Este sitio web utiliza cookies para mejorar su experiencia de navegación y analizar el uso del sitio web. Más información

What to Do in New Orleans in November

Updated: 10 noviembre 2023
 By Sarah

This post covers things to do in November in New Orleans. These lists have been updated for 2023.

We include a top 10 list, free things to do, nighttime as well as family-friendly activities.

As local tour guides, we compiled this list based on our own experiences, but also answering your questions.

We lead hundreds of people each week through the streets of New Orleans and on every tour you ask us about things in the city.

We also grabbed ideas from the roughly 40k members of our popular NOLA Travel Tips Facebook group.

The group consists of locals, like our tour guides, veteran travelers, as well as newbies to New Orleans.

You don't need to join in order to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

Check out the group once you are finished reading this post. A link can be found at the end of the post.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER

1. Take a Walking Tour

If you’ve been avoiding the heat during warmer months, November is the perfect time to take a walking tour of the city.

Luckily, we offer several pay-what-you-like walking tours in New Orleans that you may want to consider.

You can click on the individual tours below or go straight to our booking calendar to see what's available during your time in NOLA.

We also offer many of these as GPS audio tours that you can take any time you like.

Our tours are pay-what-you-wish, so they can fit into almost every budget.

Most of these activities are also family-friendly and they are pretty close to being free as well.

Some of these tours also take place in the evening, making them a great idea for something to do at night.

Searching Availability...

2. Attend a Football/Basketball Game

Fall means football! There are a number of games taking place in New Orleans this month.

Football

Note that the 50th Bayou Classic will be taking place on November 25th at the Superdome.

The Annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Parade takes place just a few days beforehand, on November 25th in downtown NOLA.

Basketball

Click here to find all the games in New Orleans.

3. Attend to a Concert

Thanks to the rich history of music in New Orleans, you can usually count on at least a few great concerts every month.

October is no exception, as there are a few notable bands and musicians performing.

Concerts

Music Festivals/Group Tours

Find other concerts in November in New Orleans here.

NOTE: If you can’t make it to one of these concerts, make sure to check our calendar or live musical performances in New Orleans for more great shows to see.

4. Attend a Stage Performance

If you're a fan of musicals, theatre, or comedy, it can be found in New Orleans in November.

Musicals

Comedy

Family-Friendly

  • nothing yet scheduled for November

You can find other theatrical events and comedy shows in New Orleans in October here.

5. Experience Thanksgiving in New Orleans

Even if you’re visiting New Orleans during the holiday, there will still be plenty to see and do while you’re here.

Visitors who are looking for somewhere to enjoy a fine meal might want to look at this list of where to eat on Thanksgiving.

Each of the restaurants and locations listed either has a special menu for the event or provides popular food items to bring to a Thanksgiving meal.

Why not try a Thanksgiving Po-boy?

Another activity you might want to consider is Thanksgiving at the Fairgrounds, a free event where people will dress up in the most festive costumes to see the horses and celebrate the holiday. 

Whether you want to see the race or enjoy all of the crazy outfits that other visitors wear, this is a fun and potentially family-friendly idea.

The Clubhouse is also offering a traditional holiday dinner on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023.

TIP: If you’re looking for great food to eat throughout the month, consider taking our French Quarter food tour.

6. Have a Laugh at Hell Yes Fest

The Gulf Coast's largest comedy festival takes place annually in New Orleans.

Hell Yes Fest brings together 50 comics who perform stand-up, with a least one well-known headliner each night.

The festival's line-up is expected to be released in September.

Shows will take place across three venues for a week in November. Check the Hell Yes Fest website for updates.

Many other venues typically offer open mic nights at least once a month, and you can find out more about these opportunities on our post covering free things to do in New Orleans.

7. Attend the New Orleans Film Festival

The 34th Annual New Orleans Film Festival takes place from November 2nd-7th, live, and 2nd-12th, virtually.

This festival is called "one of the 25 coolest Film Festivals in the world"

Film buffs will love this chance to see hundreds of movies made outside of the Hollywood system.

Visit the New Orleans Film Festival website for tickets and additional information.

8. Grab a Bite at the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival

We cover po-boys on our French Quarter food tour, but there is actually a po-boy festival you can attend in November.

The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is expected to take place around November 18th or 19th. Keep an eye on the website for updates.

