Food, Fun, and Music at the Top 10 Festivals in the USA in November

November in the United States is a magical time of year. The cool weather is filled with anticipation of the holiday season just around the corner, and communities celebrate with festivals that connect people together. 

There are parades such as Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, fairs, and food and wine festivals in California, Texas and more.

There are also culturally based events that may mark the beginning of the holiday season, including holiday markets in US during November, festivals, and holiday celebrations and events that showcase the diversity of the American experience. 

 

1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: A Family Tradition on Every 4th Thursday of November

Nothing reminds you that it is "November in the USA" more than the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. This parade has been a Thanksgiving tradition since 1924, with huge character balloons, floats, marching bands, and live performances from famous singers and Broadway shows. It is the most famous of all Thanksgiving Parades in the USA

One of the most loved experiences, apart from the parade, is the yearly Balloon Inflation event, which takes place the day before the parade in the streets around the American Museum of Natural History. 

This free, nighttime spectacle gives an unusual, close-up view as the giant character balloons are gradually filled with helium. Thus, the streets are a strange, over-the-top art gallery seen by the light of the moon, and it is a magnificent pre-Thanksgiving sight.

What to expect?

Huge balloons filled with helium of characters from your favorite cartoon, Broadway musical routines on the street, and masses of people filled with holiday cheer.

Travel Tip: 

Get there early, like super early, like 6 am early if you want a good view along Central Park West or Columbus Circle. Hotels in Midtown get booked quickly for that weekend, so book months in advance.

Where: New York City, New York

When: Thanksgiving Day, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

Venue: The parade route marches approximately 2.5 miles along Central Park West, then down 6th Avenue to the finish at Macy's Herald Square (34th Street). The entire event is outdoors.

Timings: The parade runs from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM EST.

Ticket cost: Free for street viewing. Dedicated indoor or grandstand viewing areas are paid and can be costly, ranging from SAR 250 - SAR 600+ per person.

Transportation/How to get there: The nearest major airports are JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR). Public transit (subway and bus) is the best option, though many stations are closed near the route. Street parking is unavailable.

Nearby lodging suggestions: Hotels along Central Park West and 6th Avenue in Midtown (like the New York Hilton Midtown) offer prime viewing but are very expensive. Budget options require staying further out in the city or boroughs.

Approximate crowd size: Attracts roughly 3.5 million spectators in person.

 

2. Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 

Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade is a cheerful, family-friendly November event experience of colors and fun, featuring floats, equestrian units, and cultural presentations.

What to expect?

A unique blend of traditional American cheer and diverse cultural displays, this parade takes place on State Street and will draw thousands of spectators. Look for the famous Teddy Bear Balloon and the diverse marching bands from across the nation.

The strong emphasis on community and local talent definitely stands out as a unique feature of the Chicago parade, and this aspect is particularly highlighted through the amazing performances of the local drill teams, cultural dance groups, and high school marching bands from Illinois and the Midwest. 

Even though there are national floats and balloons in the parade, the vibrant and lively presentations from these local groups are what really infuse the event with that special, authentic Chicago vibe of the city's rich and diverse cultural fabric.

Travel tip: 

Wear layers, as November in Chicago can be very cold. After the parade, enjoy a warm deep-dish pizza at some of Chicago's famous pizza spots.

Where: Chicago, Illinois

When: Thanksgiving Day

Timings: The parade runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST.

Ticket cost: Free for general street viewing. VIP Grandstand seating is available for a fee, typically ranging from SAR 50 - SAR 100+.

Venue: The parade is an outdoor event, moving down State Street between Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly Congress Parkway) and Randolph Street in Downtown Chicago.

Transportation/How to get there: Nearest airports are O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). The route is easily accessible via the CTA 'L' train system (multiple lines) and buses. Parking is available in various downtown garages.

Nearby lodging suggestions: Hotels in the Loop and South Loop are within walking distance of the route.

Approximate crowd size: Draws hundreds of thousands of attendees annually.

 

3. Austin Food and Wine Festival 

If you are a food and flavor traveler, then the Austin Food + Wine Festival is for you. This event is held every year in Austin to celebrate the incredible culinary scene that Texas is known for, and offers tastings from top chefs with wine, along with chef cooking demos.

