Best Things to Do in the North Bay This November

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David Sason

David is a Marin County native and longtime columnist who's written arts & entertainment pieces for the North Bay Bohemian, KQED, Metro Silicon Valley, the Bay Area Reporter and more.

November is full of exciting and festive events of all sorts. From free national park days to an annual turkey trot, you sure don’t want to miss out on all the fun! Make this month an eventful one before the holiday season arrives. Here are the best things to do in the North Bay this November. 

Featured photo courtesy of Doug Kaye and City of San Rafael. 

Marin County

A group of people participate in a Day of the Dead parade in San Rafael. Two women at the front hold a banner that reads "Día de los Muertos - Day of the Dead, San Rafael". They are wearing skeleton costumes with butterfly wings. Others in the background wear traditional costumes and feathered headdresses, making this one of the best things to do in North Bay in November.
Photo courtesy of Doug Kaye and the City of San Rafael.

November 1

San Rafael
Albert J. Boro Community Center, 50 Canal Street

The city of San Rafael celebrates Dia De Los Muertos at the Albert J. Boro Community Center at Pickleweed Park with live cultural music and performances, art workshops, vehicle processions throughout the Canal District and a walking route to see altars displayed in downtown San Rafael storefronts.

A close-up of an intricate, colorful enamel pendant on a necklace with black beads. The pendant features a detailed floral design with green, pink, red, and gold hues, adorned with swirling patterns and gold accents. It's one of the best things to do for art lovers visiting North Bay in November.
Photo courtesy of Marin Arts & Crafts Show.

November 7-9

San Rafael
Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 20 Avenue of the Flags

Get a head start on your gift getting at this Marin Center show, where there’s something for every craft collector and art lover under the sun: paintings, ceramics, sculptures, fine jewelry, furniture, estate finds, repurposed wood and iron pieces, and so much more. 

A wooden sign reading "Muir Woods National Monument, National Park Service Department of Interior" hangs at the entrance of a park. The path beneath the sign leads into a dense forest with lush green trees on both sides, making it one of the best things to do in North Bay this November.
Photo courtesy of National Park Service.

November 11

Mill Valley
Muir Woods National Monument, 1 Muir Woods Road

Enjoy the great outdoors and honor those who have served on Veterans Day at one of the many national parks across the state. Here in the North Bay, you can enjoy Muir Woods National Monument for free on this federal holiday. So, put on your boots and start hiking!

The stars shining brightly above the Robert Ferguson Observatory for a star gazing event
Photo by Diane Askew courtesy of the Robert Ferguson Observatory.

November 15 and 18

Kenwood
Robert Ferguson Observatory, 2605 Adobe Canyon Road

Whether a lifelong astronomy lover or simply curious about the universe, this stargazing experience provides something magical for all ages. Begin indoors with engaging presentations by experts, then step outside and let the night sky take center stage. The three main telescopes will be open for viewing, offering a rare glimpse into distant galaxies and star clusters.

The rockabilly band the Stray Cats perform onstage
Photo by Suzie Kaplan courtesy of the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts.

November 22

Santa Rosa
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road

The North Bay has been lucky enough to host Brian Setzer and his orchestra many times during past holiday seasons. This year, fans of rockabilly music are in for a special treat, as the guitar master brings his pioneering 80s band the Stray Cats to Santa Rosa. Don’t miss the chance to see these early MTV stars perform “Rock This Town” and other favorites. 

A large group of people, many wearing green shirts, stand at the starting line of a race in a forested area—one of the best things to do in North Bay this November. A person in front holds up a hand, possibly signaling the start. A race clock displays 23:59. Various ages and a vibrant atmosphere are evident.
Photo courtesy of Bank Of Marin Turkey Trot.

November 27

Novato
Indian Valley Campus, College of Marin, 1800 Ignacio Boulevard

Get your run on at the Bank of Marin Turkey Trot before you stuff yourself with Thanksgiving turkey. At this event, you can choose your distance (1 mile, 5K, and 10K) and join the crowd as they trot their way to the finish line. Make Thanksgiving morning a fun and exhilarating one before the big feast later.

Two women walk down a bustling, sunlit sidewalk lined with shops and American flags. Cars are parked on one side, and a green 2-hour parking sign is visible. The women appear relaxed, enjoying a casual day out in what looks to be a quaint town center—one of the best things to do in North Bay this November.
Photo courtesy of Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau.

November 29

Novato
Downtown Novato, Grant Avenue

Downtown Novato’s businesses are hosting a day of special deals and events for Small Business Saturday. Novato is a home to boutiques, specialty shops and high-quality restaurants, so get out there and shop local! 

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