Each State’s Top November Event

Each State’s Top November Event
November, for many people, is known as a month of gathering, when most of us gather indoors away from the colder and darker weather. In the United States, it’s also the month in which we celebrate Thanksgiving, an old tradition that focuses on giving thanks for surviving a difficult year. The end of November also signals the beginning of the holiday season, with Hanukkah beginning on the 28th and Christmas music invading stores and the radio. This November, whether you’ll be traveling to see family, friends or a new destination or staying home, check out these festive and sometimes not-so-festive events held around the nation.

Alabama
The Gulf Coast of Alabama will be hosting the 37th Annual Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival from November 4 to November 14 this year. Featuring over 200 songwriters both well-known and emerging onto the scene, they’ll perform their own written songs for the masses in venues across the region, offering something musical for everyone.

Alaska
Fairbanks will be hosting the Fairbanks Holiday Marketplace from November 12-14 this year, featuring hundreds of vendors selling holiday-themed goodies that include ornaments, jewelry and other handmade products that make for perfect gifts. 2019’s attendance numbered over 7,000, and they expect it to be a great turn-out once more.

Arizona
Just outside of Phoenix will be the 2021 NASCAR Championship Weekend from November 5-7 at the Phoenix Raceway, offering some of the biggest racing in the country! Don’t worry if you can’t hop over to Arizona for event: it’s also going to be televised.

Arkansas
Stuttgart, Arkansas is hosting one of the state’s oldest festivals this November: the 86th Annual World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest! With a pageant, carnival, children’s duck calling classes, a beer garden, marathon and much more, it’s an event that will offer plenty of fun for the whole family. The festival runs from November 20-27.

California
California’s theme parks offer plenty of fun holiday-themed events beginning in November. A trip to Disneyland after November 12th will delight any holiday lover, with plenty of festive parades and events to enjoy. Universal Studios Hollywood begins its holiday season November 13th, with a season full of festivities including its holiday parades, Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas!

Colorado
Denver, Colorado is once again hosting the 44th Annual Denver Film Festival from November 3-14, and in person! Virtual options will also be available. Tickets are already open to the public, and the full schedule offers plenty of movies to enjoy both in-person and streamed.

Connecticut
This year, West Hartford, Connecticut’s Noah Webster House & the West Hartford Historical Society for its 6th Annual Noah Webster Real Ale Harvest Fest. On November 6, some fifteen local breweries will compete to win the title of the best brew, creating a special ale using a unique ingredient from the Noah Webster House’s garden. If you’re a fan of history and beer, you’ll love this event. Tickets are $50 per person and it is recommended to purchase them early.

Delaware
Travelers and locals alike will love the 18th Century Market Fair, held annually at the First State Heritage Park in Dover. From November 6-7, visitors to the fair can step back into the 1700s and enjoy historic demonstrations and performances, as well as local food and goods vendors. The fair is free to attend.

Florida
From November 4-15, a visit to Downtown Pensacola, Florida will be unlike any other. It’s where the Foo Foo Festival will be held, an eclectic festival with several smaller festivals within it, featuring street artists, a film festival, live music and theater performances, as well as a songwriter’s festival. The city’s downtown area will light up with 3D projections and art installations, making this city come alive.

Georgia
Watkinsville, Georgia is hosting the 2021 Georgia Bushcraft Gathering on November 5-7 this year. Children and adults can hone their survival skills in workshops, learning everything from beekeeping to navigation skills, as well as listen to live music, enjoy good food and shop from bushcraft vendors.

Hawaii
This year, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival will be held in both live and virtually, which means that more people than ever before will be able to enjoy the cultural festival! It’ll be held on November 4-7 at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. In-person events include coffee farm tours, artist demonstrations, a marathon and much more, while virtual events include the opening blessing ceremony, a few virtual farm tours, a coffee cupping seminar and much more.

Idaho
This November 5-6, Nampa, Idaho is hosting the Nampa Craft & Chocolate Affaire, a holiday market featuring over a hundred vendors selling paintings, jewelry, blankets, mittens, ornaments and yes, all of the chocolate desserts and adult beverages you can imagine! Children can visit with Santa at the fair, too.

Illinois
Since 1934, Chicago has been celebrating Thanksgiving in a big, big way: the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade! With giant floating balloons, horses, dance acts, marching bands and more, visitors to the Windy City can enjoy all the festivities like never before.

Indiana
This year, visit Nashville, Indiana for the 14th Annual Chocolate Walk, which raises funds for the Brown County Humane Society! Featuring all of the chocolate you could eat, including some other non-chocolate foods and holiday-themed vendors, the walk is set to be a delightful time. Tickets are needed to participate.

Iowa
Cedar Rapids is hosting the Junkin’ Market Days on November 19-20. Over 150 vendors from across the region will be offering handmade clothes, goods and repurposed items for sale, offering something for everyone, and it’s especially great for finding that unique Christmas gift you’ve been looking for. Tickets are $5 per person, per day.

