With cooler weather and hurricane season winding down, November is one of the loveliest months to visit New Orleans as a solo traveler. Oysters are in season and its finally gumbo weather. The Saints and Pelicans are both in the season and the city is starting to prepare for the upcoming holiday season. Hotel prices are a bit higher than they would be during the summer, but it's still affordable.
November New Orleans Calendar of Events
Photo by Will Gurley via flickr.
Boudin, Bourbon & Beer
Boudin, Bourbon and Beer is one of the most mouthwatering food and beverage festivals in New Orleans. Created by famous Chef Emeril Lagasse, this one-night food and beverage event is hosted at Champions Square. The festival is usually held on the first Friday of November and goes from 6-10:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased on the event’s website.
Algiers Folk Art Festival
The annual Algiers Folk Art Fest showcases local folk art and some legendary music artists who celebrate the rich culture and personality of the Algiers Neighborhood. The festival features tons of art, food, and live music. You’ll find the fun on Algiers Point , at the Folk Art Zone and Blues Museum. The festival typically takes place on the first Saturday of November with its hours running from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The New Orleans Book Fest
The New Orleans Book Festival is a celebration of books for readers of all ages! The festival is a full day of programming for book lovers ranging from new readers to literary scholars and ends with an evening performance by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The festival is held at Big Lake at City Park where it features many readings, panel discussions — all centered around books and stories.
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival
Typically on the third Sunday in November the annual Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is held along a commercial strip of Oak Street in the city's Carrollton neighborhood. The festival is open to the public and very solo friendly. Admission is $3 prior to the event and $5 on the day-of. This one-day-only event goes from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and features live music, art, handicrafts and – of course – booths offering many different types of po-boys. For an updated list of po-boy providers, check back with the festival’s website closer to date.
Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival
The same non-profit that runs JazzFest puts on this annual free celebration of New Orleans African-American culture in Armstrong Park, home of Congo Square, at the edge of the historic Tremé neighborhood. There is, as you might expect, gumbo a-plenty available for purchase and sampling, as well as other food, crafts, and tons of great music.
Thanksgiving Day
Lots of local restaurants offer up decadent Thanksgiving meals for both locals and solo out-of-towners, but the big excitement on Thanksgiving Day is at the racetrack. Thoroughbred season at the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots traditionally opens each year on Thanksgiving, and it's a big to-do.
Travel Tip: Be sure to make your Thanksgiving Dinner Reservations in advance. For the best New Orleans restaurants to enjoy a Thanksgiving Dinner - even as a solo traveler - click here!
Photo by Infrogmation of New Orleans via flickr.
Celebration in the Oaks
City Park has been hosting this historic Christmas celebration for generations. 25 acres of the enormous park -including Carousel Gardens and the fairy tale-themed Storyland playground- are decked out to the nines with light displays and other holiday decorations. Holiday-loving grownups find it entirely magical. Tickets are required and are best purchased in advance, particularly for busier weekends
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Author: Astrid Clements
Astrid Solo Travel Advisor CEO and founder, Astrid, has spent over 40 years traveling around the world. She is passionate about embracing the world’s diverse cultures and sharing with others the global need and personal benefit of cultural literacy. Her focus is on affordable luxury travel that is both substantive and fun! To read more about her and each one of our Solo Travel Advisors, head over to the About page!
As with many holidays, New Orleans celebrates Easter in its own unique way. From Easter Mass to really big egg hunts, from Charoset to drag queens - New Orleans celebrates Easter like no other!