Every State’s Best November Events in 2024

The pumpkins may be hanging around still, but the calendar has flipped over to the eleventh month and the days are darker & shorter, so that means it's time to start thinking about finishing the year with a bang. Luckily, November has a great range of events and festivals to choose from. From observances dedicated to Veterans Day and Dia de los Muertos to multiple arts & crafts shows (the perfect place to get started on your holiday shopping), November has you covered. And this is to say nothing of all the great seafood festivals and holiday light switch-on events that will take place across the country this month that add a bit of festive cheer to a dark month. Click on the slideshow to find a great November event near you or get some inspiration for a road trip. 

Start your November off right by popping open a few shells at the USA's biggest party dedicated to peanuts: the National Peanut Festival in Dothan (November 1-10). In addition to a bevy of nutty snacks, highlights include carnival rides, fireworks, a car & truck show and live music from artists such as Ashley Cooke,  Ashley McBryde and Ian Munsick. Down on the coast, the 12th annual Fairhope Film Festival (November 7-20) will showcase sensational cinema and the 40th Annual Frank Brown Songwriters' Festival (November 7-17) will shine a spotlight on songwriting at venues throughout Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

The sensational small town of Sitka will hold its annual WhaleFest on November 1-3, paying tribute once again to marine life through insightful talks, wildlife cruises, storytelling and scientific displays. For a tribute to animals that live on dry land, head to Haines from November 10-12 for the Bald Eagle Festival, where you can appreciate the largest gathering of bald eagles in the nation. Those dates (November 7-10) will also see the Holiday Marketplace shopping gathering return to Fairbanks. Basketball fans will want to make a beeline for Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage on November 22-23, as the Great Alaska Shootout returns for another year of women's college basketball action.

Art, water and light will come together in brilliant fashion again during Canal Convergence (November 8-17), an annual event that fills the night sky in Scottsdale with bold, light-based displays of art. Down near Tucson, the small town of Sonoita will celebrate Arizona’s rich Western culture at the annual Cowboy Festival (November 2-3), while in Fountain Hills, the Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts will take place on November 8-10. In Phoenix, Chase Field will host two great music festivals this month: The Hondo Rodeo and Music Festival on November 7-9  (Zac Brown Band, Brooks & Dunn and more in addition to rodeo) and November Nights Music Festival on November 16 featuring Weezer, Third Eye Blind and more. 

Hot Springs will once again host the Spa Running Festival (November 16), an event that offers a wide range of runners the chance to compete among the region’s famed fall foliage. Hot Springs will also celebrate the 21st anniversary of its foodie-favorite Chili Cook-Off on November 25. Elsewhere in the Natural State, Mountain View will host the Fall Bluegrass Festival (November 7-9), Fayetteville will turn on its ever-popular Lights of the Ozarks holiday light display on November 22 and Eureka Springs will hold its Shop Small Saturday event on November 30, a great early holiday season gathering that will see local businesses open their doors for a day of festive fun and great shopping. 

Start your month off in Lodi at the annual Sandhill Crane Festival (November 1-3), where you will be able to witness the wonder of the annual Sandhill migration to the local wetlands. Elsewhere, the Harvest Festival returns to Mendocino County through November 17, once again raising a glass to the annual autumn food and wine delights of the region. Palm Springs will host the annual Greater Palm Springs Pride through November 23 while America's Finest City will be the place to be for the annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival (November 2-10). Later in the month, two brilliant seasonal light displays will flip the switch for the season: Lightscape in Encinitas (November 15) and the Redding Garden of Lights in Redding (November 22).

The charming town of Georgetown will once again throw a party in honor of the ram during The Bighorn Sheep Festival (November 9). In the Mile Hile City, the Denver Film Festival will take to the screen on November 1-10 and the annual opening of the Denver Christkindlmarket will take place on November 20, officially kicking off the holiday season. That same day will see the bulbs turned on at the annual Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light event. 

Kickstart your holiday shopping in Uncasville at the 38th New England Christmas Festival (November 8-10), an award-winning event that features the works of artists from all over the nation. That same weekend will also see the return of the Quince Festival (November 2) to Sherman, an event dedicated to putting quince on a pedestal. Toward the end of the month, the Wood Memorial Library & Museum in South Windsor will hold its 14th Annual Gingerbread House Festival, which will open its doors on November 29 and run well into December. 

