10 Things to Do this November in New Orleans

Bayou Bacchanal, the original Caribbean Carnival of New Orleans, returns this November. The Kickoff Dance/Opening Night Party is on November 1, and the Bayou Bacchanal street parade and festival in Congo Square is on November 2.

Returning to Armstrong Park from November 8-9, Tremé Creole Gumbo Fest has all the gumbo you could imagine. Come hungry for seafood gumbo, okra gumbo, chicken andouille gumbo, vegan gumbo…plus additional food from po-boys to shrimp ’n’ grits. Beverages, an arts market, and a nonstop lineup of performances make this one of the best fall festivals in town. Did we mention it’s free to attend?  

Beignet Fest returns to New Orleans City Park (4 Friederichs Ave.) on November 15. This sugary sweet festival is dedicated to the classic New Orleans doughnut: the beignet! Enjoy traditional beignets as well as creative ones, like Oreo-stuffed beignets, and savory options like crawfish beignets. Funds raised go to support the Beignet Fest Foundation, which empowers children with developmental delays. General admission tickets are $25 and children ages 10 and under receive free admission. 

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, Sunday, Nov. 16, is a feast for the eyes and ears. Originating during a streetcar strike in the late 1920s, the po-boy was made to support struggling workers. At the fest you can enjoy a variety of po-boys varying from traditional fried seafood to creative concoctions, like the Yakiniku po-boy, ice cream po-boy, Thanksgiving po-boy, and vegan boudin po-boy. Visit one of the stages of live music, shop at a local art market, and taste plenty of other food as well. The festival is free but wristbands are required to purchase a po-boy. Early bird wristbands ($10) are now available. Proceeds benefit Son of a Saint. 

Music has always been at the heart of New Orleans, but for people in recovery, music-oriented events can often be places where they feel challenged or excluded. Just in time for the holiday season, Sober Fest by Bridge House / Grace House is an alcohol-free music festival where everyone can come together to enjoy amazing artists and have a really great time in a sober-supportive environment. Head down to the Broadside on Saturday, Nov. 22 for live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and more. Tickets are $10 in advance or $20 at the gate (children under age 12 receive free admission with paid adult).

Thanksgiving Day in New Orleans means food, food, and more food. Skip the cooking at home and dine at a local restaurant. Feast on gumbo, seafood, and the traditional turkey and stuffing, plus bread pudding and more New Orleans classics.  

If you're interested in getting active or just having a good time, check out the 5-mile Turkey Day Race in City Park. Don a fancy hat and head to the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots for their annual Thanksgiving Day race. Or you can head out to Easton Park in Mid-City for the Human Horse Races, a family-friendly fundraiser where people dress as horses and race each other, all while raising money for a horse sanctuary. Only in New Orleans!  

Fall sports are in full swing with Saints and Pelicans home games this November. Watch the Saints play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Nov. 23 in Caesars Superdome. Meanwhile, cheer on the Pels as they play home games throughout the month.  

The day after Thanksgiving kicks off Holidays New Orleans style, an over-monthlong celebration that brings the holiday season to life. This holiday season, enjoy Celebration in the Oaks, Réveillon dinners, NOLA Christmas Fest, Hanukkah celebrations, plus shopping, dining, and more. Learn more here and experience the magic of New Orleans.