We’re right in the middle of the heavy holiday season. We’re talking back-to-back festivities, people! You get to eat and bask in the company of your loved ones—what’s not to like? If you’re looking for something fun to do with old friends or far-away relatives, you’re in luck: November is filled with a variety of conventions and festivals. Take a look and see which ones catch your eye!

NOVEMBER 10-12

Cure-a-thon: Battle Creek, MI

What’s more accomplished than well-executed multi-tasking?  At this sci-fi/fantasy convention you can have that accomplished feeling. Come have fun gaming, all while raising funds for the American Cancer Society.

The Chocolate Expo: Edison, NJ

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! Chocolate everything. Pure chocolate. Flavored chocolate. Chocolate-covered everything. The best part, in my opinion: chocolate fondue. 

Envision Tucson Sustainable Festival: Tucson, AZ

Find like-minded individuals sharing solutions for sustainable living. Topics include green transportation, local food, gardening, and zero waste.

Goodguys Autumn Get-Together: Pleasanton, CA

A gathering for automotive geeks. Take a ride or admire American-made vehicles. View the variety of slim, sleek, quirky models.

New Orleans Book Festival: New Orleans, LA

Attend this family-friendly event for bookworms of all ages. Panels and presentations by nationally renowned artists and special appearances from literary characters are on the activities list. There’ll even be a fireworks show to follow!

Orlando Urban Film Festival: Orlando, FL

An immersive experience for visionaries held at the theaters on the iconic Citywalk Universal Studios. The festival highlights underserved creatives and helps provide them with exposure to new audiences and industry insiders.

Richmond Cider Celebration: Richmond, VA

Cider time! Sip some sizzly cider while hunkering down to watch some live performances this fall season. Stick with good ol’-fashioned traditional cider, or explore some more experimental flavors!

NOVEMBER 17-19

DHHSC Valley Deaf Festival: Fresno, CA

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center is hosting this event for the public to understand more about perspective, accommodations, and support of their community. Food, informational booths, and entertainment will be available.

Equus Film Festival: New York, NY

Films at this equestrian-themed festival focus on the beauty and abilities of horses. If this randomly specific theme fits your interests, here’s your time to shine!

Retro Game Con: Syracuse, NY

This convention includes games from different eras. Are you more into modern video games or arcade games? Good news: you don’t have to choose! Play them all at this gaming-focused con.

Sabakon: Las Vegas, NV

Are you a fan of Japanese animation? Celebrate your passion at this Las Vegas convention, where exclusive screenings and voice actor meetings are scheduled alongside lives performances.

Vulture Festival: Los Angeles, CA

A star-studded film showcase for the weekend that’ll keep you buzzing all festival long. Kerry Washington, Robert Pattinson, Common, and Lena Dunham are just a few of the A-listers who will be in attendance.

Lighting of Atlantic Station: Atlanta, GA

We mentioned that the holiday season has begun, right? If you’re in the South, jump into the holidays by coming to the annual lighting of Atlantic Station. Dust off your festive arts-and-crafts supplies and review your carols!

NOVEMBER 24-26

96X Winter Meltdown: Norfolk, VA

Hosted by an independent station, this festival is all about rock ‘n’ roll. (Pop rock and progressive rock are included.) Shake off the post-Thanksgiving blues by rocking out to some actual blues!

Chicago Pop Culture Con: St. Charles, IL

Get your hands on memorabilia for the ages: from TV to sports to vintage music, this multi-genre convention is sure to help you get your fix. Explore games, sports card, Legos, and more!

Desert Botanical Garden Las Noches de Las Luminarias: Phoenix, AZ

Embrace the aura of Arizona’s flora during the lantern-lit night. The handmade paper lanterns grace the garden’s pathways, bringing with them a downright fairytale-esque vibe. You can drink hot cocoa and cider throughout the chilly night.

The Fairmont Christmas Lighting: Washington, DC

Talk about “go big or go home”: if you want to attend some classic Christmas tree lighting festivities, you can’t get much bigger or bolder than this event in the middle of our nation’s capital. Bring the entire family to kick off the holiday season.

Rockets over the Red Fireworks Festival: Shreveport, LA

Love lights and sparkles? Make sure to pencil this firework show into your calendar. It’s never too cold for beautiful, fiery lights.

Saco Museum Festival of Trees: Saco, ME

The Saco Museum works with the Dryer Library to create a family-friendly event. There will be plenty of trees to view on display. Take time to see all the different tree-trimming styles!