artists, educational panels and exclusive parties. Screenings and most events during the festival will take place at Mission Valley UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center. The fest will showcase everything from arthouse indie films to intricate animation and moving documentaries. All films to be shown are made by or about those of Asian descent. Top picks screening at this year’s 13th annual festival include Eden and Five Fingers of Death. For more information and tickets, please visit festival.sdaff.org.

Theater: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots – Nov. 6-Dec. 16

La Jolla Playhouse presents its final production of the 2012-2013 season: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. This world-premiere musical rocks hard with a special collaboration from The Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne and Playhouse Director Emeritus Des McAnuff. The vibrant production tells the story of the young artist Yoshimi fighting for love and for her own survival against an army of pink robots, all inspired by the whimsical and psychedelic music of The Flaming Lips. On stage, a 14-foot robot puppet will tower over audiences as dancers in glowing LED costumes illuminate the Mandell Weiss Theatre. Tony Award-winning director Des McAnuff’s tale will thrill within this fantastical robot world. For more information and tickets, visit lajollaplayhouse.org.

Performing Arts: Cavalia – Nov. 13-25

The magical encounter between human and horse comes to the stage in Cavalia through acrobatics, aerial stunts, dance and live music. This equestrian spectacle celebrates the intense bond of human and horse in a moving performance unlike anything you’ve seen before. Cavalia is labeled as an equestrian ballet, but also takes on the forms of poetry, history, fairy tales, acrobatics and art. The show will run in the White Big Top located in the parking lot adjacent to Petco Park. Inside, a 50-metre stage allows horses to roam and exhibit the impressive force and connection to man. Cavalia has been seen by 3.5 million people across the U.S, Canada and Europe – don’t miss your chance in San Diego. For more information and tickets, visit cavalia.net.

Performing Arts: Dralion – Nov. 15-18

The latest Cirque du Soleil show starts flying, spinning and entrancing mid-November at Valley View Casino. Dralion introduces the intricate harmony between human and nature and the fusion of East and West. The 3,000-year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts meet Cirque du Soleil’s classic multidisciplinary style on stage, blending culture in a smashing show. Four elements are embodied in Dralion; Characters include Azala (air), Oceane (water), Gaya (earth) and Yao (fire). The name itself stands for the two creatures of power: the dragon representing the East and the lion representing the West. When these opposites meet, balance is achieved in a stunning acrobatic showcase. Take a seat and journey through the philosophies of the world. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com. (Main Image)

Film: ArcLight Cinemas Grand Opening – November 16

Film-lovers and comfort-seekers rejoice as the newest luxury cinema opens doors in San Diego in November. ArcLight Cinemas – originally from Hollywood – is setting up at Westfield UTC with 14 screens and more amenities than you will know what to do with. The theater will show new blockbusters, classics and indies, but the real pull comes from the Q&A's with filmmakers, the 25-inch wide seats with retractable armrests, an outdoor café with alcoholic beverages served, all-reserved seating and revolving exhibits of interest. ArcLight La Jolla will celebrate its grand opening on November 16. For more information, visit arclightcinemas.com.

Literary Arts: Downtown with David Sedaris – Nov. 18

David Sedaris may be known as a master of satire, but he happens to have a soft-spot for ArtPower! and his dedicated fan base. The best-selling author, playwright, commentator and National Public Radio humorist heads to Balboa Theatre for a night of cultural observations, social critiques, and of course, a few good laughs. Sedaris is renowned for his essay collections such as Naked, Holidays on Ice, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and When You Are Engulfed in Flames, all of which are New York Times Best Sellers. Guests can also join ArtPower! for a pre-performance dinner at Zanzibar Café which includes three-courses and a signed copy of Sedaris’ latest book. You can also pop in early or stay after the show for Sedaris’ book-signing sessions. For more information and tickets, visit hartpwr.com.

Art: Thursday Night Thing – November 29

Falls’ hot ticket to all things art is Thursday Night Thing held at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Art-savvy locals are invited to head downtown and interact with artists and fellow art-lovers in San Diego. Guests will have a unique look at installations by Margaret Noble and Doug Wheeler while also meandering through the works of the permanent collection. When it’s not art you’re ogling at, enjoy live music on the plaza, art-making activities, tasty cocktails and delicious bites from MIHO Gastrotruck. For more information and tickets, visit mcasd.org.

Discover more San Diego art events on our San Diego entertainment calendar