The spooky Halloween skeletons might still be clinging to the front porch and there may be a few leftover candy wrappers scattered around the house, but November has arrived and that means it’s time to start filling the calendar with some fun ways to finish out the year in style.
This month’s lineup has a little bit of everything, from dazzling light displays that illuminate the dark November nights and celebrations of wildlife and food to festive holiday gatherings, literary happenings and even a full-blown pirate invasion. And, of course, there’s that famous Thanksgiving Day parade in the Big Apple to look forward to, as well. Scroll down for the full list of the best events in November.
Revelers enjoy a ride at the Louisiana State Fair (Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Visit Shreveport-Bossier)
State Fair of Louisiana - Shreveport, Louisiana
The State Fair of Louisiana (runs through November 15) is back this month, and it’s celebrating a major milestone: its 120th anniversary. Once again, the Louisiana State Fairgrounds will play host to the state’s most cherished fall tradition, including but not limited to a midway stacked with exciting rides, live music and all the classic fairground treats you can manage, alongside the state’s largest livestock show, agricultural competitions and animal exhibits. Basically, it’s the best of Louisiana in one place, and you’re invited.
National Peanut Festival - Dothan, Alabama
Dothan goes nuts (sorry, had to) every November during the National Peanut Festival (November 6-15), the nation’s largest party dedicated to peanuts. This ten-day soiree pays tribute to the region’s agricultural roots with plenty of peanut-inspired treats, carnival rides, games, livestock competitions, car shows, fireworks, pageants and cracking nightly entertainment. Artists scheduled to appear this year are Corey Kent, Lauren Alaina and Tyler Hubbard.
Sitka, Alaska. (Photo Credit: Joni / Adobe Stock)
WhaleFest - Sitka, Alaska
Sitka will toast three decades of honoring the local marine life during the 30th Annual WhaleFest (November 5-9), a beloved annual gathering that brings together science, art, culture and a love of the ocean. This year’s theme, “Generations of Giants: 30 Years of Whales, Wisdom, and What Follows,” will explore the connections between local people and marine life across generations, with highlights including enthralling talks from marine scientists, educational wildlife cruises (where whales may be spotted!), hands-on workshops, local art and storytelling sessions that detail Alaska’s connection to the Pacific Ocean.
Pirate Invasion - Beaufort, North Carolina
Beaufort will be overrun by wild and woolly rogues once again at Pirate Invasion (November 13-15), when this historic coastal town welcomes a crew of swashbucklers for a weekend of fun. Expect costumed pirates, cannon demonstrations, living-history displays and dramatic sea battles, alongside live entertainment, performances and hands-on activities, while food trucks and vendors will keep the crew well supplied with provisions. Oh, you’ll need to pack your own parrot, as they won’t be provided.
Window display at A Christmas Story Comes Home. (Photo via South Shore CVA)
'A Christmas Story' Comes Home - Hammond, Indiana
Fans of the classic holiday film A Christmas Story will once again be able to step straight into Ralphie Parker’s world at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, where this annual exhibit brings some of the movie’s most memorable moments to life (November 21-December 30). Six animated window displays recreate familiar scenes, including Flick’s infamous tongue-on-frozen-pole fiasco and the legendary leg lamp. If you’re wondering why this is taking place in Hammond, well, Hammond is also the real-life hometown of author Jean Shepherd, whose childhood stories inspired the movie and its fictional setting of Hohman, Indiana.
Lightscape - Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Botanic Garden will once again receive a spectacular festive makeover during Lightscape (November 13 - January 3, 2027), an awesome after-dark experience that turns its gardens into a lovely, lit-up wonderland. Follow the winding trail past brilliant light installations, colorful displays, sparkling sculptures and illuminated tunnels, all accompanied by a soundtrack of seasonal music. This year’s Lightscape also features brand-new creations from artists around the world, some making their North American debut.
Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon (Photo via Lauren Bowman)
Portland Book Festival - Portland, Oregon
Book lovers will once again flock to the City of Roses, as the Portland Book Festival returns with a weeklong celebration of literature and storytelling (November 2-8), culminating in its main event on Saturday, November 7. Expect over 100 authors from Portland and beyond, with readings, lively and informative panel discussions, writing workshops, pop-up events, a fun book fair and much more. If you like your bookshops independent and your authors up-and-coming, this is the page-turning party for you.
Canal Convergence - Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale’s waterfront will once again get a dazzling makeover during Canal Convergence (November 6-15), a free, 10-night celebration where public art, light and creativity come together. The event's 15th edition will see large-scale installations by artists from around the world, transforming the Arizona Canal and surrounding walkways into a sparkling outdoor gallery after dark. This year's theme, “Western Nature,” draws inspiration from the landscapes, wildlife and cultures of the American Southwest. There will also be nightly fire shows, live music, dance performances, food stalls and an assortment of other cool activities.
Christmas Lights at Silver Dollar City (Photo Credit: Silver Dollar City)
An Old Time Christmas - Branson, Missouri
Beloved theme park Silver Dollar City goes all out for the holidays during its annual An Old Time Christmas festival (November 7 - January 2, 2027), transforming the theme park into a sparkling wonderland with more than 6.5 million lights. Highlights include the Christmas in Midtown Light Spectacular, featuring towering illuminated structures and tunnels, and Joy on Town Square, where an eight-story animated tree dances along to music and lights. There are also Broadway-style productions, festive feasts and plenty of seasonal entertainment, all helping this event be one of the top seasonal shindigs in the Midwest.
The Rio Grande Birding Festival - Harlingen, Texas
Birdwatchers will once again want to grab their binoculars and head to South Texas for the 33rd Annual Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival (November 11-15). Harlingen sits in a prime location for spotting an incredible variety of birdlife, particularly during the fall migration, and this great annual gathering makes the most of it. The schedule features more than 140 guided field trips, photography outings, seminars, workshops and everybody’s favorite: daily raptor demonstrations. There’s also a trade show where you can browse nature-inspired gear and grab some gifts for the birdwatcher in your life.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade clown and balloons on the streets of New York City. (photo via Flickr/Anthony Quintano)
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade - New York, New York
It’s not every day that a true American icon turns 100, but that’s the case this month as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrates its 100th edition and you can expect this year’s parade (November 26) to be extra special. There are expected to be 100 inflatables, including Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey, a redesigned Underdog, the long-lost Blue Hippopotamus and the long-awaited return of Felix the Cat. In addition to the usual procession of giant character balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands and musical performances, there are a few surprises to mark the 100th milestone.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival - Kona, Hawai‘i
Coffee lovers, this one’s for you as The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival returns to Hawai‘i’s Big Island for its 55th annual edition (November 6-15), celebrating the region’s world-famous beans and nearly 200 years of island coffee-growing heritage. During the festival, visitors can sample local brews, tour working coffee farms, watch live performances and see baristas show off their skills, all while learning about the journey from tree to cup.
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