Kansas
Enjoy a classic Christmas festival with the 70th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in WaKeeney, Kansas. With reindeer, wagon rides, delicious food and, of course, gorgeous holiday decorations, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie. The lighting begins on November 27, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Kentucky
Not yet ready for the Christmas festivities? Horse lovers can travel to Lexington, Kentucky to enjoy the National Horse Show. While it begins on October 27, it extends all the way to November 7, making this a flexible attraction that can be enjoyed each day it’s being held. Competitions will be held each day.

Louisiana
Held later than most state fairs, Louisiana’s 115th State Fair will be held at the fairgrounds in Shreveport, Louisiana. With carnival rides and games, delicious foods both fried and on a stick, as well as fun competitions and live music, it’s a great event for the entire family. This year, it’s held from October 29 through November 14.

Maine
Raise money for our nation’s veterans while getting out and active in Wells, Maine with its 8th Annual Veterans Day 5k Road Race on November 13. The race begins and ends at the local Elks Lodge, with proceeds going to a local charity benefiting veterans.

Maryland
Visit Baltimore anytime between November 20 through December 24 to enjoy a German-style Christmas market! The Christmas Village transforms the city’s Inner Harbor into a winter wonderland, with delicious food, beer and gorgeous crafts and goods for purchase.

Massachusetts
This November 6, visit Plymouth, Massachusetts’ Plimouth Patuxet Museums for The Great New England Pumpkin Pie Contest! Held once each year, this delicious contest challenges bakers in three different categories to bake the tastiest pumpkin pies around. Ready to be a taster? Tickets are $6 each.

Michigan
This November 19 and 20, visit Grand Rapids, Michigan for its 14th International Wine, Beer and Food Festival! This large tasting events offers more than 1,500 wines, beers, ciders and other drinks from around the globe, as well as delicious food created by local chefs and live music. Admission is $20 per person.

Minnesota
Experience Norwegian heritage like never before at Madison, Minnesota’s Norsefest. Held on November 10-13, the fest includes a lutefisk eating contest, a craft and variety show, Scandinavian arts fair, games and more!

Mississippi
Visit Ocean Springs, Mississippi for the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, the largest in the region! On November 6-7, artists and craftspeople from around the nation come to sell and display their wares at the festival. The festival is free to enjoy and includes a canvas art contest sponsored by Blue Moon.

Missouri
Saturday, November 6 is the date of this year’s Fall Fire Festival at the Green Center in University City, Missouri, located just outside of St. Louis’ downtown area. Tickets are necessary, but include adult and kid-friendly drinks. Gather you and your loved ones around a roaring fire and enjoy roasting marshmallows, live music, stargazing and food trucks!

Montana
Missoula, Montana is hosting its 7th Annual Montana Film Festival this year on November 18-21, offering a great opportunity for travelers to take a break from more active activities and enjoy the best of Montana’s film culture. The film festival will offer a selection of short films and feature films to enjoy. Tickets go on sale November 5, and are $5 for a single film or $65 for an all-access pass. Films are held at The Roxy Theater.

Nebraska
November is the month of craft fairs, and Omaha, Nebraska’s 2021 Autumn Festival, an Arts and Crafts Affair is a great choice for both residents and travelers wanting to pick up a handcrafted Christmas gift or two. From November 4-7, guests can enjoy all the shopping they desire, as well as other fall-themed attractions for the whole family! Tickets are $9 for the entire weekend.

Nevada
The city of Pahrump in central Nevada (west of Red Rock Canyon and Las Vegas) is hosting its annual Pahrump Social Powwow, an intertribal social gathering that is open to non-Native Americans, too, as well as crafts, food vendors and live music. This November 19-21, come to a family-friendly event that is sure to be both educational and entertaining. Did I mention it’s free?

New Hampshire
On Saturday, November 27, visit Waterville Valley, New Hampshire to participate in the 9th Annual Cold Turkey Plunge. After a year without the signature polar plunge into Corcoran Pond, participants can raise money for Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports, which will one day allow wheelchair users to ski using the power of their breath. After the plunge, head over to the town hall to enjoy some Christmas decorations and live music.

New Jersey
This year, visit Augusta, New Jersey’s Skylands Stadium to enjoy the last week of the Jack O’ Lantern Experience, where instead of a winter holiday-themed walk, they create a spooky 45-minute path through 6,000 flickering jack-o-lanterns, perfect for those who’d like to extend Spooky Season even after it’s ended! Craft brews, seasonal foods and carnival games and attractions round out the event, which began October 1 and will end on November 7. Tickets are necessary for purchase ahead of time.

New Mexico
Support local Albuquerque artists at the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival: Holiday Show. With handmade ornaments, food, jewelry, clothes and whatever else you can find, you can enjoy getting all of your family and friends unique gifts. The festival will also feature live holiday music and carolers. The festival is held November 26-28.

New York
This November 25th, a visit to New York City can be celebrated along with Thanksgiving and the coming winter festivities with the nation’s largest holiday parade, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With some of the biggest and best celebrities, floats, giant balloons and performers, individuals who aren’t traveling to New York City can also enjoy watching it televised.

North Carolina
This November 6-7, extend your summer by visiting Kure Beach, North Carolina, just south of Wilmington, where the 15th Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival will be held. Watch massive and uniquely shaped kites float in the sky along the coast, or participate by flying one of your own! Food and drink will be available for purchase, but otherwise the event is free to attend.