You’ll have to purchase wristbands in order to get food at the event, but general admission is free.

Depending on how much you choose to eat, this could be a fairly affordable activity.

In addition to the food, live musical performances will be held throughout the day and there will be fun activities for kids such as face painting.

If you miss this event, don’t worry – you can still get a fantastic po-boy at many different restaurants in town.

Check this list of the best po-boys in New Orleans to get some ideas of where to go.

For more cheap and affordable activities, make sure to check our section covering free things to do in New Orleans this November.

9. Celebrate the Bayou Bacchanal

For 21 years "The Original Caribbean Carvinale" has taken place in New Orleans.

Celebrations begin with a colorful parade that starts at the Hilton Riverside Hotel.

Carinvale activities then move to Congo Square in Armstrong Park, where you'll find live music, food, and dancing.

In the evening you can find even more music at the Historic Carver Theatre.

All of this takes place on November 4th. Visit the Bayou Bacchanal website for more information.

10. Save Money With a Tourist Pass

A New Orleans tourist attraction pass can help you save a lot of cash on admission to several notable locations.

While some passes will give you unlimited access to dozens of activities for a specific amount of time, others allow you to pay one flat price for a set number of attractions.

No matter which option you choose, these services can help you save 50% or more on tickets – and they usually include skip-the-line access at some sites!

Here are a few of the more popular attractions included with these passes:

If you want to learn more about these services, make sure to read our full post covering New Orleans tourist attraction passes

Go to a Seafood Festival

Just outside of NOLA, you'll find the Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival.

The festival has taken place each November for 16 years in Jean Lafitte, LA.

Dates aren't yet confirmed for 2023, but we have all hope it will return again this year.

There will be "live music, Louisiana food, swamp tours, kayak rentals, carnival rides, and an art walk."

Even if you miss this event, there are some great places to get gumbo in New Orleans.

For other food options in NOLA, you might enjoy our French Quarter Food Tour.

FREE THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER

In the following section, we will provide a few different ideas for free attractions that you can enjoy in New Orleans during the month of November.

If you’re looking for additional events, make sure to check our other sections for activities such as the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, the Greek Festival, and more.

Be sure to read our guide to free things to do in New Orleans for even more ideas.

Free Concert Tuesdays

A local jazz band performs a free concert at the New Orleans Jazz Museum every Tuesday at 2 pm.

All you need to do is drop in at the right time and grab a seat to experience this 60-minute show every week.

There are several additional free shows at the museum throughout any given month, but some of them will come with a price tag.

Make sure to check their events calendar.

See a Horse Race at the Fairgrounds

The New Orleans Fairgrounds are always free to visit, and you don’t even have to bet on any races!

If your kids love horses, this is a wonderful opportunity to let them see their favorite animals up close.

As we mentioned in the top 10, there will also be a special event for Thanksgiving where people will dress up in interesting costumes to celebrate the holiday.

Live horse races will begin in the second half of November, which means that this is actually the perfect time to visit.

Races usually take place between Thursday – Sunday.

For more details, make sure to check the Fair Grounds Race Course site.

Attend the Turkey Day Race

Every Thanksgiving, the New Orleans Track Club hosts a special event known as the Turkey Day Race.

Last year the race took place in Tad Gormley Stadium in City Park.

Although it’s not free to enter the race, you can attend and cheer on the runners as they compete for awards and work off some of the Turkey Day calories!

If you do feel like entering, it’s worth noting that this race is open to all runners and walkers, regardless of whether or not you’re a member of any athletic club.

For more details about this event, check the Turkey Day Race website.

NOTE: If you’re going to watch the race, you may also want to consider additional activities in the area. Check our post about City Park for more things to do while you’re here.

Be sure to read our guide to free things to do in New Orleans for even more ideas.

THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN NOVEMBER

The following section will provide details about a selection of fun things that you can do after dark in New Orleans this November.

For additional ideas, make sure to check our other sections for activities such as Celebration in the Oaks, concerts, musicals and more.

Be sure to also check out our master post on things to do at night in New Orleans for even more ideas.

Take a French Quarter Ghost Tour

This is also included in our top 10 list, but it’s worth pointing out that our ghost tour operates on a pay-what-you-like or can-afford model.

During this walking tour, we’ll cover a variety of locations such as Pirate Alley, Hotel Monteleone, and many other notable sites in the French Quarter.

