Photo courtesy of Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park on Facebook
At a little over 357,000 residents, New Orleans is a relatively small city, but millions of tourists who visit each year mean the Big Easy boasts the amenities, dining, and cultural scene of a bustling metropolis.
The result? During the high tourist season (which runs from October through May), there are more events during any given week than any one person could attend.
November brings a heady mix of food, football, festivals, and fun. Here’s a sampling of things to do in November in New Orleans — and just remember, if you can’t get to all these events, you can always come back next year.
Bayou Bacchanal
Saturday, November 7, 2026
This fest will be held in Armstrong’s Park Congo Square and will celebrate the city’s Caribbean heritage, Carnival-style. In a nutshell, it’s a Caribbean Festival that happens in America’s most Caribbean city. Hosted by Friends of Culture, an organization run by New Orleans locals native to parts of the Caribbean, Bayou Bacchanal is typically held during the first week of November, featuring authentic food, music, a parade, and representation from several Caribbean nations.
Beignet Festival
Saturday, November 7, 2026
This annual extravaganza returned in 2022 and is held at the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds. The free, daylong party gives you an opportunity to sample dozens of renditions of the beloved beignet, from traditional sweet treats swimming in powdered sugar to savory options bursting with seafood and cheese.
There are usually vegan and gluten-free beignets to accommodate every diet, and awards are given in four “Best of” categories. Don’t forget to vote for your pick!
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival
Sunday, November 8, 2026
The 18th annual fest celebrates all things po-boy during this one-day fest, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and you can be sure that you will be able to sample the best po-boys the city has to offer. The Oak Street Fest is held between the 8100 and 8700 blocks of Oak Street in the Carrollton neighborhood. About 40 vendors present more food than you could shake your fork at, with over 60 varieties of delicious sandwiches alone — plus beer, specialty cocktails, and desserts.
And, of course, this being New Orleans, there is live music, with stages set up on side streets to avoid the Oak Street foot traffic congestion of the past years. A second line usually opens the fest at 10 a.m., forming at Oak and Carrollton streets. In the festival’s 18 years of existence, some of the best restaurants in the city have competed in six “Best of” categories.
LUNA Fête
Friday-Sunday, November 13-15, 2026
LUNA Fête started as just one installation in 2014 on Lafayette Square (602 Camp St.) in downtown New Orleans. (It was a light and video projection illuminating Gallier Hall.) Since then, the celebration has spread from Gallier Hall to Piazza d’Italia. It’s interactive, kid-friendly, and full of light-based art.
Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds Race Course
Thursday, November 26, 2026
Per a long-standing New Orleans tradition, it’s customary to turn out at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on Thanksgiving Day to watch the opening-day races while sporting cocktails and some seriously fabulous hats. The first race starts at 11 a.m. The racetrack also serves a sumptuous holiday buffet, plus a fancy dinner with all the holiday trimmings at the Clubhouse (reservations required).
Bayou Classic
Friday-Saturday, November 27-28, 2026
Watch Grambling and Southern University go head-to-head at the Caesars Superdome. The only thing more heated than the rivalry is the tailgating food. Don’t miss halftime, when the schools’ respective marching bands face off. It just might be a greater spectacle than the Super Bowl’s halftime show. The event stretches for two days and includes a fan fest, a parade on Thanksgiving Day, the Battle of the Bands, and, of course, the big game at the Superdome starting at 1 p.m. (you can get tickets online or at the gate).
The Battle of the Bands between the Grambling “Marching Tigers” and the Southern “Human Jukebox” on Friday, November 27, 2026, is an unforgettable extravaganza. The same two marching bands will lead the Annual Bayou Classic Parade on Saturday, starting at 9:30 a.m., from the Marigny to the CBD. The parade will have the elements of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, floats, military units, and more. In other words, expect a great show.
Celebration in the Oaks
Friday, November 27, 2026 – Friday, January 1, 2027
New Orleans’ most beloved holiday tradition (second only to Mr. Bingle, who also makes an appearance here) takes over 25 acres of City Park, bringing lighted displays to its gardens, oaks, and lagoons. Bundle up and prepare to be enchanted. Please note that the event has been selling out quickly for the past few years, so get your tickets soon!
Are you visiting New Orleans this fall?
Take advantage of Alder Hotel’s specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!