From the hundreds of things to do on US Gulf Coast in November 2023 I narrowed my suggestions down to the following eight festivals and events. Cool, happy, and fun events that you expect to find on the Gulf Coast.
November on the US Gulf Coast means cooler weather, fairs, amazing weekend events, road trips to see family and friends for Thanksgiving celebrations, and preparing for the year-end holidays.
Enjoy Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in November.
Greater Gulf State Fair, Mobile AL, Oct 27 – Nov 5, 2023
The 69th Annual Great Gulf State Fair features the largest midway on the US Gulf Coast, along with a petting zoo, oodles of kids and family activities, Royal Hanneford Circus performances, Rosaire’s Royal Racers (pig races!), and so much more.
McCool Travel tip: buy tickets in advance to skip lines and save money!
Visit the fair website for information. Also see Things to Do in Mobile Alabama.
Hillsborough County Fair, Dover FL, Nov 2-12, 2023
ROOTED IN TRADITION is the theme of the 2023 Great Hillsborough County Fair in Dover, about 18 miles east of downtown Tampa.
Join in the 11 days of carnival rides and amusement games, demolition derby, fair rodeo, truck and tractor pull, and livestock show and sale in the new exhibition building.
Visit the fair website for information. Also see favorite Tampa Restaurants.
Festival of the Skeletons, Bradenton FL, Nov 3-4, 2023
Visit the Village of the Arts in Bradenton, Florida for the 19th annual Dia de los Muertos: Festival of the Skeletons. Visit dozens of shrines and altars in the village galleries, including the community shrine dedicated to Frida Kahlo.
Celebrate life with Mexican food and entertainment, join the costume contest, and remember lost loved ones at the memory wall
Visit the festival website for information. Also see nearby favorite Anna Maria Island Restaurants.
Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, Ocean Springs MS, Nov 4-5, 2023
US Gulf Coast’s largest arts festival celebrates the arts with over 400 booths in downtown Ocean Springs. The Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival is named after the late hometown master potter.
Visitors will enjoy, in addition to oil paintings, pottery, hand-made jewelry, digital portraits, American folk toys, metal works, and more art, a weekend of live music, coastal cuisine, and a beautiful November weekend surrounded by 300-year-old live oak trees.
Visit the festival website for information. Also see favorite Mississippi Gulf Coast Hotels.
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic, Siesta Key FL, Nov 10-13, 2023
This international sand sculpting festival on the award-winning white sands of Siesta Key features the world’s best sand artists plus amateurs and locals. Master sculptors create amazing sand masterpieces that transform beautiful Siesta Beach into an outdoor art gallery.
In addition to the competitions, other Siesta Key Crystal Classic events include sand sculpting lessons and demos, live music and entertainment, Quick Sand (a speed contest), nearly 100 vendors, and  the Barefoot Beach Bar Party Tent.
Visit the event website for information. Also see favorite Florida Gulf Coast Beaches.
Three Rivers Art Festival, Covington LA, Nov 11-12, 2023
Covington takes art seriously and its historic downtown is home to many art galleries representing the region’s best artists. Its Covington Three Rivers Art Festival is serious enough to carefully select and invite 200 artists to participate in the free event over several city blocks.
Participating artist mediums include ceramics, paintings, photography, fiber art, woodworking, metalwork, sculptures, jewelry, and more.
Visit the festival website for information. Also see favorite Louisiana Northshore activities.
Ranch Hand Weekend, Kingsville TX, Nov 17-18, 2023
The Ranch Hand Weekend festival honors Kingsville’s rich cultural heritage as a mainstay of the Texas ranching industry and features food, live music (including performances by Pam Tillis and The Frontmen), cooking demonstrations, art, storytelling, car show, two-step dancing, and more.
Get an early start on the holiday season at the Christmas tree lighting and carols on Friday night (November 17).
Visit the event website for information. Also see favorite Texas Gulf Coast Paddling Trails.
Beach Home for the Holidays, Panama City Beach FL, Nov 24-25, 2023
Kick off the Christmas season on Thanksgiving Friday and Saturday at Beach Home for the Holidays in PCB. The two-day event includes Christmas movies, Santa’s Village, the official Christmas tree lighting, concerts, and fireworks. All-vocal country entertainers Home Free performs Friday night. Do not miss it!
Visit the event website for information. Also see favorite Luxury Lodging in Panama City Beach.
Please let me know of other happy, fun, and cool things to do on US Gulf Coast in November. Or any month!
See also October events on US Gulf Coast and December Gulf Coast events.