We will discuss topics ranging from yellow fever to modern true crime stories, revealing some of the most haunted tales in New Orleans.

Check our ghost tours post for more information on this nightly trip as well as many other ghost tours available in the city.

Go to Thursdays at Twilight

Throughout the year, City Park hosts a special concert series at the Botanical Garden known as Thursdays at Twilight.

Concerts take place in November on the 2nd and 9th.

While outside food and drink aren't allowed, cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and food are available for purchase.

Tickets are $15 per person and the concerts run from about 6 pm to 8 pm (gates open at 5 pm).

Seating is limited, so you may want to purchase admission well ahead of time to avoid missing out.

If you’re looking for even more fun things to do in the area, make sure to read our post covering things to do at City Park.

Be sure to also check out our master post on things to do at night in New Orleans for even more ideas.

Attend the Celebration in the Oaks

Also in City Park in November is Celebration in the Oaks Jingle Bells & Beer.

Think ugly sweaters, food, carousel rides, and more for those ages 21+.

Events take place in the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park on November 18th.

Visit the event website for more information.

If you’re looking for fun things to do at night, they have a mini-golf course called City Putt which is open until at least 10 pm each night.

See a Burlesque Show

The art of burlesque has a long and interesting history in New Orleans, so it makes sense that there are quite a few places where you can catch a live show.

Some popular venues (such as the House of Blues) even have their own in-house troupe which performs on a regular basis.

Thanks to a recent revival, burlesque shows are more popular in NOLA than ever before.

You’ll even find a few locations taking a neo-burlesque approach with a brand of entertainment that is very similar to circus arts.

If you’re in the mood for a fun and interesting night on the town, check out this list of the Top 10 Burlesque Shows in New Orleans.

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN NOVEMBER

This section will provide some ideas for things you can do with your family in New Orleans throughout November.

In our other sections, you’ll find additional family-friendly activities such as the Lafitte Seafood Festival, the Greek Festival, and the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival.

For even more family fun, make sure to read our post covering things to do with kids in New Orleans.

Mardi Gras World

At Mardi Gras World, you can celebrate Fat Tuesday every day of the year!

Blaine Kern's company has been producing beautiful Mardi Gras floats at this studio for over 70 years, and now you can see their amazing work up close.

Tours include a trip through the studios where floats are made.

At the end of your trip through Mardi Gras history, you'll receive a free piece of a classic Mardi Gras food, a King Cake.

Mardi Gras World is a great way to avoid raucous crowds and enjoy the sights of Carnival with your family. 

Note also:

Click here for additional information about Mardi Gras World

If you are on a budget, there are also free ways to learn about Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Louisiana Children's Museum

With exhibits on bubbles, simple machines, architecture, and more, there's plenty for your kids to see and learn about at the Louisiana Children's Museum.

This location is filled with exhibits that give children the opportunity to learn through fun activities.

No matter how old they are, chances are your kids will find something interesting and educational to do while they’re here.

This location also offers special seasonal events such as a New Year's Eve celebration for kids!

Tickets are very affordable, but you can actually get them for free with the New Orleans Pass.

If you want to know more about this option, make sure to read our post about New Orleans tourist passes. 

Attend Celebration in the Oaks

In honor of the holiday season, Friends of City Park will be bringing back their annual Celebration in the Oaks. 

During this event, a million holiday lights will adorn many of the oak trees in City Park and hundreds of thousands of people will make their way through this family-friendly event.

Guests can drive through, bike through, or take a walking tour through.

Dates are November 23rd - December 30th, 2023.

TIP: We recommend combining this activity with a trip to one of the many fun attractions in this park. 

For more ideas, make sure to read our City Park guide.

For even more family fun, make sure to read our post covering things to do with kids in New Orleans .

New Orleans Travel Tips and Hacks

RELATED POSTS:

About The Author

Sarah

Sarah first moved to New Orleans in 2001 to work for the American Red Cross of Southeast Louisiana. While working in the communities of New Orleans she fell in love with the unique culture of the Big Easy; it's food, music, architecture, wildlife, and most of all history. Sarah began her career with FTBF, first as a guide, then as an owner/operator. She believes every day is a good day if she gets to impart her love of her beloved New Orleans with Free Tours By Foot guests. She especially likes to convert new Who Dat Saints Fans!
Updated: noviembre 10th, 2023
Back to Top
cross