You could even get lucky with Austin’s excellent fall or November weather, and inquire about outdoor events to attend in between foodie activités. Enjoy the scenery where you can catch some sightseeing at Lady Bird Lake and the famous South Congress Avenue while engaging in your foodie experience.

One of the most unique features of the festival, the "Hands-On Grilling" class is an absolute one-of-a-kind opportunity that allows the guests to get out of watching and preparing a tasty meal on a charcoal fire together with a celebrity pitmaster, such as Chef Tim Love, in fact, to be grillers themselves. 

This engaging event changes participants from just foodies to those who are directly involved, thus it becomes a special masterclass that impressively conveys Texas's heritage grilling culture.

What to expect?

Expect Texas-style BBQ, gourmet bites, and fine wines to enjoy. You can interact with and learn cooking secrets from top-name chefs in cooking demos, and because this is Austin, you can be prepared to see live music to accompany your foodie endeavor. Don't miss the 'Fire Pit' where pitmasters showcase live-fire cooking techniques.

Travel tip: 

Purchase your tickets early because this event sells out quickly. Extend your trip for some venue hopping and BBQ exploring around the live music Austin is known for. 

Where: Austin, Texas

When: Early November. In 2025, it will be held from Friday, November 7, 2025 - Sunday, November 9, 2025.

Timings: Held over a weekend, typically the first full weekend of November.

Ticket cost: Paid event. General Admission weekend passes are typically SAR 250 - SAR 350+. VIP passes (which include exclusive Friday night events) can range from SAR 625 - SAR 775+.

Venue: The main tasting events are held outdoors at Auditorium Shores. Evening events and workshops may be held at various indoor venues around the city.

Transportation/How to get there: The Nearest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Ride-sharing is recommended as public transportation to the park is limited, and parking is very scarce.

Nearby lodging suggestions: Hotels in Downtown Austin and near South Congress are most convenient for festival access.

Approximate crowd size: Draws tens of thousands of attendees over the weekend.

 

4. San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival 

With an amazing waterfront location as your backdrop, you are at one of the largest  culinary food and wine festivals on the West Coast! Perfect for wine lovers and foodies alike, the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival provides a week's worth of delicious decadence.

When you are not attending the festival, sunbathe on San Diego's beaches, see the historic Gaslamp Quarter, and visit some of the parks' world-class attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo.

The festival's unique location is the most persuasive element of its theme, and that is the celebration of "Baja Med" food, which represents San Diego's nearness to Tijuana and the growing wine region of Valle de Guadalupe in Mexico. 

This gastronomic blending is the festival's major attraction, giving visitors a rare and delicious feast of not only local Californian flavors but also an authentic cross-cultural Pacific Rim experience with new wines and meals that are rarely used in other U.S. festivals during November.

What to expect?

A colorful montage of wine tastings, grand dining events, celebrity chef cooking demos, and hands-on multiple chef cooking classes. The Grand Tasting Event is located at the Embarcadero Marina Park North, featuring hundreds of wineries, breweries, and gourmet food stations!

Travel tip: 

Book accommodations near the waterfront for easy access to the events and allow for the great waterfront views. If you want to capture all of the experiences offered throughout the week, consider purchasing the all-inclusive pass for even better value.

Where: San Diego, California

When: Mid-November. In 2025, it will be held from Friday, November 7, 2025, to Sunday, November 9, 2025, as the culmination of a week-long series of events.

Ticket cost: It is a paid event. Individual event tickets (like the Grand Tasting) range from SAR 150 to SAR 300+. Full week all-inclusive packages can range from SAR 500 to {1,000}+.

Venue: Events are open to both indoor and outdoor places, and they are spread across San Diego. The Grand Tasting is an outdoor event at Embarcadero Marina Park North.

Transportation/How to get there: The closest airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN). The waterfront location can be reached by the San Diego Trolley and public buses. It is recommended to park in downtown garages.

Nearby lodging suggestions: Get a place to stay with either the waterfront view or in the Gaslamp Quarter, both are great, and easy access to the events would be yours

Approximate crowd size: The Grand Tasting event, by itself, pulls in thousands of attendees.

 

5. Miami Book Fair 

If literature is your happy place, November will have you cheering for joy because the Miami Book Fair is here! A book festival of some of the largest and most prestigious in all of the U.S., the Miami Book Fair will have authors, publishers, and book lovers from all corners of the world. 

