With a full lineup of live music, festivals, holiday celebrations, and more, this November is sure to be one to remember. Check out these top picks for some of the best November events in NoVA and DC.
November 1
Alexandria Fall-O-Ween
Continue Halloween festivities into November with kids’ and pets’ costume parades in Alexandria. Try pumpkin painting, make fall-inspired crafts, and visit the beer garden. John Carlyle Square: 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, free
November 1
Día de los Muertos
Bring friends and family to celebrate the Day of the Dead in DC with cultural dance performances, sugar skull decorating, and a lantern procession. You’ll find face painting, food vendors, and live music by La Unica. The Wharf: 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC, free
November 1–2
Purcellville Artisan Tour
This event features a variety of Purcellville artisans and agri-artists, including 868 Estate Vineyards, Purcellville Makersmiths, Eleven Eleven Brewing Company, Blooming Hill, and more. Attendees can enjoy demonstrations, tours, and pre-holiday sales. Locations vary in Purcellville, free
November 5–December 28
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical
A classic Christmas story of two veterans and a singing sister duo comes to life in this heartwarming performance. Enjoy the show over dinner while listening to hit songs including “Blue Skies” and “I Love a Piano.” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $92.55
November 5–6
Jim Brickman
Ring in the season with this solo instrumental performance of classic holiday selections. For more than three decades, Brickman has revolutionized instrumental music through his distinctive piano style. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $60
November 7–30
The Mini World: Small Works of Art
Curators Betsy Jones, Kellie Sansone, and Mallory Henig showcase artists’ small works of art (8-by-10 inches or smaller), including acrylic paintings and scale miniatures. The opening reception is November 7. Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free
November 7–9
Northern Virginia Christmas Market
Get your holiday shopping done at this market of more than 300 artisans from more than 30 states. Explore pottery, jewelry, photography, and fiber arts, as well as specialty food items. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly, $9, free for 12 and under
November 8
North Mississippi Allstars
Brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson lead this contemporary blues-rock band with bold and electrifying tunes. Dance along to the band’s latest release, Still Shakin,’ which celebrates the 25th anniversary of its debut album, Shake Hands with Shorty. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $60
November 8
FXBG Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival
For the ultimate pickle extravaganza, this festival presents inventive pickle and grilled cheese menus, plus unlimited samples of pickle-inspired drinks. Enjoy live music and more food at an after-party at J. Brian’s Tap Room. Fredericksburg Fairgrounds: 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg, $30, free for 12 and under
November 11
Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans
Honor the nation’s veterans with a floral tribute at Mount Vernon’s tomb, patriotic music, and a Q&A session with a fifer. The event is free for all active duty, former, or retired military personnel. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $15–$28, free for 5 and under
November 11
Rachel Grae
Soulful vocals and relatable lyrics are at the core of Rachel Grae’s pop presence. Sing along to the singer-songwriter’s discography, including the hit single “Raised by a Woman.” Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, starting at $20
November 11
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
This musical troupe of singers, dancers, and instrumentalists delivers a spectacular performance. With covers of popular hits by Guns N’ Roses and Chappell Roan and comforting holiday classics, Postmodern Jukebox has something for everyone. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $89.50
November 15–16
DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival
Taste handcrafted chocolates and sip coffees from around the world from more than 200 vendors at this sweet festival. Attend classes and presentations, visit the kids’ coffee filter craft table, and shop for teas, soaps, candles, and art. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly, $15–$30
November 15
Dusty Slay: The Night Shift Tour
As one of the youngest musicians to make a Grand Ole Opry debut, Dusty Slay combines blue-collar storytelling with country flair in his relatable comedy. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $54
November 20
Natalie Merchant
The former lead vocalist of 10,000 Maniacs will head to Wolf Trap for a one-night-only pop-folk performance, accompanied by guitarist Erik Della Penna. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $92
November 20–23
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth; Ferrández Plays Lutosławski
Edward Gardner, principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, leads a dramatic performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5.” Plus, Pablo Ferrández showcases his dynamic cello range with Witold Lutosławski’s “Cello Concerto.” The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $21.85
November 23
Alabama: Live in Concert
One of country music’s most successful bands, Alabama has sold more than 75 million albums and continues to share its iconic music with new and long-standing fans. EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax, starting at $46
November 29
Old Town Manassas Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
Peruse jewelry, crafts, clothing, and desserts at this exciting market. Bring kids and pets to play holiday games, listen to festive music, shop, and eat. Manassas Museum: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, free
November 30
Charles “Chip” Esten
Known for his country music storytelling and role in the Netflix series Outer Banks, this Alexandria native’s tour features songs from his newest album, Love Ain’t Pretty. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $59.50
Feature image of Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox courtesy the Birchmere
This story originally ran in our November issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