Who says Rehoboth Beach isn’t a divine place to be in the offseason? The Independent Film Festival (November 4-10) returns this month to delight the crowds. In Wilmington, the weekend of November 15-17 will see the return of the Delaware Antiques Show to Winterthur Museum & Garden, offering shoppers one of the finest antique experiences on the East Coast.

Start your month off up north in Apalachicola at the 61st Annual Florida Seafood Festival (November 1-2) or right down the coast taking part in the Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN Florida, one of the most prestigious IRONMAN events in the nation. Then head southbound to Siesta Key, where the International Sand Sculpting Festival (November 15-18) returns for another year of fun on the beach. In South Florida, the Miami Book Fair returns on November 17-24 and in Orlando, food lovers have until November 23 to savor the sensational flavors of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.

Stone Mountain will hold its annual Native American Festival & Powwow (runs through November 3), which is Georgia’s largest event dedicated to Native American culture, while in Atlanta, the Georgia Festival of Trees will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center on November 23 - December 1 and the Atlanta Christkindlmarkt returns to Buckhead (November 22) and Galleria on the Park (November 29), running on select dates through December. Last but certainly not least, Atlanta will also be the place to be for Latin Restaurant Weeks, running November 15-30.

The always-anticipated Kona Coffee Cultural Festival—the state’s oldest food & drink-focused gathering—is back on the Big Island in 2024 (November 1-10) and will feature a full range of tastings, events and seminars. Elsewhere, the Princeville Night Market takes place on November 10 on Kauaʻi and the Triple Crown of Surfing takes to the waves on Oahu's legendary North Shore, with multiple events in November and December. 

Start November by sampling the goods at the 23rd Annual Craft & Chocolate Affaire in Nampa (November 1-2), where over 90 artisans will bring their chocolate-laced wares to town. Boise is the spot to be later in the month, as you’ll be able to shop for holiday gifts at the Wintry Market on November 22-24 and take in the Winter Garden aGlow event at the Boise Botanical Garden, which will light up for the season on November 29.

In the Windy City, Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden will fill the dark November skies with a brilliant display of lights (November 15 - January 5), while the 20th Lycée French Market (November 16-17) returns this year as well, featuring local and French artisans (think clothes, jewelry, and home decor) in addition to delicious French-inspired food. Illinois has you covered when it comes to small-town fun, as the gorgeous town of Galena will hold its 40th Annual Nouveau Parade & Celebration (November 22-23), a gathering dedicated to toasting the season’s local wine harvest.

The Quigley Jazz Fest in the town of Peru will take place this month (November 8 & 10), while in Indy, percussion will be put on a pedestal during DrumFest at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis (November 8-11). November will also see the return of the "A Christmas Story Comes Home'' display at the Welcome Center in Hammond, Indiana (November 16 - December 30).

Make for the small town of Perry for the 14th Annual Art on the Prairie festival (November 9-10), a fun get-together dedicated to art, music and literature. Later in the month, you’ll want to head to the Iowa State Fairgrounds for Iowa’s Largest Arts & Crafts Festival (November 15-17), an event offering three days of unmatched shopping opportunities. Downtown Davenport will once again rev up the holiday spirit with its Festival of Trees (November 23 - December 1), a fun event that showcases over 100 designer tree displays and scores of holiday-themed attractions in addition to an impressive helium balloon parade.

The town of Leavenworth will hold its 12th Annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, while Illuminations at Botanica—the top holiday light display in Wichita—will kick off on November 29. WaKeeney—the proud "Christmas City of the High Plains"—will turn on its lights on November 30 and accompany the switch-on with a carnival-like atmosphere featuring carriage rides and live reindeer.

The 141st Annual National Horse Show, the longest-running show of its kind in the country, will return to Lexington on November 23 with a run through November 3. Over in Louisville, the 35th annual Festival of Trees & Lights (November 15-17) will take place at Louisville Slugger Field with the usual array of dazzling wreaths, trees and other decorations, with all proceeds going to a good cause. Also in The ‘Ville, the Louisville Hungry Turkey race will take place on November 28.

The Big Easy kicks off November in style with the annual Bayou Bacchanal Festival (November 1-2) dedicated to Caribbean culture, while pp north in Shreveport, The State Fair of Louisiana will be thrilling guests through November 17, featuring an impressive range of carnival rides, rodeos, agricultural competitions and concerts by rock solid artists. Back in New Orleans, the iconic Bayou Classic football game between Grambling and Southern is set for November 30.

