Every State's Best November Events

The Must-Dos of November 2023

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There might still be pumpkins sitting on the porch steps, but the calendar has turned over, so it's time to start thinking about fun things to do in November. Luckily for us, this month has a truly diverse range of great things to do. From observances dedicated to Veterans Day and Diwahli to myriad arts & crafts shows that serve as the perfect place to pick up an early-season gift and several big football games and seafood festivals, November events run the full gamut of fun. Above all, the November calendar is full of festivals and events that celebrate the switching on of festive lights to banish the dark nights and help usher in a season of anticipation for December. Click on the slideshow to find a great November event taking place near you. 

Alabama

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Start your November off properly by popping open a few shells at the USA's biggest party dedicated to peanuts: the National Peanut Festival in Dothan (November 3-12). In addition to a bevy of nutty snacks, highlights include carnival rides, fireworks, a car & truck show and live music from artists such as Megan Moroney and Ernest. Down on the coast, the 11th annual Fairhope Film Festival (November 9-12) will showcase sensational cinema and the 39th Annual Frank Brown Songwriters' Festival (November 9-19) will shine a spotlight on songwriting at venues throughout Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

Alaska

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The sensational small town of Sitka will hold its annual WhaleFest on November 2-5, paying tribute once again to marine life through insightful talks, wildlife cruises, storytelling and scientific displays. For a tribute to animals that live on dry land, head to Haines from November 10-12 for the Bald Eagle Festival, where you can appreciate the largest gathering of bald eagles in the nation. Those dates (November 10-12) will also see the Holiday Marketplace shopping gathering return to Fairbanks. Basketball fans will want to make a beeline for Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage on November 18-19, as the Great Alaska Shootout returns for another year of women's college basketball action.

Arizona

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Art, water and light will come together in brilliant fashion again during Canal Convergence (November 3-12), an annual event that fills the night sky in Scottsdale with bold, light-based displays of art. Down near Tucson, the small town of Sonoita will celebrate Arizona’s rich Western culture at the annual Cowboy Festival (November 4-5), while in Fountain Hills, the Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts will take place on November 10-12. 

Arkansas

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Hot Springs will once again host the Spa Running Festival (November 11), an event that offers a wide range of runners the chance to compete among the region’s famed fall foliage. Hot Springs will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of its foodie-favorite Chili Cook-Off on November 20. Elsewhere in the Natural State, Mountain View will host the Fall Bluegrass Festival (November 9-11) and Fayetteville will turn on its ever-popular Lights of the Ozarks holiday light display on November 17.

California

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The Harvest Festival returns to Mendocino County through November 12, once again raising a glass to the annual autumn food and wine delights of the region. Palm Springs will host the annual Great Palm Springs Pride on November 2-5 while America's Finest City will be the place to be for the annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival (November 6-12). On November 17, two brilliant seasonal light displays will flip the switch for the season: Lightscape in Encinitas and the Redding Garden of Lights in Redding. 

Colorado

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The charming town of Georgetown will once again throw a party in honor of the ram during The Bighorn Sheep Festival (November 11). In the Mile Hile City, the Denver Film Festival will take to the screen on November 3-12 and the annual opening of the Denver Christkindlmarket will take place on November 17, officially kicking off the holiday season. That same day will see the bulbs turned on at the annual Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light event. 

Connecticut

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Kickstart your holiday shopping in Uncasville at the 37th New England Christmas Festival (November 3-5), an award-winning event that features the works of artists from all over the nation. That same weekend will also see the return of the Quince Festival (November 4) to Sherman, an event dedicated to putting quince on a pedestal. Toward the end of the month, the Wood Memorial Library & Museum in South Windsor will hold its 13th Annual Gingerbread House Festival, which will open its doors on November 24 and run well into December.



Delaware

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Who says Rehoboth Beach isn’t a divine place to be in the offseason? The beachside town hosts both The Towers Comedy Festival (November 8-11) and the Independent Film Festival (November 8-12) this month. In Wilmington, the weekend of November 10-12 will see the return of the Delaware Antiques Show to Winterthur Museum & Garden, offering shoppers one of the finest antique experiences on the East Coast.

Florida

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Start your month off up north in Apalachicola at the 60th Annual Florida Seafood Festival (November 3-4), then head southbound to Siesta Key, where the International Sand Sculpting Festival (November 10-13) returns for another year of fun on the beach. In South Florida, the Miami Book Fair returns on November 12-19 and in Orlando, food lovers have until November 18 to savor the sensational flavors of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.

