25+ things to do in Louisville this November
From performances by some of comedy's top female comics to the Fall Meet at Churchill Downs and one of Broadway's most popular musicals, here’s what you can’t miss this November in Bourbon City.
Many horses use the Fall Meet at Churchill Downs as a launch pad for next year’s Triple Crown season. | Photo provided
Louisville in November is the perfect blend of late-autumn charm and early holiday spirit — from Bernheim Forest’s ColorFest to the Fête de Noël Winter Holiday Festival. And in addition to all the festivities and touring shows, November is prime bourbon season. Many distilleries release limited-edition bottles just in time for the holidays.
Located ~25 miles south of Louisville, Bernheim Forest has over 8,000 documented trees, making a perfect backdrop for ColorFest. | Photo by Steve Grider
🗓️ November 1-November 8
Fall Meet at Churchill Downs | Wednesday, Oct. 28-Nov. 29
Watch live racing amid the crisp autumn backdrop during the 24-day fall meet — where you just might see next year’s Derby & Oaks contenders on the track. Races start at 1 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and include special events, like the Breeders' Cup Watch Party, Military Appreciation Day, Senior Day, and live racing on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
MISERY | Tuesday - Sunday, through Nov. 8
When a famous novelist crashes his car during a snowstorm, he’s “rescued” by his self-proclaimed number-one fan. But admiration turns terrifying as he realizes he’s trapped in her remote home with no escape at this gripping, suspenseful thriller held at Derby Dinner Playhouse.
Dia de los Muertos| Saturday, Nov. 1 & Sunday, Nov. 2
Honor beloved pets and zoo animals at the Louisville Zoo with a special ofrenda celebrating Día de los Muertos, the traditional observance in Mexico and other cultures that honors loved ones who have died.
Game Con Junction | Friday, Nov. 6 - Sunday Nov. 8
Game Con Junction is Louisville's dedicated tabletop gaming convention committed to growing inclusive, community-driven gaming experiences. Whether you love immersive roleplaying, competitive tabletop strategy, or just want to discover your next favorite game, GCJ has something for you.
Throo the Boo 3K Run/Walk | Saturday, Nov. 7
It’s all treats during this 3K run/walk. The course goes “throo” the Boo at the Zoo route decorated for Halloween. Participants receive a T-shirt, medal, post-race refreshments, and a free ticket to the zoo.
ColorFest | Saturday, Nov. 7 & Sunday, Nov. 8
With Louisville’s famous fall foliage peaking late October and early November, Bernheim Forest’s 30th annual ColorFest is the perfect opportunity to see the picturesque landscape bursting with autumn hues. Plus, this outdoor festival offers hours of family fun with giant slides, a mud pie kitchen, pumpkin rolling, and live music. Tickets are $30/car.
Louisville Black Chef Showcase | Sunday, Nov. 8
Sample and vote on your favorite dishes from chefs, caterers, and food entrepreneurs at this foodie event held at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in West Louisville.
The North American Championship Rodeo is part of the annual North American International Livestock Exposition at Freedom Hall. | Photo provided
🗓️ November 9-November 15
Festival of Faiths | Wednesday, Nov. 11-Friday, Nov. 13
Lean into the concept of radical inclusion during this nationally acclaimed spiritual festival, now in its 30th year. Workshops and talks will take place at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. Pro tip: Check into The Galt House for discounted room rates.
North American Championship Rodeo | Thursday, Nov. 12-Saturday, Nov. 14
This high-energy lineup of events held at Freedom Hall includes bull riding, team roping, women's barrel racing, rodeo clowns, and more as a part of the North American International Livestock Exposition.
PNC Broadway Presents: Disney's The Lion King | Thursday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Nov. 29
The entire Serengeti comes to life at the Kentucky Center's Whitney Hall for awe-inspiring visual artistry, unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway.
Festival of Trees & Lights | Friday, Nov. 13-Sunday, Nov. 15
Celebrating 37 years, this indoor winter wonderland at Louisville Slugger Field will display hundreds of decorated trees and wreaths. Plus, snap a photo with Santa, enjoy train rides, and Elf and Hanukkah activities.
Lights Under Louisville | Friday, Nov. 13-Saturday, Jan. 2
Find seven million points of light, over 900 holiday light displays, a laser light show, and more at the Louisville Mega Cavern during its annual holiday tradition. Taking place fully underground, the self-driving experience lasts about 30 minutes and turns a previous bomb shelter into a winter wonderland.