Start the month in Portland at the First Friday Art Walk (November 1), an event that will see many of the finest galleries in the city open up to the public. Elsewhere in the state, Bar Harbor will hold its truly unique Early Bird Pajama Sale & Bed Races on November 9, which will offer great early holiday shopping opportunities while showing off the town's unique personality. Elsewhere, the Maine Harvest Festival (November 23-24) will take place at Bangor’s Cross Insurance Center, once again showcasing local products and produce. In Augusta, the 46th Annual Christmas in New England Arts & Craft Show will take place on November 30 - December 1.

The Maryland State Fairgrounds will feel more like the Emerald Isle at the Irish Festival on November 8-9, where all in attendance will get the chance to experience Irish music, dance and peruse dozens of vendors. On the coast in Ocean City, the Winterfest of Lights holiday display kicks off on November 21 and the 42nd Annual Holiday Shoppers Fair takes place on November 29 - December 1.

The Boston Veterans Day Parade will take place on November 9, once again paying respect to all who served the nation, while that same week after the Museum of Fine Arts celebrates Diwali through art, activities and performances (November 7). There is no better place to commemorate Turkey Day in the state than Plymouth, where the Thanksgiving Celebration (November 23) tells the story of the beloved holiday.

Kick off your month in Jackson at the annual Jackson Collectible Toy Show on November 2, then cruise to Detroit for the Motor City Comic Con 2024 (November 8-10). Traverse City Beer Week takes place on November 8-16 and on Turkey Day, while back in the D, the Lions will host the 85th Thanksgiving Day Classic against the Chicago Bears. The Motor City will also hold its annual tree-lighting ceremony on November 22.  

Start your month off at the Cedar Cultural Center In Duluth at the 12th Annual Festival De Las Calaveras, the Twin Cities' much-loved Latinx music & arts festival. Up north, the switch will be flipped on the much-anticipated Bentleyville Tour of Lights on November 23, marking the official beginning of the holiday season. In Alexandria, the festive season will be officially welcomed on November 30 at the Christmas Market of MN Made Local Vendors, an event that will showcase crafts & gifts made in Minnesota.

Down in Ocean Springs, the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival—an event that brings together excellent artists, crafters and food vendors—returns on November 2-3 while state capital Jackson will once again play host to the Mistletoe Market (November 6-9, an unparalleled shopping experience featuring over 100 vendors from around the country. Elsewhere, downtown Natchez will play host to its annual tree lighting (November 30). 

The Gateway City sees the return of the St. Louis International Film Festival (November 7-17) and the acclaimed Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden (November 16 - January 4) this month, with the latter being home to over a million twinkling bulbs. Elsewhere, the river town of Hannibal will wish famous former resident Mark Twain a big “HBD!” during the annual Birthday Bash at the Mark Twain Museum (November 30) and in Kansas City, Country Club Plaza will switch on its famous Plaza Lights display on Thanksgiving Night.

Helena will be the setting for the Festival of Wines on November 2, a fun event that helps raise funds for a good cause, and the handsome city will also see the 11th Annual Last Chance Play Fest take to the stage on November 7-17. In Bozeman, November 28 (Thanksgiving Day) is the time for the famous Huffing for Stuffing charity run.

Start November right by taking in the Autumn Arts & Crafts Affair event at Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Ralston on November 7-10. Nebraska's official Veterans Day Parade will take place on November 11 in Bellevue and Minden will play host to the nationally famous The Light of the World Christmas Pageant, which will debut for the year on November 29, which typically takes place the day after the city turns on its acclaimed light display. In Omaha, Christmas at Union Station will roll out the red carpet for the holidays starting on November 29.

As per usual, Vegas is the place to go for A-list entertainment and this month features concerts from the likes of Usher, Adele, The B-52s, Santana, Billy Joel, Sting and more. The Strip will see stars of another kind when the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix returns during the evening of Saturday, November 24. Up in the High Desert, The Pahrump Social Powwow will honor Nevada’s rich Native American culture (November 22-24) with drumming, dancing and artisans.

Start your month in Manchester at the 11th Annual Distiller's Showcase (November 7), an event that will offer guests the chance to partake in a range of premium spirits from some of the finest distillers in the world. Elsewhere in New Hampshire, the 42nd Annual Holiday Craft Fair will once again delight the crowds in Merrimack (November 23), while the cherished annual event that is the Conway Scenic Railway's Santa's Holiday Express begins its fantastic seasonal service on November 29.