You can spend two action-packed days enjoying your bookish time and take in some beach time at South Beach, or take up culture tour of a concentration of art in Wynwood Walls. You will love the perfect November weather in Miami that features warm days and a bit colder evenings. 

The Miami Book Fair features its globally centered "Ibero-American" and "ReadCaribbean" programs that are a clear indication of Miami's position as the cultural door to Latin America and the Caribbean. 

These programs attract a vast number of celebrated authors and publishers of Spanish, Portuguese, and Caribbean languages who not only take part in the event but also provide lectures and readings in their respective languages, thus making this event one of the most diverse and polylingual literary festivals in the US.

What to expect?

Authors, readings, discussions, book signings, storytelling times, a street fair with live music, a ton of authors, a ton of publishers, tons and lots. There's something cool and fun for every reader in every genre, from fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and graphic novels. The fair also offers programs for kids! 

Travel tip: 

Book pre-book author sessions if you see one that interests you, or you'll miss it as these sessions fill up quickly! You will need light layers (t-shirt, sweater, light jacket) or no jacket at all on certain occasions, don't forget your sunscreen for time outdoors!

Where: Miami, Florida

When: Mid-November. In 2025 it will be held from Sunday, November 16, 2025 - Sunday, November 23, 2025.

Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM

Ticket cost: The Street Fair Weekend is free of charge. The author events are individually ticketed, and the (especially the popular ones) tickets are usually priced from SAR 10 - SAR 25+ per event.

Venue: Miami Dade College (MDC), Wolfson Campus, and the streets surrounding downtown are the main locations for the events, which, for the outdoor Street Fair, are closed temporarily.

Transportation/How to get there: The closest airport is Miami International Airport (MIA). The Metromover (College/Bayside Station is nearby) and Metrorail make the site accessible

Nearby lodging suggestions: Downtown Miami hotels or the Brickell area nearby offer the most comfortable ways to get there.

Approximate crowd size: The festival attracts over 200,000 people during the Street Fair weekend.

 

6. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (Orlando, Florida): Global Fall Fun 

If you are going to be in November and are not sure where to go, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort should definitely be on your list to check out for amazing food from all over the world. This is the ultimate family-friendly November event USA experience, where you can literally eat and drink your way "around the world" at dozens of Global Marketplaces. It’s an iconic food & wine festival in November USA.

The EPCOT festival finale in November is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, which usually has the greatest musical artists performing at the America Gardens Theatre every night. These free-with-admission concerts, combined with the last days of the food marketplaces, create a lively and energetic atmosphere, moving the park's vibe just before the official start of the holiday events, thus giving it a unique "last call for fall" feel.

What to expect?

Eat to the Beat concert series is to be expected with a roster of popular musical artists, celebrity chef demonstrations, mixology classes, and fun family activities such as Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt. The Global Marketplaces offer small, unique dishes and beverages from countries that are not featured year-round in the World Showcase.

Travel tip: 

A great festival experience would be to purchase a gift card just for food and drink, which will enable you to easily track your spending while you travel the World Showcase. The return of fan-favorite marketplaces like Hawaiʻi and The Alps will also be there to welcome you.

Where: Orlando, Florida

When: Ongoing, ends in late November (In 2025, it is running from August and concludes on 22nd November)

Timings: Daily during park hours

Ticket cost: The purchase of a valid admission EPCOT Theme Park ticket is a must (generally SAR 120 - SAR 170+ per day). The food and drinks at the Global Marketplaces are your extras, usually SAR 5 - SAR 10 per item.

Venue: The event is both an outdoor and indoor event in the EPCOT World Showcase and World Celebration areas.

Transportation/How to get there:

• The closest airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO).

• Some of the ways to get to the Disney Resort are shuttle buses, ride-sharing, monorail, etc.

Nearby lodging suggestions: You can either have a room at a Disney Resort Hotel (especially those on the Monorail or Skyliner) for the best access and the most convenience, or a partner hotel on International Drive for a more economical stay.

Approximate crowd size: Very large, as it is one of the most popular events held by Disney annually.

 

7. Boston Christmas Festival 

Get your holiday season in Boston underway at the annual Christmas Festival. It is a perfect time to eat holiday treats, drink warm drinks, and gather unique gifts for the holiday season.

While you are in the city, you can take in other sites such as Quincy Market, the Freedom Trail, and Boston Common.

