As the familiar aroma of Thanksgiving dinner fills the air on Thursday, Nov. 23, Southern California residents can indulge in more than just culinary delights. This particular holiday weekend offers a variety of entertainment events, providing the perfect opportunity to burn off a few of those extra calories.
So, whether you’re seeking a calorie-burning escape or a bonding experience with loved ones who came to town to visit, there’s plenty to choose from during the weekend of Nov. 24-26.
Here’s a list of events happening across Southern California on Thanksgiving weekend.
RL Grime
Electronic music producer RL Grime will hit the road over the Thanksgiving weekend, bringing his beats to fans in support of his latest record, “Play,” which dropped back in September. Jawns and 33 Below will open. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 at Toyota Arena, 4000 Ontario Center, Ontario. Tickets start at $69.50 at Ticketmaster.com.
Frankie Quiñones
Comedian and actor Frankie Quiñones, known for his role as Luis in “This Fool” on Hulu, will be providing some post-holiday comic relief in Orange County. 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 25 at Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine. Tickets start at $27 with a two-item minimum purchase requirement in the showroom for all guests at Ticketweb.com.
Steve Aoki
Insomniac Events is hosting a special performance by DJ Steve Aoki, who will be taking control of the decks for the night. Fans can expect to hear an array of genres within Aoki’s set and they may be the lucky one to be smashed by one of his signature sheet cake tosses. 9:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at Time Nightclub, 1875 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa. Tickets start at $85 at Ticketweb.com.
Ramón Ayala
Join norteño accordion king Ramón Ayala for a post-Thanksgiving show. Ayala will flip through his greatest hits like “Mujer Paseada,” “El Federal De Caminos,” and “Mi Tesoro.” 8 p.m. Nov. 24 at The Mayan, 1038 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles. Tickets start at $60 at Ticketon.com.
Maná
Following two sold out shows at Kia Forum in Inglewood in February, Mexican rockers Maná are back at it with another pair of shows for the group’s México Lindo y Querido Tour. The shows are set to celebrate the group’s love for Mexico, while presenting some of its greatest hits like “Oye Mi Amor” and “Rayando el Sol.” 8:30 p.m. Nov. 24 and Nov. 25 at Kia Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood. Tickets start at $49.50 at Ticketmaster.com.
Afro Friendsgiving
At Afro Friendsgiving, participants are in for a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture. Throughout the night, they’ll hear Afrobeat, dance and reggae music from various DJs that will set the tone in the spirit of Thanksgiving. The event goes beyond music, offering a selection of Afro-Caribbean cuisine, featuring dishes such as jerk chicken, jollof rice plantains and more. A variety of drinks and cocktails will also be available. 10 p.m. Nov. 25 at Space 111 Studios, 111 W. 17th Street, Los Angeles. Tickets start at $10 at Eventbrite.com.
The Pharcyde
Los Angeles-bred ’90s super rap group The Pharcyde is celebrating its 30-year anniversary of “Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde” in Orange County. Hip-hop group Tha Alkaholiks will open the show and be celebrating the 30-year anniversary of its album “21 & Over.” 5:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at Garden Amp, 12762 Main Street, Garden Grove. Tickets start at $30 at ticketweb.com.
Sexxy Red
St. Louis-based rapper Sexxy Red is on tour in support of her album, “Hood Hottest Princess.” She’ll spend two nights in Los Angeles, playing tracks like “Pound Town” and “SkeeYee.” 8 p.m. Nov. 25 at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Tickets start at $57 at AXS.com. Also: 8 p.m. Nov. 26 at Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. Tickets start at $54 at Livenation.com.
Knuckle Puck
For those craving an adrenaline rush after their Thanksgiving dinner, pop-punk group Knuckle Puck will get you up and moshing with songs like “Untitled” and “No Good.” 6 p.m. Nov. 25 at Riverside Municipal Auditorium, 3485 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. Tickets start at $34 at Livenation.com. Also: 6 p.m. Nov. 26 at The Regent Theater, 448 Main Street, Los Angeles. Tickets start at $34 at Ticketmaster.com.
Dramatique!
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre has a treat in store for those looking for a blend of musical entertainment and silliness. Despite the play’s tagline, “Serious singers, singing a serious musical,” attendees should expect the opposite. This improvised musical performance will showcase acts from “Les Misérables,” “Miss Saigon,” “Evita,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” 7 p.m. Nov. 26 at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, 5919 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles. Tickets start at $10 at eventbrite.com.