You have until November 3 to enjoy all the Halloween vibes at the Jack O' Lantern Experience at Skylands Stadium, an event where over 6,000 lit pumpkins create a one-of-a-kind walk-through experience. Jersey Shore Restaurant Week will run November 8-17, and the cute small town of Clinton will turn into a ye olde wintry wonderland once again during Dickens Days (November 29 - December 1), which will also include the lighting of the town's Christmas tree.

The Review Santa Fe Photo Festival—one of the nation’s oldest portfolio review events—returns on November 1-3. Santa Fe will also play host to the Fall Fiber Fiesta (November 22-24) this month, an event that will showcase some of the best handwoven goods in the Southwest. In Albuquerque, Tablao Flamenco will continue its impressive run of flamenco shows all month long, with this month featuring guest performers from Spain.

Start your month off at Union Square sipping orange wine at the Orange Glou Fair (November 3), featuring winemakers and plenty of sampling opportunities. Then, get ready to laugh out loud at the New York Comedy Festival (November 7-17), which will once again feature over 100 shows from rising stars and big names alike. No talk of November events in the Empire State would be complete without talking about Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will fill the streets of New York City with holiday frivolity on November 28.

The summer vibes will still be strong during the Cape Fear Kite Festival on November 1-3—when all in attendance will have the chance to see creative and colorful kites flying over the sand—and in Beaufort at Beaufort Wine & Food’s Oyster Roast (November 2), which will showcase great oysters and wine on the waterfront. The start of November is also the time for Whiteville’s Pecan Harvest Festival (November 2-3), featuring plenty of tasty pecan-filled treats, a parade, live music, and a car show, and in Cary, the always-popular North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival lights up for the season on November 16. Last but not least, head back to Beaufort for the Pirate Invasion (November 22-24), a fun event that sees the town turned into a lively pirate town.

Grand Forks is a fine place to be this month as the Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase shopping event returns to town on November 23-24, featuring over 200 local traders. Fargo residents will be able to get into the spirit of the holiday season at the Folkways Christkindlmarkt, which will bring an authentic German Christmas market atmosphere to town on November 22-24 & November 29 - December 1. The final weekend of the month (November 29-30) sees the town of Garrison turn into a Victorian Christmas village during the first weekend of its annual Dickens Festival.

Start your month in Cincy at the Germania Society Christkindlmarkt (Nov 3–5), then head north to Cleveland from November 11-22 for Cleveland Independents Restaurant Week, an event that sees independent establishments around the city welcome guests for special set menus. Halloween may have passed, but Dent Schoolhouse—Cincinnati’s most loved haunted house—will keep the scares going on selected dates through November 9. Wilmington will hold the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival on November 7-9, while the Columbus Zoo will welcome the spirit of the holiday season through scores of impressive light displays during WildLights, which kicks off on November 21. 

Start your month by embracing Native culture at the Choctaw Powwow—a get-together of Native American dancers from all over the country—in Durant on November 1-3 or experiencing the model train-centric Oklahoma City Train Show (November 2-3). Oklahoma City Convention Center is the place to be during the middle of the month as The Mistletoe Market (November 15-17) will fill the venue with a bevy of festive shopping opportunities. Last but not least, make for Tulsa for the always-popular An Affair of the Heart gift and craft fair, taking place on November 22-24.

The first Saturday of the month (November 2) will see The Portland Book Festival return to the City of Roses, once again celebrating the written word with authors from both the local region and all over the nation. Early November is also a great time to gain a new perspective on regional history through the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute’s N8TIVE Hoop event (which runs all month long), which will shine a light on the Walla Walla, Cayuse and Umatilla tribes. The annual Pioneer Square Christmas Tree lighting, seen by many as the sign of the season in Portland, will illuminate the night on November 29.

The holiday season gets off to an early start in the Keystone State as Koziar's Christmas Village in Bernville switches its lights on November 2, instantly becoming the merriest spot in the state. The 34th Annual Slovak Heritage Festival will return to Pittsburgh (November 3), featuring an array of folk traditions and great food. Elsewhere in the state, Christmas Village opens in Philadelphia (November 23), and while it doesn’t get as much national press as the procession in NYC, the city's historic Thanksgiving Parade takes to the streets on November 28th. 