Georgia

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Coastal culinary traditions and family-friendly activities will again take center stage at the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival on November 3-4. Also early in the month, Stone Mountain will hold its annual Native American Festival & Powwow (November 2-5), which is Georgia’s largest event dedicated to Native American culture. In ATL, the Georgia Festival of Trees will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center on November 18-26 and the Atlanta Christkindlmarkt returns to Buckhead on November 17, running on select dates through December 24.

Hawai'i

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The always-anticipated Kona Coffee Cultural Festival—the state’s oldest food & drink-focused gathering—is back on the Big Island in 2023 (November 3-12) and will feature a full range of tastings, events and seminars. Elsewhere, the E Komo Mai Music Festival will bring dance music to Oahu on November 10-12 and the Princeville Night Market takes place on November 12 on Kauaʻi.  

Idaho

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Start November off by sampling the goods at the Craft & Chocolate Affaire in Nampa, where over 90 artisans will bring their chocolate-laced wares to town. Boise is the spot to be later in the month, as you’ll be able to shop for holiday gifts at the Wintry Market on November 17-18 and take in the Winter Garden aGlow event at the Boise Botanical Garden, which will light up for the season on November 23.

Illinois

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In the Windy City, Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden will fill the dark November skies with a brilliant display of lights (November 10 - January 7), while the 19th Lycée French Market (November 11-12) returns this year as well, featuring local and French artisans (think clothes, jewelry, and home decor) in addition to delicious French-inspired food. Illinois has you covered when it comes to small-town fun as well, as the gorgeous town of Galena will hold its 39th Annual Nouveau Parade & Celebration (November 17-18), a gathering dedicated to toasting the season’s local wine harvest.

Indiana

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Onyxfest, a beloved annual theater festival dedicated to black playwrights in Indianapolis, takes place on November 3-12 this year. The Quigley Jazz Fest in the town of Peru will also take place this month (November 5 & 10-11), while November will see the return of the "A Christmas Story Comes Home'' display at the Welcome Center in Hammond, Indiana (November 11 - December 30). 

Iowa

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Make for the small town of Perry for the 13th Annual Art on the Prairie festival (November 11-12), a fun get-together dedicated to art, music and literature. Later in the month, you’ll want to head to the Iowa State Fairgrounds for Iowa’s Largest Arts & Crafts Festival, an event offering three days of unmatched shopping opportunities. Downtown Davenport will once again rev up the holiday spirit with its Festival of Trees (November 18-26), a fun event that showcases over 100 designer tree displays and scores of holiday-themed attractions in addition to an impressive helium balloon parade.

Kansas

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The town of Leavenworth will hold its 11th Annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, while Illuminations at Botanica—the top holiday light display in Wichita—will kick off on November 24. WaKeeney—the proud "Christmas City of the High Plains"—will turn on its lights on November 25 and accompany the switch-on with a carnival-like atmosphere featuring carriage rides and live reindeer. 

Kentucky

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The 140th Annual National Horse Show, the longest-running show of its kind in the country, will return to Lexington with a run through November 5. Over in Louisville, the 34th annual Festival of Trees & Lights (November 10-12) will take place at Louisville Slugger Field with the usual array of dazzling wreaths, trees and other decorations, with all proceeds going to a good cause. Also in The ‘Ville, the Louisville Hungry Turkey race will take place on November 23. 

Louisiana

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The Big Easy kicks off November in style with the annual Bayou Bacchanal Festival (runs through November 3) dedicated to Caribbean culture, then throws a bash dedicated to its most famous sandwich at the Oak St. Po-Boy Festival on November 19. Up north in Shreveport, The State Fair of Louisiana will be thrilling guests through November 12, featuring an impressive range of carnival rides, rodeos, agricultural competitions and concerts by Kandu, LVVRS, Jeter Jones & The Perfect Blend Band. Back in New Orleans, the iconic Bayou Classic football game between Grambling and Southern is set for November 25.




Maine

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Start the month in Portland at the First Friday Art Walk (November 3), an event that will see many of the finest galleries in the city open up to the public. Elsewhere in the state, the Maine Harvest Festival (November 18-19) will take place at Bangor’s Cross Insurance Center, once again showcasing local products and produce. In Augusta, the 44th Annual Christmas in New England Arts & Craft Show will take place on November 25-26. 



