25 things to do in November including theater, a film festival and honoring veterans

The holiday season is clearly just around the corner when we start seeing ZooLights, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and more return to the calendar. Here are some events to keep you and your family entertained.

For an extended list of entertainment options, visit our online calendar (www.fresnobee.com/calendar) and watch for our daily “5 Things to Do” listing and weekly “7 Things to Do” listing.

Still Rocking – He is a former member of Crosby, Stills & Nash and she is a folk singer and songwriter. Stephen Stills and Judy Collins join for a performance Nov. 2 at Visalia Fox Theatre.

Home Improvement – Learn new ideas and get a jump on spring projects at the Fall Home Improvement Show taking place Nov. 3-5 at the Fresno Fairgrounds.

Latino Dance Company – Explore and celebrate the Latino culture with contemporary dance and Ballet Hispánico as the company performs Nov. 4 at Saroyan Theatre.

Armenian Food Bazaar – California’s oldest Armenian congregation celebrates 120 years of ministry during the Merchants Lunch and Country Store Nov. 9 at First Armenian Presbyterian Church.

Title contenders – Junior welterweights Mike Reed and the central San Joaquin Valley’s own Olympian, Jose Ramirez of Avenal, face off in a title-elimination bout at Fight for Water 7 taking place Nov. 11 at Save Mart Center.

Fresno County Wine Journey – Stop by one of 18 locations, including 14 wineries, two tasting rooms, a brewery and a distillery during the Fall Harvest Wine Journey Nov. 11-12 in Fresno County.

Merrymaking Weekend – Join the king for a weekend of entertainment and a look at life in England in the 1540s at the Kearney Park Renaissance Festival Nov. 11-12 at Kearney Park.

Beethoven’s Fifth – Guest pianist Orion Weiss joins Rei Hotodo and the Fresno Philharmonic for “Homage,” featuring music by Beethoven, Barber and Bartok, Nov. 12 at Saroyan Theatre.

Winter Spectacular – Christian music’s largest tour features Lecrae, Mac Powell, Building 429 and many others at Winter Jam 2017 playing Nov. 12 at Save Mart Center.

Smooth – Jazz vocalist Kevin Mahogany has been a big influence on the jazz scene for over 30 years. He plays Nov. 18 at Tower Theatre.

Feature Film Festival – Eight feature-length movies from nine countries will be screened during the Fresno Film Festival Nov. 10-12 at Tower Theatre.

Honoring veterans – Honor those who have served in the U.S. military at the 98th annual Veterans Day parade (said to be the largest west of the Mississippi), Nov. 11 through downtown Fresno.

Best of Intentions – Enjoy an intimate solo-acoustic show with CMA and Grammy Award-winning country artist Travis Tritt as he returns Nov. 11 to Merced Theatre.

Shop It Up! – The No. 1 kids toy in North America makes its theatrical debut with an ensemble cast at “Shopkins Live!” Nov. 14 at Warnors Center for the Performing Arts.

Daggers Drawn – As a political cartoonist since 1978 with over 8,000 cartoons done, Kevin Kallaugher has perspective on America. He speaks Nov. 15 at Saroyan Theatre as part of the San Joaquin Valley Town Hall lecture series.

Neil Sedaka Classics – Two friends are in search of good times and romance during Labor Day weekend in “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” opening Nov. 16 and playing through Jan. 14 at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater.

What It Means to Be a Hero – Based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel of love, acceptance and heroism, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” runs Nov. 17 through Dec. 2 at Selma Arts Center.

You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid – All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun in “A Christmas Story: The Musical” playing Nov. 17 through Dec. 10 at Playhouse Merced.

Remembrance and Healing – Remember the incarceration of Japanese-Americans in internment camps during Fresno Community Chorus’ Master Chorale Fall Concert Nov. 19 at Shaghoian Concert Hall.

Sing-Along – Up to 700 singers and listeners are expected to attend the 41st annual Messiah Sing-Along Nov. 26 at First Presbyterian Church of Fresno.

The Search for Christmas Spirit – Join Dolly, Reba and some of country’s biggest stars as they try to bring the Christmas spirit back in “A Little Country Christmas,” playing Nov. 17 through Dec. 10 at Temple Theater in Hanford.

Winter Zooland – The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with miles of bright lights at ZooLights, Nov. 24 through Dec. 30 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

Holiday Classic Returns – Travel to the Land of Sweets with Valley Performing Arts Council as they present “The Nutcracker” Nov. 25-26 at Saroyan Theatre.

Dying with Laughter – Broadway in Fresno shows how fun getting away with murder can be with the 2014 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical: “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder” playing Nov. 28-29 at Saroyan Theatre.

The Best of TSO – Musical powerhouse Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns with “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” Nov. 29 at Save Mart Center.

This story was originally published October 31, 2017 at 6:00 AM with the headline "25 things to do in November including theater, a film festival and honoring veterans."