Art at the heart of it
Next weekend it’s veterans, cars, animation, color, art and noodles. No bull. Well, actually, yes, bull too.
Palm Springs
The International Animation Festival will screen six feature-length films and 300 shorts from 103 countries. Seminars and panel discussions add dimension to the films; categories include handdrawn and watercolor animation. Four hundred writers, filmmakers, directors and visual artists from around the world are expected to attend. Nov. 11 is designed for kids. Part of the proceeds will benefit Boo2Bullying. When: Nov. 9-11 Cost, info: From $10. Family-friendly. Service dogs only. (760) 285-8051, psiaf.org
Huntington Beach
The seventh Veterans Day Ceremony and Car Show honors Americans who served in the military. Fees for entering vehicles in the show raise money for Paralyzed Veterans of America. Any kind of car is welcome. Local bands create the day’s soundtrack. When: Nov. 11 Cost, info: Free for ceremony and viewing cars; $35 to enter a car. Familyfriendly. Dogs on leash OK. (714) 785-7621, veter ansdaycarshowhb.org
Ontario
This is not a rodeo. The Professional Bull Riders Velocity Tour is about seemingly crazy guys riding bucking bulls. Pick up some riding lingo: “down in the well” refers to a bull spinning in one direction with “the force of the spin pulling the rider down the side of the bull and into the motion’s vortex.” Fun? When: Nov. 11 Cost, info: From $15 plus fees. Children OK. No dogs. (909) 244 5500, lat.ms/velocitytour
Pasadena
DesignerCon is all art, art, art. American and international artists and designers show unusual and original prints, paintings, sculptures, clothing, jewelry and toys. Guests can spray black paint on “secret walls” at the afterparty. When: Nov. 11 and 12 Cost, info: Adults $10, military with ID free, children 12 and younger free. Service animals only. (818) 928-9295, designer con.com
Carson
You start wearing white, and you end in a rainbow of bright colors. The 5K Color Run gets you dusted with blue, pink, green, yellow, orange and purple (non-toxic) powdered paint. With no timing or winners, you can walk, jog, skip or run under colored foam arches and through walls of bubbles. When: Nov. 12 Cost, info: Adults from $39.99, children 5 and younger free. No animals allowed. (855) 662-6567, lat.ms/colorrun
Goleta
The competition is fierce, the air thick with tension. It’s the third RamenFest, where chefs compete for the best ramen noodles, and the public votes for Ramen King. Visitors can savor traditional plates with pork or get adventurous with vegan versions. When: Nov. 12 Cost, info: $55 plus fees. Family-friendly. No dogs. (805) 964-1288, lat.ms/ ramenfest
Note: To suggest an event that’s cool and close to home, email travel@latimes.com.