Maryland

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The Maryland State Fairgrounds will feel more like the Emerald Isle at the Irish Festival on November 10-12, where all in attendance will get the chance to experience Irish music, dance and peruse dozens of vendors. On the coast in Ocean City, the Winterfest of Lights holiday display kicks off on November 16 and the 41st Annual Holiday Shoppers Fair takes place on November 24-26.

Massachusetts

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The Boston Veterans Day Parade will take place on November 4, once again paying respect to all who served the nation, while the week after sees the Museum of Fine Arts celebrate Diwali through art, activities and performances (November 9). There is no better place to commemorate Turkey Day in the state than Plymouth, where the Thanksgiving Celebration (November 17-19) tells the story of the beloved holiday. 

Michigan

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Kick off your month by going to Michigan Comic-Con in Grand Rapids (November 3-5) or swing by the town of Jackson for the annual Jackson Collectible Toy Show on November 4. Traverse City Beer Week takes place on November 10-17 and on Turkey Day, the Lions will host the 84th Thanksgiving Day Classic against the Green Bay Packers. The Motor City will also hold its annual tree-lighting ceremony on November 17. 

Minnesota

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The Midtown Market in Minneapolis will be the place to be for a celebration of Diwali on November 4. In Duluth, the switch will be flipped on the much-anticipated Bentleyville Tour of Lights on November 18th, marking the official beginning of the holiday season up north. In Alexandria, the festive season will be officially welcomed on November 25 at the Christmas Market of MN Made Local Vendors, an event that will showcase crafts & gifts made in Minnesota. Finally, the city of St. Paul will honor the Hmong New Year the weekend after Thanksgiving with a three-day celebration dedicated to this rich Asian culture.

Mississippi

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State capital Jackson will once again play host to the Mistletoe Market—an unparalleled shopping experience featuring over 100 vendors from around the country—on November 1-4. Down in Ocean Springs, the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival—an event that brings together excellent artists, crafters and food vendors—returns on November 4-5, while in Natchez, the Plein Air Natchez art event takes place on November 11. Later in the month, downtown Natchez will play host to its annual tree lighting (November 25). 

Missouri

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The Gateway City sees the return of the St. Louis International Film Festival (November 9-19) and the acclaimed Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden (November 18 - January 6) this month, with the latter being home to over a million twinkling bulbs. Elsewhere, the river town of Hannibal will wish famous former resident Mark Twain a big “HBD!” during the annual Birthday Bash at the Mark Twain Museum (November 25) and in Kansas City, Country Club Plaza will switch on its famous Plaza Lights display on Thanksgiving Night.
 

Montana

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The Last Chance Play Fest will take to the stage in Helena (select dates starting November 3) and the handsome city will also be the setting for the Festival of Wines on November 4, a  fun event that helps raise funds for a good cause. In Bozeman, November 23 (Thanksgiving Day) is the time for the famous Huffing for Stuffing charity run.

Nebraska

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Start November right by taking in the Autumn Arts & Crafts Affair event at Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Ralston on November 2-5. Nebraska's official Veterans Day Parade will take place on November 11 in Bellevue and Minden will play host to the nationally famous The Light of the World Christmas Pageant, which will debut for the year on November 25, one night after the city turns on its acclaimed light display. In Omaha, Christmas at Union Station will roll out the red carpet for the holidays starting on November 24.

Nevada

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As per usual, Vegas is the place to go for A-list entertainment and this month features concerts from the likes of U2, Garth Brooks, Rod Stewart, Keith Urban and Katy Perry. The Strip will see stars of another kind when the inaugural Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place during the evening of Saturday, November 18. Up in the High Desert, The Pahrump Social Powwow will honor Nevada’s rich Native American culture (November 17-19) with drumming, dancing and artisans.

New Hampshire

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Start your month in Manchester at the 10th Annual Distiller's Showcase (November 2), an event that will offer guests the chance to partake in a range of premium spirits from some of the finest distillers in the world. Elsewhere in New Hampshire, the 41st Annual Holiday Craft Fair will once again delight the crowds in Merrimack (November 18), while the cherished annual event that is the Conway Scenic Railway's Santa's Holiday Express begins its fantastic seasonal service on November 24.

New Jersey

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You have until November 5 to enjoy all the Halloween vibes at the Jack O' Lantern Experience at Skylands Stadium, an event where over 6,000 lit pumpkins create a one-of-a-kind walk-through experience. Jersey Shore Restaurant Week will run November 3-12, and the cute small town of Clinton will turn into a ye olde wintry wonderland once again during Dickens Days, which will run November 24-26.

