Blink twice, and it’s already November! We’re in the home stretch of 2024, and this month in Houston is special! We have more fall fun, spectacular performances, festivals, and Thanksgiving to look forward to. So, how can you make the most of this month? Let’s check it out 🦃
Enjoy Some Festival Fun
Did you know Houston is home to the largest and oldest festival of Islamic Arts in the country? If not, you need to check out the 11th Annual Islamic Arts Festival at University of Houston, featuring more than 5,000 pieces of art and more than 50 artists. For the foodies, mark your calendar for the Jollof Festival on Nov. 16, which will celebrate the beloved West African dish made with tomatoes, rice, spices, vegetables, and other ingredients. There’s still time to venture to The Texas Renaissance Festival this month, and if you make the trip you can participate in a pirate costume contest, a weekend for superheroes and villains, and an early Christmas celebration. Finally, if you’re looking to spice up your Thanksgiving weekend, indulge in the Houston Margarita Festival on Nov. 30.
Shop and Entertain Yourself
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market on Nov. 14 - 17, where you can shop til you drop from hundreds of merchants. Houston Grand Opera’s newest season has kicked off with Il Trovatore, which tells the story of a a family coming to grips with a secret history. I’m also excited to see HGO’s version of Cinderella, a twist on the classic fairytale. Houston Botanic Garden’s holiday installation, “Radiant Nature,” opens on Nov. 8. The breathtaking exhibit is inspired by the Lunar New Year and features over 50 Chinese lantern installations. Country music queen Kacey Musgraves will roll into Houston on Nov. 21 and perform at Toyota Center. Meanwhile, Usher has three shows in Houston starting Nov. 27. Spoiler: I’m obsessed with both of them!
Celebrate Thanksgiving
There’s no better H-town way to ring in Thanksgiving than at the 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Houston, where you can gather with your whole family and admire colorful floats, marching band musicians, and see other entertainment. You can also spend the holiday volunteering with Operation Turkey, where you’ll help serve care packages, warm meals, and clothing donations on Thanksgiving Day. Participate in the Houston Turkey Trot with Saint Arnold Brewing, where you can do a 5K or 10K run, or a 1 mile walk. Looking for something to do after Thanksgiving? Try out different beers from local breweries at this holiday brews event at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens on Nov. 30.
