November is one of our all-time favorite times to be in New Orleans. The weather is cool, the humidity is low, and there’s nothing better than lounging in courtyards or on balconies sipping cocktails or getting in some holiday shopping in the French Quarter, the Arts/Warehouse District and Magazine Street. Below are some of our favorite things to do in New Orleans in November. Check out our events calendar for more November fun.
Bayou Bacchanal
On November 1st and 2nd, head to Armstrong Park for the original Caribbean Carnival of New Orleans. Spend the day celebrating Caribbean cuisine, dance and music.
NOLA Zydeco Fest
Crescent City Park is where it’s at November 2nd! Come see live performances by Dwane Dopsie, Rusty Metoyer, Wayne Singleton, Alphonse Ardoin, Koray Broussard, Harold Guillory, and Arthur Corbin with Shan Bailey. There will be Creole and Cajun food, dance lessons, a mechanical bull, a gumbo cook-off, a Kids Zone and more.
Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival
Take the short 30-minute drive up to Destrehan Plantation on November 9th and 10th for their 52nd Annual Fall Festival featuring more than 180 arts and crafts booths, antiques, pony rides, face painting, fall-themed arts and crafts, and even a bungee jump! There will also be Southern-style meals at the food court pavilion and, of course, live music by Kayla Woodson, Ryan Foret and Foret Tradition, and Bad Habit. There will also be performances by the Southern Charm Dance Team and the Ford Model A Club. Learn more.
Trême Creole Gumbo Festival
On November 9th and 10th, Louis Armstrong Park is home to this free celebration featuring the music, food and dance that made New Orleans famous. R&B, Funk, Brass Bands and Gumbo await!
New Orleans Saints Vs. Atlanta Falcons
Come watch the Saints take on the Dirty Birds in the Superdome on November 10th. If you can’t get tickets, here are some great restaurants where you can Watch Dem Saints.
Luna Fête
Kick off the holidays New Orleans style at this illuminating free festival from November 14-17, from Gallier Hall to the Piazza d’Italia. Come see downtown New Orleans transformed into a playground of light with LED lights, lasers, and projected artworks.
Beignet Fest
Don anything but black for Beignet Fest, November 16th in City Park. Along with dozens of different kinds of beignet dishes, you’ll enjoy live music, a Kids Village, an Artist Market and a Beer Garden.
Sober Fest
This family-friendly festival celebrating alcohol-free fun will take place at the Sugar Mill on November 23th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Put on by Bridge House/Grace House for the last three years, the 2024 musical line-up features Ivan Neville & Friends, Anders Osborne, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind, and the Trombone Shorty Academy.
Celebration in the Oaks
Be sure and check out our annual light festival at Celebration in the Oaks in City Park. It is held November 29-January 3. The park’s gorgeous trees are covered in hundreds of thousands of lights and there are numerous other light displays throughout the 25 acres of City Park. Take a ride on the train to see all the glittering lights. This is a truly spectacular holiday event that you do not want to miss!
Bayou Classic
The Bayou Classic is not just a football game between Grambling State and Southern University. There’s a parade, fan festivals, a career fair and, one of our favorites, the battle of the bands, all leading up to the big game on November 30th!
