5 Events to Mark on the November Calendar in Birmingham

November is here, and though Thanksgiving gets the majority of attention, there's still plenty happening in Birmingham before the annual celebration. Here are some highlights:

Uptown Film Festival

The Uptown Film Festival will return to Birmingham Nov. 7-9. Now in its third year, the three-day festival features the annual Michigan Film Awards on Saturday night. Organizers chose more than 30 films from roughly 100 submissions by movie-makers around the globe, including many Michigan natives such as Jalen Rose, Jessica Golden and Amy Weber. Check for a schedule and more information on the event's website.

Baldwin Book Sale 

The Baldwin Public Library will offer a wide variety of books, movies, and music, during the annual Used Book Sale between Nov. 9-11. Hosted by the Friends of the Library, the event will feature more than 10,000 books sorted by category for easy browsing. All proceeds will go towards library programs and materials. A preview for members only is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 8. See more on the library's website.

Light the Way

Lighthouse of Oakland County will start its holiday season fund-raising campaign to benefit more than 800 local families in need at the 3rd
annual Lighting the Way for the Holidays party at 5:30 p.m. at the Townsend Hotel. The event, previously at Somerset Place, is at the Townsend for the first time, and will feature a silent auction and a decorating duel between local designers.  

L. Brooks Patterson at The Community House

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson will give Birmingham-area residents a peek at the future of the county's knowledge-based economy during a special address at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at The Community House. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged by calling 248-554-6596 or visiting The Community House website. 

Small Business Saturday

The annual push from local retailers to promote local shopping during the busiest retail days of the year returns as this year's Small Business Saturday falls on Saturday, Nov. 30.