NOV. 4–11
Reel Cool
Of all the film fests that take place in Hollywood, AFI Fest is easily the most glittery—and features the most likely awards-season contenders. The 24th annual AFI Fest 2010 presented by Audi features works from emerging filmmakers, showcases of films from the masters and gala premieres. Tickets to screenings are free on a first-come, first-served basis—even for the red-carpet gala screenings. Festival selections screen at venues along Hollywood Boulevard: Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Egyptian Theatre, Mann Chinese 6 and the
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The opening-night film is Love & Other Drugs, directed by Ed Zwick and starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a pharmaceutical sales rep who falls for a free spirit played by Anne Hathaway. Closing the fest is Black Swan, a thriller from director Darren Aronofsky featuring Natalie Portman as an ambitious ballerina.

THROUGH NOV. 14
ENGAGED OBSERVERS: DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY SINCE THE SIXTIES It's your last chance to see this exhibit at the Getty Center, which looks in-depth at the work of the most vital documentary photographers since the 1960s. The exhibition is structured around suites of photographs from projects such as Girl Culture by Lauren Greenfield, Vietnam Inc. by Philip Jones Griffiths and The Mennonites by Larry Towell.

OPENING NOV. 10
RANDY NEWMAN'S HARPS AND ANGELS Composer Randy Newman's witty, complex, bittersweet and often satirical songbook is at the heart of this new work at the Mark Taper Forum downtown. Katey Sagal and Michael McKean are members of an outstanding cast. Featured songs from Newman's repertoire include "Sail Away," "Rednecks," "You've Got a Friend in Me" and, of course, "I Love L.A."

NOV. 14
LAKERS VS. SUNS Last basketball season, the Phoenix Suns placed on the heels of the Los Angeles Lakers. Will Steve Nash have what it takes to go head to head with fellow point guard Kobe Bryant? Find out when the teams face off at Staples Center at L.A. Live downtown.

NOV. 19–28
L.A. AUTO SHOW For auto aficionados it's a mandatory annual event, but even casual car fans can appreciate this popular show featuring premieres of soon-to-be released vehicles and sleek concept cars from the world's top automakers. Look for designs from brands such as Lexus, Porsche, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar.

NOV. 20, 28
LOHENGRIN L.A. Opera continues its exploration of the works of Richard Wagner with the composer's most lyrical opera. An extraordinary cast brings this tale of royalty, honor, innocence and treachery to life. Superstar Canadian tenor Ben Heppner makes his L.A. Opera debut as Lohengrin, the mysterious knight; Finnish soprano Soile Isokoski is his devoted Elsa.

NOV. 26–27
WEEZER The kings of catchy nerd-rock perform a two-night engagement at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City. Die-hard fans are treated to the Grammy Award-winning four-piece's most iconic albums from the 1990s: On Nov. 26, Weezer performs its self-titled debut, dubbed the Blue Album, in its entirety; the following night, the band focuses on its sophomore record, Pinkerton.

Here for the weekend? Go to WhereLA.com for our Weekend Roundup, where you’ll get the lowdown on the coolest concerts, festivals, pop-up restaurants, art exhibits, drink deals and more.