NOLA in NOVEMBER
November is one of our favorite months to be in New Orleans. The weather finally remembers how to behave, the humidity takes a vacation, and there’s nothing better than lingering over cocktails in a French Quarter courtyard, enjoying a long lunch outdoors or getting a head start on holiday shopping in the French Quarter, the Arts/Warehouse Districtand along Magazine Street.
And did we mention the festivals? November is packed with great food, live music, football and the first signs of the holiday season. Here are some of our favorite things to do in New Orleans this November. Be sure to check our events calendar for even more fun!
Beignet Fest
Come hungry and don’t wear black! Beignet Fest returns to City Park on November 7 with every kind of beignet you can imagine, from traditional powdered-sugar favorites to savory creations. Enjoy live music from the Imagination Movers, Amanda Shaw and more, plus an Artists Market and a sensory-friendly Kids Village. Best of all, the festival supports programs for children and families in the local autism community. Our tip: Don’t leave without grabbing some traditional beignets from Cafe Beignet.
Bayou Bacchanal
Get ready for a little Caribbean flavor in New Orleans! On November 7, Bayou Bacchanal brings the colors, music, dancing and delicious food of the Caribbean to Congo Square in Armstrong Park. It’s the city’s original Caribbean Carnival, complete with a parade and plenty of reasons to get up and dance.
Food Forum: Gumbo!
Everybody in New Orleans has an opinion about gumbo. On November 7, the Historic New Orleans Collection is giving us even more to talk about. This year’s Food Forum celebrates Louisiana’s official state dish with fascinating conversations about its history, ingredients and traditions, led by renowned food historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris. Stick around for the evening Food Fête and sample some incredible gumbos from local chefs. Separate tickets are required for the forum and tasting.
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival
It’s time to celebrate New Orleans’ favorite sandwich (sorry, muffuletta). The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival returns November 8 with more than 100 creative takes on the humble po-boy. Come for the sandwiches and stay for the live music, arts and crafts, and people-watching. With so many delicious choices, we recommend bringing friends so you can share. A wristband is required to purchase po-boys.
New Orleans Saints Games
Who Dat! The Saints take on the Cleveland Browns at the Caesars Superdome on November 8, followed by another home game against the Carolina Panthers on November 15. There’s nothing quite like game day in New Orleans, whether you’re cheering from the Dome or a neighborhood watering hole. Can’t get tickets? Check out some of our favorite places to Watch Dem Saints.
LUNA Fête
Here’s your chance to see New Orleans in a whole new light! LUNA Fête returns November 13–15, transforming downtown into an outdoor gallery of glowing art, illuminated puppets and larger-than-life projections. This year’s theme, The Puppetry Parade, brings a magical procession of light and creativity to the streets, from Gallier Hall to Piazza d’Italia. Most of the fun is free, and it’s a wonderful way to spend a November evening.
Sober Fest
Who says you need alcohol to have a good time in New Orleans? Certainly not the folks at Bridge House/Grace House! Their fifth annual Sober Fest takes place November 21 at The Broadside from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy live music from Ivan Neville & Friends, Robin Barnes & The FiyaBirds, Flow Tribe and more, along with food, alcohol-free beverages and a special Kids Area. It’s family-friendly fun for a great cause.
Celebration in the Oaks
If you’re ready to get into the holiday spirit, City Park is the place to be! Celebration in the Oaks returns November 27 and runs through January 1, 2027, transforming the park into a wonderland of twinkling lights and dazzling displays. Take a driving tour or bundle up for a walking tour with amusement park rides, a holiday train and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s one of our favorite New Orleans holiday traditions, and we never get tired of it.
Bayou Classic
The Bayou Classic is so much more than a football game! It’s a weekend-long celebration of tradition, pride and friendly rivalry between Grambling State University and Southern University. Enjoy a parade, fan festivities and the always-exciting Battle of the Bands before the two teams face off in the Caesars Superdome on November 28. Even if you’re not a football fan, the energy surrounding this New Orleans Thanksgiving tradition is something special.