The rest of the country is getting ready for the upcoming holiday season. New Orleans, as always, is EXTRA, and while we are also preparing for the holidays, we are also coming into Festival Season. Living in a sub-tropical climate comes to its full advantage in November, as we are looking at temperatures between 55-70 degrees (that’s 13-21 celcius, for the rest of the world), with sun and a chance of showers. Doesn’t that sound better than ice and overcast, leaden skies? Of course it does! Here is a list of fun things to do while you’re visiting in November
We start the month with the wonderfully named opens in a new windowBoudin, Bourbon & Beer Festival (boudin is a famous sausage from Cajun country), which takes place on November 3rd (a Friday!) from 6:00-10:30pm at Champions Square. This is a 21-and-over event, as you will be treated to open bars stocked with local wines, beers and spirits, cigar tastings, live music and divine food prepared by New Orleans’ top chefs. You can bid in a silent auction and shop for fun merch. opens in a new windowTickets are $99, and proceeds benefit children’s charities.
The next day (November 4th, not too early – hours are 1-7pm), head over to the Algiers Folk Art Zone & Blues Museum for the opens in a new windowAlgiers Folk Art Fest. This is a free festival that offers regional artists’ tents, food truck concessions, live music and kids’ activities. You will find this family-friendly fest in Algiers Point, just a opens in a new windowshort and inexpensive ferry ride from the foot of Canal Street in downtown NOLA.
On November 11th, Big Lake at City Park will play host to the New Orleans Book Festival. This one is also free, starts at 1pm and will feature many authors, readings, panel discussions, food, a huge activity area for kids the New Orleans Philharmonic at 5:30pm and FIREWORKS at 7:00pm! This event is the kickoff for opens in a new windowNew Orleans’ Tricentennial celebration!
One of the most famous neighborhoods in America will have a most New Orleanian event on November 18-19. The opens in a new windowTremé Creole Gumbo Festival takes place in Congo Square, which is in Louis Armstrong Park. The fest is a celebration of Gumbo and Jazz, as it is thought to have been born in that area. You can try all kinds of gumbo (vegan gumbo, anyone? Anyone?), listen to several different live music acts, and peruse the Arts Market, and kids even have their own area. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Finally, at the end of November, we look forward to the Christmas season with a trip to opens in a new windowCelebration in the Oaks – an incredible light display in City Park. Starting November 24-January 1, Celebration in the Oaks hosts thousands of locals and visitors as they marvel over the decorated Christmas trees and amazing lights. You can also visit Carousel Garden to ride some or all of the dozen rides. Hours of operation are Sun – Thurs, 6:00-10:00 pm, and Fri – Sat from 6:00-11:00 p.m. You can opens in a new windowbuy tickets early to avoid the lines. The attraction will be closed on 11/27-11/30, & 12/24 and 12/31.
Get Ready for a Great Time in November! We have rooms – give us a call or opens in a new windowcheck online anytime!