Live Music this November in New Orleans

Live music is 24/7 in New Orleans, and even as the weather gets cooler, the music scene is hot as ever. From fall festivals to the annual Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands, here are a few can’t-miss shows in New Orleans this November.

Fall Festivals and Major Events this November in New Orleans
 

Bayou Bacchanal

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.

Freret Street Fall Fest

Freret Fest is the greatest block party ever with 46 brick and mortar businesses, three stages, 20 bands, and dozens of food vendors across six blocks. Enjoy music all day from artists including Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Paul Sanchez, People Museum, Creole String Beans, and more. This event is free to attend on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Tremé Creole Gumbo Fest

Held in Armstrong Park from November 8-9, gumbo fest is as much about the food as it is about the music! Enjoy performances from Trumpet Mafia, the Original Pinettes Brass Band, Quiana Lynell, and many more. Fest is free to attend.

Beignet Fest

While you chow down on beignets, enjoy music from the Imagination Movers, Rebirth Brass Band, Marc Broussard, and more! Beignet Fest is Saturday, Nov. 15 and tickets are $25.

Oak Street Po-boy Fest

On Sunday, Nov. 16, enjoy music from George Porter Jr. and the Runnin' Pardners, Pocket Chocolate, and others across six stages! Festival is free but a $10 wristband is required to purchase a po-boy with part of the proceeds benefiting Son of a Saint.

Sober Fest

Head to the Broadside on November 22 for the 4th Annual Sober Fest and enjoy a full day of live music with performances by Ivan Neville & Friends, Anders Osborne, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind, Trombone Shorty Academy, and the School of Rock House Band! Tickets are $10 in advance or $20 at the gate.

Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands

Bayou Classic is a Thanksgiving weekend tradition, where fellow HBCUs Grambling State and Southern University come head-to-head for their football rivalry. But the weekend also features the best in music from the schools’ marching bands. The Grambling "Marching Tigers" and the Southern "Human Jukebox" will compete in the Battle of the Bands, which is held the night before the game in Caesars Superdome. Catch all the action on Friday, Nov. 28. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased here. 

Additional Live Music this November in New Orleans

Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour

Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour stops in New Orleans on November 7 and 8 with special guest Men I Trust. The last time Billie stopped in town was for the Happier Than Ever, The World Tour in February 2022. Find tickets online.

Mannie Fresh & the LPO: A Retrospective

Friday, Nov. 21 at the Orpheum Theater, catch hip hop legend Mannie Fresh live with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. You won’t want to miss this genre-bending, one night only collaboration. Tickets start at $50, plus fees.

Robin Barnes & The Fiyabirds

Catch Robin Barnes & The Fiyabirds at Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club on November 21. Tickets are $20, plus fees.

PJ Morton: Annual Black Friday Show

New Orleans native PJ Morton stops at The Orpheum on Friday, Nov. 28 for his annual Black Friday show. Perhaps most known as the keyboardist for Maroon 5, Morton is a Grammy Award-winning musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer with several solo albums of his own. Tickets start at $47, plus fees.

For even more music, visit the WWOZ LiveWire Music Calendar.