North Dakota
Fargo, North Dakota will be hosting the fifth annual North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival & Summit at the Fargo Theatre and at the Plains Art Museum in-person and virtually beginning November 2 through November 18. The film festival and seminar will offer workshops, panel discussion as well as films featuring both local and worldwide human rights challenges.

Ohio
Ironton, Ohio is hosting the fan-made Ironton Wizardfest, inspired by the world of Harry Potter. This November 13-14, the town’s government building and No-Ra theater will be transformed into the wizarding world, where visitors can be sorted into their houses, take classes with their favorite professors and enjoy the local brews, both magical and alcoholic.

Oklahoma
The Wild West meets Victorian-era England in Claremore, Oklahoma for the Dickens on the Boulevard festival, held this November 19-20. Celebrating one of the best-beloved writers of that time period and his contribution to Christmas culture, this festival includes holiday-themed activities as well as reenactments, a Victorian street dance, living history displays and food! Claremore is located just northeast of Tulsa, making it a great day trip for visitors or residents of the area.

Oregon
This November 8-13 is the virtual and in-person Portland Book Festival! Celebrate your love of words and the smell of new books both in Portland and on your couch, enjoying writing workshops held by some of your favorite authors, as well as panel discussions and podcast episodes. Attendees can purchase either a virtual or an in-person pass to enjoy the events.

Pennsylvania
The season for food festivals is never over in Pennsylvania! Head over to Easton, Pennsylvania on November 6-7 to enjoy the beloved PA Baconfest, a celebration of all things bacon. It’s celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and will both savory and sweet bacon foods to enjoy, along with four different stages with live music.

Rhode Island
This November 5-7, Providence, Rhode Island will host the state’s Comic Con! Dress up in your favorite cosplay, meet the real-life actors, voice artists and creators of your favorite pop culture shows, movies, books and more. It’s a great place to show your geeky side! Tickets are on-sale now.

South Carolina
Florence, South Carolina is hosting the South Carolina Pecan Music & Food Festival this November 6, offering plenty of family-friendly fun and all the pecan foods you can eat! With cooking competitions, a 5K, 10K, classic car show, live bands and over 200 craft and food vendors, visitors can enjoy an entire day of fun. The festival is expected to bring in 50,000 attendees this year.

South Dakota
Sioux Falls is hosting its annual Parade of Lights this November 26, welcoming the winter holiday season with dazzling lights, live holiday music and a competition awarding the best floats of the parade. This year, the city is celebrating its 29th Parade of Lights.

Tennessee
Visit Elvis’ historic home in Memphis, Tennessee for the first-ever Graceland Gospel Music Festival this November 3-5. Listen to live performers each night as they sing popular gospel music and study the Bible with fellow Christians in the mornings. Tickets range from $15-$35 each night.

Texas
Bring your appetite to the Austin Food & Wine Festival this November 5-7, where talented chefs, restaurants and sommeliers come to enjoy great food, wine and live music. The festival is one of the best and its price reflects it: weekender passes begin at $275.

Utah
Ogden, Utah has extended its Dia de los Muertos Festival from one day to five this November 1-5. There’ll be an ofrenda, or community altar, for COVID-19 victims, face painting tutorials, a “Life, Death, Justice” art exhibit, the Ogden City Latino Film Festival as well as a music celebration featuring several performers, including Las Cafeteras.

Vermont
Burlington, Vermont is offering the Burlington Hard Cider & Doughnut Fest this November 13! Combine your love for fall-themed adult beverages with your love for doughnuts with this festival, which costs around $20-25 to join. Four participating bars and restaurants will be offering hard seltzers, ciders, beers and over 1,000 doughnuts!

Virginia
Urbanna, Virginia, located on the coast east of Richmond, will be hosting its 64th Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival this November 5-6! Love these local shellfish? Eat all you can stomach at the world’s second-oldest oyster festival, where you’ll also find two parades, a shucking contest, live music and other games.

Washington
Seattle’s Magnuson Park will host the Urban Craft Uprising’s Gobble Up culinary festival this November 20th. From local brews and pastries to ceramics and ethnic foods, it’s sure to be an event to fill your stomach and perhaps check off a few things on your Christmas shopping list.

West Virginia
Wheeling, West Virginia’s WesBanco Arena is hosting the large three-day Christmas in November Craft Fair November 19-21 this year. Offering 175 vendors, the holiday-themed fair is $2 entry for anyone over 17 years of age and will offer plenty of goods to check off your Christmas shopping list. Wheeling is located a few hours’ west of Morgantown.

Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay readies for the winter holidays beginning November 19-21, with the big Christmas tree lighting and each store downtown reveals their holiday displays. A holiday parade followed by a meet-and-greet with Santa round out the festivities.

Wyoming
Much of Wyoming welcomes deep winter much earlier than other regions of the country; for this reason, Wyoming doesn’t have a lot of festivals, but the Lander Art Center is hosting an exhibit titled “The Art of Home: Native American Art Show Celebrating Wind River” on November 5. The display will be there until December 18.