In contrast to the massive outdoor European markets, the Boston Christmas Festival (or other best Boston markets) is characterized by a more focused presentation of New England artisans from the local region. The theme revolves around products made by hand and food specialties of the highest quality, allowing the shoppers a unique chance to support the artisans directly through their purchases. 

The inclusion of cooking exhibitions turns the festival experience into something more than a mere buying occasion, thus connecting the festival to Boston's highly rated food sector.

What to expect?

300+ exhibitors featuring hand-crafted products, holiday decorations, gourmet foods, and artisan items. The festival is a great spot to find unique items and to enjoy the remarkable holiday atmosphere. The culinary demonstrations with tastes from some of the top chefs in the city really add vibrancy to the festival.

Travel tip: 

Boston can be cold in November, so dress warmly for holiday shopping. Book your hotel in advance, especially considering that early November begins the holiday rush in the city.

Where: Boston, Massachusetts

When: Late November. In 2025, it will be held on 28 November 2025.

Ticket cost : It is inconsistent, but the SoWa Winter Festival, one of the most important markets, generally sets the admission at about $10 per adult, and children under the age of 12 are free.

Venue: SoWa Power Station (550 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118) is a place where the SoWa Winter Festival, a big festival, is held. It is a combination of an indoor market with outdoor food and other amenities.

Transportation/How to get there: The closest airport is Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). If it is at SoWa, the MBTA subway/bus lines (Orange Line to Tufts Medical Center) can take you to the venue. Parking is available in the surrounding lots for a fee (e.g., $10 cash parking at SoWa).

Nearby lodging suggestions: Hotels in the Back Bay or Downtown Crossing areas (e.g., Hilton Boston Park Plaza - Mid-Range) are good for visiting city attractions and using public transit.

Approximate crowd size: The number of attendees changes each day, but several thousand can come on a major weekend market day.

8. Honolulu Marathon & Cultural Events 

The Honolulu Marathon, which occurs every December, is more than just a race! It's a scenic and cultural experience that attracts participants from all over the world. Whether you're running or participating in the events, and Hawaiian character, the Marathon is definitely worth your time.

If you are not a runner, just participate in the activities of the marathon and enjoy some of the attractions of the island, such as the beach, hiking Diamond Head. Hawaii is a wonderful place to visit in November. The weather is pleasant, it isn't crowded, and it's much easier to travel compared to the busy holiday season. This is a standout November cultural festival in the US.

One of the notable features of the Honolulu Marathon that is different from other marathons is the "no time limit" policy, which is open to runners, walkers, and people of all fitness levels, thus creating an inclusive community-oriented event rather than one that is focused on the elite. 

The 5:00 AM start is always an impressive fireworks display, and the route passes through the festive lights of downtown Honolulu and goes around Diamond Head. Thus, the race turns out to be a unique scenic and culturally rich Hawaiian celebration, keeping the runner's endurance challenge aside.

What to expect?

A beautiful marathon course along the gorgeous coast of Oahu, Hawaii, pre-race luaus, hula performances, and local food festivals in the festive and friendly Hawaiian atmosphere.

Travel tip: 

If you plan on running the marathon, register as soon as the event opens. It's not just the marathon that fills up. There are other events, especially luaus, that are very popular and may fill up quickly.

Where: Honolulu, Hawaii

When: Late November. In 2025 it will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025. As a rule, the marathon is accompanied by various cultural events and an Expo held in the days before the race (e.g., December 11-13).

Ticket cost : Registration Fees (2025 Example): The cost of marathon fees varies from $205 (early entry) to $310 (international/late entry). There is no ticketing for cultural events (luaus) as they are sold separately.

Venue:

The marathon course is a street course; hence, it is entirely outdoor.

• Starting point: Ala Moana Boulevard/Queen St.
• Finish: Kapi'olani Park, Waikiki. 

Transportation/How to get there: The closest airport to the venue is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). It is highly recommended to walk from the hotels in Waikīkī as the start of the race is at 5:00 AM and is located in Waikīkī. There is a very limited shuttle service that runs from the KCC parking lots to the venues.

Nearby lodging suggestions: Any of the hotels in Waikīkī, such as the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and various budget hotels, are the best if you want to walk to the start line and finish line area.

Approximate crowd size: It is considered one of the biggest marathons in the United States, and usually, the number of registered participants is more than 30,000 (high participation is possible due to the absence of a time limit).