New Mexico

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The Review Santa Fe Photo Festival—one of the nation’s oldest portfolio review events—returns November 16-19. Santa Fe will also play host to the Fall Fiber Fiesta (November 17-19) this month, an event that will showcase some of the best handwoven goods in the Southwest. In Albuquerque, Tablao Flamenco will continue its impressive run of flamenco shows all month long, with this month featuring guest performers from Spain.

New York

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Why not start the month out with some laughs at the New York Comedy Festival (November 3-12), which will once again feature over 100 shows from rising stars and big names alike? The NYC Winter Lantern Festival (featuring over 1000 Chinese lanterns) also takes place in the Big Apple and will light up the nights starting November 17. No talk of November events in the Empire State would be complete without talking about Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will fill the streets of New York City with holiday frivolity on November 23.

North Carolina

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The summer vibes will still be lingering during the Cape Fear Kite Festival on November 3-5, which will give all in attendance the chance to see creative and colorful kites flying over the sand. The start of November is also the time for Whiteville’s Pecan Harvest Festival (November 3-4), featuring plenty of tasty pecan-filled treats, a parade, live music, and a car show. In Raleigh, the 81st Annual NC Gourd Arts and Crafts Festival (November 4-5) will show off all things gourd and in Cary, the always-popular North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival lights up for the season on November 17. 

North Dakota

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Grand Forks is a great place to be at the start of the month as the Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase shopping event returns to town on November 3-4. THe event will once again feature over 200 local traders and after its stop in Grand Forks, will move to Fargo for an event on November 17-18. Fargo residents will be able to get into the spirit of the holiday season at the Folkways Christkindlmarkt, which will bring an authentic German Christmas market atmosphere to town on November 17-19 & 24-26. The final weekend of the month (November 24-25) sees the town of Garrison turn into into a Victorian Christmas village during the first weekend of its annual Dickens Festival.

Ohio

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Head to Cleveland from November 6-18 for Cleveland Independents Restaurant Week, an event that sees independent establishments around the city welcome guests for special set menus. Halloween may have passed, but Dent Schoolhouse—Cincinnati’s most loved haunted house—will keep the scares going on November 3-4, when the house will operate in near-total darkness. Wilmington will hold the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival on November 9-11, while the Columbus Zoo will welcome the spirit of the holiday season through scores of impressive light displays during WildLights, which kicks off on November 17. 

Oklahoma

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The Oklahoma City Convention Center is the place to be at the start of the month as The Mistletoe Market (November 3-5) will fill the venue with a bevy of festive shopping opportunities. Elsewhere, the Choctaw Powwow—a get-together of Native American dancers from all over the country—returns to Durant on November 3-5 and college town Stillwater will be the spot for sports fans on November 4 for the annual “Bedlam” game between Oklahoma St and Oklahoma football squads, which will be the last matchup for the foreseeable future. Last but not least, make for Tulsa for the always-popular An Affair of the Heart gift and craft fair, taking place on November 17-19.

Oregon

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The first Saturday of the month will see The Portland Book Festival (November 4) return to the Portland Art Museum, once again celebrating the written word with authors from both the local region and all over the nation. Early November is also a great time to gain a new perspective on regional history through the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute’s N8TIVE Hoop event, which will shine a light on the Walla Walla, Cayuse and Umatilla tribes. The annual Pioneer Square Christmas Tree lighting, seen by many as the sign of the season in Portland, will illuminate the night on November 24.

Pennsylvania

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The holiday season gets off to an early start in the Keystone State as Koziar's Christmas Village in Bernville switches its lights on November 4, instantly becoming the merriest spot in the state. The 33rd Annual Slovak Heritage Festival will return to Pittsburgh (November 5), featuring an array of folk traditions and great food. Elsewhere in the state, Christmas Village opens in Philadelphia (November 18), and while it doesn’t get as much national press as the procession in NYC, the city's historic Thanksgiving Parade takes to the streets on November 23rd. 

Rhode Island

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Rhody gets in on the pop culture party fun with the annual Comic-Con in Providence (November 3-5), which will feature a bevy of A-List guests (Shannen Doherty, Seth Green, Linda Hamilton and Christina Ricci are just a few of the big names on the roster). That same weekend sees WaterFire—the state's signature fire-filled art display on the river—light up to salute veterans on November 5. Over on the coast, Newport will host its Restaurant Week on November 3-12 and will kick off the Holidays At The Newport Mansions event on November 18. 