Rhody gets in on the pop culture party fun with the annual Comic-Con in Providence (November 1-3), which will feature a bevy of A-List guests and photo opportunities. That same weekend sees WaterFire—the state's signature fire-filled art display on the river—light up to salute veterans on November 2. Over on the coast, Newport will host Restaurant Week on November 1-10 and will kick off the Holidays At The Newport Mansions event on November 22. 

The 20th Annual SC Pecan Music and Food Festival will take place in Florence on November 2, once again providing multiple stages of live music, a classic car show, and tons of great food & drink. Elsewhere, the All-American fun of the Coastal Carolina Fair will run through November 16 and Hilton Head will hold its annual Oyster Fest on November 8-9.

The Mountain West Beer Fest—the state's largest annual beer gathering—takes place in Rapid City on November 9 and will offer all in attendance the opportunity to sample a selection of over 200 beers and seltzers. Just in time for holiday shopping, An Arts & Crafts Affair returns to Sioux Falls on November 22-24 while Rapid City will crank up the festive spirit on November 30 during its 26th Annual Festival of Lights Parade.

Fall Heritage Days return to the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton (runs through November 1, providing a full roster of autumn-filled fun for the whole family. November is also a great time to learn about the culture of Japan during the Japan Fest in Memphis (November 3). This month also sees one of the USA’s most popular holiday traditions make its return: Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas (November 1 - January 5). 

The Austin Food & Wine Festival takes place on November 1-3, and if Oktoberfest wasn’t enough for you, then you need to make your way to New Braunfels for Wurstfest, which has been celebrating the culture of Germany since 1961 (November 1-10). Nature lovers should head to Harlingen for the Rio Grande Birding Festival on November 6-10, an event combining birdlife exhibitions and shopping opportunities. Elsewhere, the Texas Renaissance Festival (the nation's largest!) will take place in Todd Mission on weekends all November long.

The 22nd Annual Moab Folk Festival (November 1-3) will fill the town with the sensational sounds of folk music, combining the great music with a roster of fun activities and educational workshops. Later in November, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is the place to be in order to witness Utah’s most famous Christmas lights getting switched on for the season (November 28).

Head to Essex Junction to be sent straight back in time at the 3rd Annual Steampunk Expo (November 9-10), where all things steam-powered, Victorian or fantastical (bonus points if it’s all three!) will be celebrated with flair. Elsewhere, Craft Vermont will hold its 72nd annual craft fair get-together in South Burlington on November 22-24.

The 67th Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival will take place on November 1-2 in Urbanna, featuring live music, parades, shucking competitions and plenty of chances to sample the local oysters. In Centreville, Cox Farms will hold its Fall Festival through November 5, meaning you’ve still got some time to take one of their famous hayrides or take a spin on one of the slides. Other great events this month include the Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival in Forest (November 9) and the Fall Greek Festival in Charlottesville (November 22). 

Seattle Restaurant Week returns to town through November 9, featuring special plates at participating eateries throughout town. Elsewhere in the Emerald City, the 36th Annual Earshot Jazz Festival runs through November 3, bringing fine musicians from all over the country to Seattle, and Hawaiian music is the star at the 16th Annual Seattle Slack Key Festival (November 10). Finally, the 29th Annual Fall Folk Festival (November 9-10) in Spokane will pay tribute to the region's unique culture through music and a host of other events. 

In Wheeling, the holiday season officially gets rolling on November 7 when the Oglebay Resort kicks off its Festival of Lights and fills the night sky with thousands of vibrant bulbs and colorful displays. In Welch, the 106th Veteran’s Day Parade will take place on November 11 and the Moonlight Market will take place in Morgantown on the evening of November 30.

Flannel Fest will return to Appleton (November 10) and Madison (November 15) this year, and once again, this concert event will help raise funds to help keep those in need warm during winter. In Madison that same weekend, the Winter Art Fair Off the Square (November 9-10) will showcase pottery, paintings, glass art and jewelry from over 100 Wisconsin-based makers. Milwaukee is the place to be on November 21, as the Holiday Festival of Lights will kick off its 2024 season. 

Observe Día de los Muertos in Cheyenne with community events on November 1-2, while the beloved Old West Holiday Festival will return at the end of the month to transform the city into a winter wonderland. Other events in the Cowboy State include the Cheyenne Winter Market (November 16) and the annual festive town square lighting in Jackson Hole on November 29.