9. Las Vegas Great Santa Run 

If you're looking for a fun holiday tradition with a cause, you need to participate in the Las Vegas Great Santa Run! It's a fun charity event where thousands will dress as Santa Claus to run or walk in downtown Las Vegas. It's a fun, festive, and silly holiday experience for a traveler looking for something completely different.

Make sure to enjoy Las Vegas outside of the race, catch a show, have dinner in one of the celebrity-chef restaurants, and enjoy all that Las Vegas nightlife has to offer. 

One of the main features of the Las Vegas Great Santa Run is the amazing visual spectacle of a huge red and white tide that goes through the city center, which makes a fun atmosphere for a collective world-record attempt. 

Moreover, the event is the primary annual fundraiser for Opportunity Village, a Las Vegas-based non-profit organization that provides services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, thus making sure that the "silly holiday experience" has a loving, charitable core.

What to expect?

There will be thousands of other Santas running or walking the course, live entertainment, food trucks, and photo opportunities all over the place. It's an upbeat, positive, joyful event that will be full of holiday cheer. The event is a fantastic, family-friendly event in November.

Travel tip: 

Be prepared to run in your Santa suit, or you can likely purchase one when you compete on-site. However, most times registration includes a Santa suit. November temperatures in Vegas are mild, making it a great time to be outside and take in the Vegas charm.

Where: Las Vegas, Nevada

When: Late November to Early December. In 2025 it will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)

Ticket cost: 

• Registration fees generally range between SAR 42.5 and SAR 57.5
• Kids aged 3 and under are usually free.

Note: The exact amount is dependent on the date of registration. The fee includes a five-piece Santa suit plus a finisher's medal. 

Venue: The race will be held at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (200 S. 3rd St, Las Vegas, NV 89101). The course is a 5K or 1-mile route through Downtown Las Vegas.

Transportation/How to get there: The closest airport is Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). The venue is very convenient from the Strip or the surrounding area by Rideshare/Taxi. There is public parking that can be found in garages in the downtown area that are close by.

Nearby lodging suggestions: The four-star hotels in Downtown Las Vegas (e.g., Fremont Street hotels like Golden Nugget, The D - Budget/Mid-Range) or any hotel on The Strip (Luxury to Budget) with a short ride downtown.

Approximate crowd size: Draws typically between 8,000–10,000 participants annually.

 

10. Tucson Celtic Festival 

Experience the joys of Celtic culture in the sunny Southwest during this lively festival, celebrating history and heritage, and having fun. It's a surprising, yet fantastic way to experience Irish and Scottish traditions in the middle of Arizona!

When the event is over, explore Saguaro National Park and do not skip on biting into Tucson's food scene, as it is a UNESCO-recognized city of Gastronomy!

The surprise of living the old Scotland and Ireland customs, riding the rough sunny Sonoran Desert, is what makes the Tucson Celtic Festival singularly different. The Highland Games, including performances of traditional athletic feats like the caber toss and stone throw, are very attractive to see in such a dry and warm place. 

Along with these features, the existence of a separately organized medieval-themed village and the opportunity of whisky/tea tastings for an even more profound and better engagement with Celtic heritage than several other local events make it possible.

What to expect?

Highland games, bagpipes, dancing, Celtic foods, and family events! Vendors will be presenting unique one-of-a-kind crafts, and there will even be a medieval-themed village to add more excitement.

Travel tip: 

Tucson in November is a great place for an outdoor festival with warm days and cool nights. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and light layers. 

Where: Tucson, Arizona

When: Early November. In 2025 it will be held from October 31 – November 2, 2025.

Timings:

• Saturday hours are 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM;
• Sunday hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Ticket cost: A single-day admission at the gate for adults usually costs between $25 (Sunday) and $30 (Saturday). Full weekend passes are on sale for around $45–$60. The VIP packages (including tastings and valet) are generally priced at over $130.

Venue: Rillito Regional Park (4502 N. First Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718). This is an outdoor festival setting.

Transportation/How to get there: The closest airport is Tucson International Airport (TUS). It is most convenient to drive; the venue does offer a large, free parking lot.

Nearby lodging suggestions: There are hotels along the North Oracle Road corridor or near the I-10 freeway that offer easy access to Rillito Park (Mid-Range/Budget).

Approximate crowd size: The event weekend draws thousands of people and thus has a carnival-like atmosphere.