South Carolina

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The 19th Annual SC Pecan Music and Food Festival will take place in Florence on November 4, once again providing multiple stages of live music, a classic car show and a lot of great food & drink. Elsewhere, the All-American fun of the Coastal Carolina Fair will run through November 5, Charleston will hold its Charleston Beer Week through November 5 and Hilton Head will hold its annual Oyster Fest on November 10-11. If you’ve got room for a few more, then make for Columbia and the South Carolina Oyster Fest on November 12. 

South Dakota

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The Mountain West Beer Fest—the state's largest annual beer gathering—takes place in Rapid City on November 11 and will offer all in attendance the opportunity to sample a selection of over 200 beers and seltzers. Just in time for holiday shopping, An Arts & Crafts Affair returns to Sioux Falls on November 17-19 while Rapid City will crank up the festive spirit on November 25 during its 25th Festival of Lights Parade.

Tennessee

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Fall Heritage Days return to the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton (November 2-3), providing a full roster of autumn-filled fun for the whole family. November is also a great time to learn about the culture of Japan during the Japan Fest in Memphis (November 5). This month sees one of the USA’s most popular holiday traditions make it its return: Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas (November 4 - January 6). 

Texas

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 The Austin Food & Wine Festival takes place on November 4-5, and if Oktoberfest wasn’t enough for you, then you need to make your way to New Braunfels for Wurstfest, which has been celebrating the culture of Germany since 1961 (November 3-12). Nature lovers should head to Harlingen for the Rio Grande Birding Festival on November 8-12, an event which will combine birdlife exhibitions and shopping opportunities. Elsewhere, the Texas Renaissance Festival will take place in Todd Mission on weekends all November long.

Utah

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The 21st Annual Moab Folk Festival (November 3-5) will fill the town with the sensational sounds of folk music, combining the great music with a roster of fun activities and educational workshops. Later in November, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is the place to be in order to witness Utah’s most famous Christmas lights getting flipped on for the season (November 24).

Vermont

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Head to Essex Junction to be sent straight back in time at the 2nd Annual Steampunk Expo (November 11-12), where all things steam-powered, Victorian or fantastical (bonus points if it’s all three!) will be celebrated with flair. Elsewhere, Craft Vermont will hold its 71st annual craft fair get-together in South Burlington on November 17-19.

Virginia

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The 66th Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival will take place on November 3-4 in Urbanna, featuring live music, parades, shucking competitions and plenty of chances to sample the local oysters. In Centreville, Cox Farms will hold its Fall Festival through November 6, meaning you’ve still got some time to take one of their famous hayrides or take a spin on one of the slides. Other great events this month include the Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival in Forest (November 11) and the Fall Greek Festival in Charlottesville (November 17). 


Washington

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Seattle Restaurant Week returns to town through November 4, featuring special plates at participating eateries throughout town. Elsewhere in the Emerald City, the 35th Annual Earshot Jazz Festival runs through November 5, bringing fine musicians from all over the country to Seattle, and Hawaiian music is the star at the Seattle Slack Key Festival (November 11-12). Finally, the annual Fall Folk Festival (November 11-12) in Spokane will pay tribute to the region's unique culture through music and a host of other events. 

West Virginia

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In Wheeling, the holiday season officially gets rolling on November 9 when the Oglebay Resort kicks off its Festival of Lights and fills the night sky with thousands of vibrant bulbs and colorful displays. In Welch, the 105th Veteran’s Day Parade will take place on November 11 and the Moonlight Market will take place in Morgantown on the evening of November 25.

Wisconsin

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Flannel Fest will return to Appleton (November 10) and Madison (November 11) this year, and once again, this concert event will help raise funds to help keep those in need warm during winter (The Jayhawks are the headline act). In Madison that same weekend, the Winter Art Fair Off the Square (November 11-12) will showcase pottery, paintings, glass art and jewelry from over 100 Wisconsin-based makers. Milwaukee is the place to be on November 16, as the Holiday Festival of Lights will kick off its 2023 season. 

Wyoming

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Cheyenne kicks off the month with a concert from Lacy Dalton (November 2) and a performance by Henry Rollins (November 11), while the beloved Old West Holiday Festival will return at the end of the month to transform the city into a winter wonderland. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas will come to town on November 16 and will also put on a show in Gillette, Wyoming on November 19. 

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The best things to do in November 2023.


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Laurence Pinckney

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