NuLu Jingle Fest | Saturday, Nov. 14
Take a sleigh ride together to the trendy East Market District for a street festival filled with festive programming, like live holiday music, a photo booth, face painting, petting zoo, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and more.
STOMP | Sunday, Nov. 15
Celebrating 30 years and taking place at the Brown Theatre, STOMP's eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.
AJ McLean: The Better Man Tour | Sunday, Nov. 15
In contrast to the massive, highly produced stadium shows of the Backstreet Boys, this tour features a full live band and highlights music from his deeply personal solo album, My Name Is Alexander James, which explores themes of healing, growth, gratitude, and sobriety.
Cross names off your shopping list at German American Club's annual Christkindlemarkt. | Photo by German American Club
🗓️ November 16-November 22
Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour | Monday, Nov. 16
Known for their signature harmonies and a cappella expertise, this five-member ensemble is coming to the KFC Yum! Center and will have you in the holiday spirit as they sing festive songs.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day Party | Thursday, Nov. 19
NuLu neighborhood wine bar Nouvelle Bar & Bottle will celebrate the French Beaujolais Nouveau Day locally with a lineup of all10 crus of Beaujolais, the highest quality wines from the best sites and vineyards in the region, paired with the classic French cassoulet dish.
Leanne Morgan: The Time Of Our Lives Tour | Friday, Nov. 20
Leanne Morgan is bringing her signature Southern sass to the KFC Yum! Center for her highly anticipated comedy tour. Leanne makes child-rearing, a long marriage and midlife crises cheerful comedy that makes you feel good about yourself.
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes | Friday, Nov. 20 & Saturday, Nov. 21
Known for her viral comedy routines and characters, and a stint on MADtv as Bon Qui Qui, comedian Anjelah Johnson-Reyes will bring her 'Greatest Hits & New Bits' tour to downtown's Louisville Comedy Club.
Brandi Carlile | Saturday, Nov. 21 & Sunday, Nov. 22
For two nights at the Louisville Palace Theater, the American singer-songwriter will showcase her powerful, soaring vocals and her distinctive blend of Americana, folk rock, alternative country, and rock.
Christkindlmarkt | Saturday, Nov. 21 | FREE
German American Club will open its doors to the public for a German-style Christmas market featuring local vendors and German food, beer, and gluhwein.
Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom | Saturday, Nov. 21 & Sunday, Nov. 22, Friday-Sunday Nov. 27 to Dec. 23, Saturday, Dec. 26 - Saturday, Jan. 2.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season among dazzling displays of over 1.5 million lights, over 300 Christmas trees and holiday decor as far as the eye can see. Take your experience to new heights on the largest snow tubing hill in Kentucky, racing down a 175-foot-long hill covered in real snow.
Jodeci | Sunday, Nov. 22
The "Bad Boys of R&B" and one of the most influential R&B groups of the 1990s will bring their signature hip-hop, soul, and gospel-trained vocals to the historic Louisville Palace.
Fête de Noël, meaning "Festival of Christmas," runs for six festive weeks in Paristown. | Photo by Steve Grider
🗓️ November 23-November 30
PNC Broadway Presents: Disney's The Lion King | Thursday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Nov. 29
The entire Serengeti comes to life at the Kentucky Center's Whitney Hall for awe-inspiring visual artistry, unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway.
Fête de Noël Winter Holiday Festival | Friday, Nov. 27-Sunday, Jan. 3 | FREE
This holiday destination features Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice-skating rink — plus, a holiday market, photos with Santa, trackless train rides, and special performances, like Drag Queens on Ice.
Jim James (Solo Acoustic): Wowed Out Tour | Saturday, Nov. 28
The Louisville-born musician and My Morning Jacket front man will showcase his ancillary catalog of his own music, including the soon-to-be-released Wowed Out. His fourth solo studio LP of original songs, the visionary album sees him transforming a vast archive of music into a luminous, immersive new work of soulful psychedelia.
A Christmas Carol | Saturday, Nov. 28 - Sunday, Dec. 20
A timeless Louisville holiday tradition, Ebenezer Scrooge, tiny Tim, enchanting ghosts, and a whole cast of jolly characters will return to Actors Theatre this holiday season.
Looking for more to do in Bourbon City? Check out our events calendar and subscribe to our newsletters to get updates on news and events — and don’t miss these discounts on hotels and local attractions.
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