10 Amazing Events Happening in November
November is an amazing time of year where every adventure activity is practically in reach. With varying weather forecasts spread throughout the country, warm weather adventures are not out of the question, but up north you can start thinking about some winter action as well. Whether it’s Adventure Racing through the hills of Georgia or bombing down the routes of your favorite ski routes opening this month, and with a festive Thanksgiving weekend to top it off, there is little to no reason not get out and play this November.
Bartram Wildwood Strong Adventure Race, Appling, Georgia – Nov. 7
As if you need another reason to go run around the wilderness, the Bartram Wildwood Strong Adventure Race offers a great opportunity to go explore the wild scenery of Appling, Georgia. Featuring lake canoeing, mountain biking and general orienteering, this 8-hour adventure race is perfect for seasoned athletes and newbies alike, and is a great representation of the fun to be had in adventure racing.
Banff Lake Louise Winterstart Festival, Banff National Park – Nov. 12 – Dec. 12
Deny it if you like, but winter is coming, and there is little better way to celebrate the approaching season than the month long activities that can be found at Banff National Park’s Winterstart Festival. Featuring fun events the entire month of November including Bon Appétit Banff (Nov. 12-22), Banff Christmas Market (Nov. 20-22), Lake Louise Alpine Ski World Cup (Nov. 28–29) and the Banff Craft Beer Festival (Nov. 27–28), there is no limit to the fun you can have this winter at Banff National Park.
Wild Sebastian 100 Trail Ultra Marathon, Sebastian, Florida – Nov. 15
Put your training to the test this winter with the Wild Sebastian 100 Trail Ultra Marathon. Forget the cold as you sweat your way through this 25-mile looped trail that wraps around the hard-packed and generally flat St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park. Just because this course is in Florida however, don’t be surprised to wind your way through longleaf pines that were once native to the area, adding to the scenery every mile of the course.
Breckenridge Ski Resort Opening Day, Breckenridge, Colorado – Nov. 15
It’s almost hard to believe, but it’s now that time of year where you can take your skis out of storage, apply some new wax and get those season passes early to save some dough. Throughout Colorado and the rest of the country, many ski resorts will open for the early season and let you get that downhill bliss you’ve been waiting for all summer long.
Portland Alpine Festival, Portland, Oregon – Nov. 17–22
A pure celebration of alpine recreation, held in a state notorious for outdoor fun, the Portland Alpine Festival is a great way to kick off another season of alpine exploration. Featuring clinics and comps, speakers and seminars and just some good old-fashioned fun times, if you are in the Oregon area, or if you need to travel, the Portland Alpine Festival is a surefire way to learn some new tricks, pick up some new gear and fuel up on excitement for your future alpine excursions.
Ozark Beerfest, Springfifeld, Missouri – Nov. 21
Mmm….Beer. While craft beer may not be synonymous with outdoor recreation, something about the malty hops and delicate taste of a finely tuned beer seems to coincide with the weather outside. And there’s no better backdrop that can enhance this taste than the colder months in the Ozarks. This year’s Ozark Beerfest features 25 breweries and almost as many restaurants, and if you ever need a break from the action, just step outside into the beautiful Ozark scenery to catch your breath.
Mustache Dache, Las Vegas, Nevada – Nov. 21
Touted as the world’s largest-sanctioned mustache-themed running event, the Mustache Dache (which travels throughout the country) is landing down in Las Vegas, Nevada with their facial hair featured event. Ladies don’t need to worry though, this event isn’t only open to those stylish gentlemen with lip warmers, and plenty of folks adorn the necessary props to blend in with the crowd. With proceeds going toward the battle against prostate cancer, this is one event that should get your whiskers growing.
Yellowstone Ski Festival, West Yellowstone NP, Montana – Nov. 24-29
Combining the athletic appeal of winter cross country skiing with the aesthetic imagery of West Yellowstone National Park is an easy way to make some memories that will last a lifetime. While the skiing is always good in the Yellowstone neighborhood, a good time to check out all the groomed action is during the annual Yellowstone Ski Festival. This 5-day event features group rides, clinics, demos, races and a few night-time activities to boot, making this one winter event everyone should check out.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City, New York – Nov. 26
Ah yes, nothing can be better after a full turkey meal than sitting back by the fire and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Except actually being there as the floats go by, that could be better; but either way this parade is much more than just a few thousand people lining the streets. It’s about tradition, about being around those people you love, and sure, maybe it’s a little bit about seeing Snoopy taking over the streets of New York.
YMCA Turkey Trot – Buffalo, New York – Nov. 27
The oldest Turkey Trot in the nation, and one of the oldest organized runs in general, the YMCA Turkey Trot in Buffalo, New York is entering its 120th year of existence. While the outfits may have changed a bit over the years, one thing remains the same: the need to burn some calories off after a heavy holiday meal. A great way to throw a little fitness in a fun-filled weekend, the Turkey Trot will have you feeling better about yourself and let you finish the month out by crossing a finish line.
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