This post covers things to do in November in New Orleans. These lists have been updated for 2022.
We include a top 10 list, free things to do, nighttime as well as family-friendly activities.
- Top 10
- Free Things to Do
- Family-Friendly
- Nighttime Activities
- Any Time of Year
- November Weather
- Free Tours By Foot
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER
This section will focus on the most fun and interesting things to do in New Orleans this November.
For fuller posts on the most popular activities in and around the city, check out the following posts.
- Swamp Tours
- Plantation Visits
- Mississippi Riverboat Cruises
- Ghost Tours
Many of these items are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist discount pass.
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.
- French Quarter
- Garden District
- St. Louis Cemetery
- Ghost Tours
- Voodoo Tours
- Music, Arts, and More Tour
- Food Tours
- Cocktail Tours
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.
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2. Attend a Football/Basketball Game
There are a number of games taking place in New Orleans this month.
The New Orleans Saints have a few home games during the month of November, on 7th and 20th. This would be an excellent chance for sports fans to cheer on their favorite players.
The New Orleans Pelicans have several home games this month, including games against the Chicago Bulls, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Golden State Warriors.
Each of the Pelicans games will taken place in the evening, making this an excellent activity after dark.
In addition to the major sports teams, the Tulane Greenwave has a number of games in November.
The Bayou Classic will be taking place on November 25th at the Superdome.
This event will feature two of the best college football teams in the US, as Grambling State will be facing off against Southern University at the Superdome!
Click here to find all the games in New Orleans.
3. Go to a Concert
New Orleans is home to a thriving music scene, so it shouldn’t come as too big of a surprise that several notable musicians like to host concerts in the area throughout the year.
November is no exception, as there will be several famous artists performing in the city this month.
If you’re looking for a show to attend, consider one of the following options:
- Demi Lovato | November 1st
- Greta Van Fleet | November 1st
- Carrie Underwood | November 5th
- Bonnie Raitt | November 5th
- Gipsy Kings | November 5th
- Yung Gravy | November 8th
- Hot 8 Brass Band | November 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
- The Eagles/Vince Gill | November 19th
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. See a Hit Musical
New Orleans is home to several theaters that host popular traveling broadway productions throughout the year.
During the month of November, there will be two notable musicals to see, and both will be at the Saenger Theatre.
The first big show will be Lion King, based on the 1994 Disney movie. The stage play is an amazing visual spectacle that the crowd is sure to enjoy.
It takes place from November 1st - 13th.
The family friendly Disney Junior Live on Tour - Costume Palooza is taking place on November 25th.
Six the Musical will be on stage at the Saenger on November 29th.
This is a great opportunity to see a show in one of the most historic theaters in New Orleans.
Click here to see all theatrical events in New Orleans.
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.
Note: the details for 2022 have not been released yet so be sure to check their website closer to the date.
TIP: If you’re looking for great food to eat throughout the month, consider taking our French Quarter food tour.
6. See a Stand-Up Comedy Show
There will be a few opportunities to enjoy stand-up comedy in New Orleans throughout the month of November.
Mark Normand will be performing in NOLA at Joy Theater on November 26th.
The Comedy Gumbeaux show will also be taking place at the Howlin' Wolf, on November 3th, 10th, 17th, and 24th.
This 12 year old show has seen the likes of Tiffany Haddish, Hannibal Burress and other notable comedians take the stage over the years so is one not to miss.
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 33nd Annual New Orleans Film Festival takes place from November 3rd - 8th, 2022.
There will be more than 170 different films to see this year.
All Access passes will grant you admission to every in-person screening and all of the virtual screenings as well.
Alternatively, you can also purchase individual tickets to each film you want to see.
This is an excellent opportunity to see some of the newest independent films being made before anyone else.
Film buffs will love this chance to see a lot of movies made outside of the Hollywood system.
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.
Admission is entirely free, but you’ll have to purchase wristbands for $5 each in order to get some food at the event.
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.
- Date: November 6th, 2022
- Hours: 10 am – 6 pm
- Location: Oak Street
- Price: Free (Po-Boy Wristbands for $5)
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. Go to the Greek Festival
The 47 year old New Orleans Greek Festival, which pulls up to 25,000 guests acress its 3 days, takes place November 27th - 29th, 2022.
The festival is a celebration of traditional Greek culture, food, dancing, and more.
There will be a run/walk 5K on the first day. There will also be tours of the Holy Trinity Cathedral as well, where the event takes place, and an Anthenian Playground for Kids.
Official t-shirts, greek foods, imported goods (like tiles, music boxes, and clothes), and religious items will be on sale as well.
- Tickets: $10 per person
- Free for Children 12 and under
- Service animals allowed
- Hours: 11 am - 9 pm
- Learn more here
10. Save Money With a Tourist Pass
Although discount passes aren’t free, they can save you enough money that you’d eventually be able to enjoy a lot of activities and attractions without paying anything extra.
Here is an example of how that could work with a 2-Day All-Inclusive New Orleans Sightseeing Pass.
Day 1
- Mardi Gras World – $22.00
- Audubon Insectarium – $16.00
- Audubon Aquarium – $25.00
- Creole Queen Jazz Cruise – $52.00
- Total Value: $115.00
Day 2
- National WWII Museum – $31.50
- City Sightseeing Bus Tour – $39.00
- Audubon Zoo – $27.95
- Total Value: $98.45
As you can see, as the pass costs $118 for two days in 2022, locations you visit on the 2nd day would be almost entirely free to enter.
This is just one example with one of the tourist passes offered in the Crescent City, but you can find similarly excellent deals from their competitors as well.
If you want to find the right option for your needs, make sure to read our post comparing each of the New Orleans discount passes .
Go to a Seafood Festival
Just outside of NOLA, you'll find the Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival. It takes place November in Jean Lafitte, LA.
There will be "live music, Louisiana food, swamp tours, kayak rentals, carnival rides and an art walk."
- November 11th -13th, 2022
- Jean Lafitte Auditorium and GroundsLocation:
- Hours
- Friday: 5pm - 11pm
- Saturday: 11am - 11pm
- Sunday: 11am - 9pm
- Tickets:
- Friday: $10
- Saturday $15
- Sunday $15
- 3 day wristband: $35
- Children under 12 FREE
Even if you miss this event, 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.
Mid-City Art Studios Open House
On November 12th, 2022, from 10 am to 4 Pm the Mid-City Art Studios opens to the public.
Works by more than 30 working artists are on display in the converted 19th century brink building where they have their studios.
The art covers everything from modern painting, to photography and sculpture.
For more information, visit the Mid-City Art Studios website.
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.
This year, the activity will be taking place in Tad Gormley Stadium in City Park and all proceeds will benefit Spina Bifida of Louisiana.
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, please read this post about the Turkey Day Race.
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.
Attend the Victory Ball at the WW2 Museum
In honor of Veterans Day weekend, the National WW2 Museum will be hosting a Victory Ball with plenty of live music, dancing, and cocktails to enjoy.
This event will honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country, as they will offer special admission prices for both veterans and active duty service members.
- Ticket Prices: $100/Adults | $80/Veterans | $50/Active Duty
- Location: National WW2 Museum
- Dates: November 11th
- Hours: 6 pm - 10 pm
- Purchase tickets or learn more
NOTE: Even if you miss this event, you may still want to try and catch the Victory Belles. They perform classic WW2 era music on November 6th, 2022 at 11:45 am.
Visitors who want to explore the museum should keep in mind that tickets are included at a discount with more than one New Orleans tourist pass
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 November 3rd, 10th, and 17th in 2022.
While outside food and drink isn'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 - 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.
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 this list of the Top 10 Burlesque Shows in New Orleans.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES 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 have 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.
They offer a free shuttle from the French Quarter.
- Ticket Prices: $22 for Adults | $17 for Students/Seniors | $14 for Kids
- Included for free in the New Orleans Power Pass.
- Included for free with Mardi Gras Tour.
- 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 throughthis family-friendly event.
Guests can drive through, bike through, or take a walking tour through,
- Dates: November 24th - January 1st, 2022
- Price: Visit the site
- Location: Audubon Aquarium
- Hours: 10 am - 5 pm
- City Park
- Purchase tickets or learn more .
TIP: We recommend combining this activity with a trip to one of the many fun attractions in this park.
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.
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 .
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