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Global Calendar: The Top 5 Events In November
Rock out in Iceland, learn bonsai in New Zealand, or have a laugh in New York? This month’s round-up of global events offers a smorgasbord of fun from which to choose
Brisbane Night Feast
Brisbane, Australia
Until 9 November 2025
Great food meets cutting-edge art meets nightly live music – this festival of culture and cuisine is truly a feast for the senses.
[Brisbane Night Feast. Photos © Markus Ravik]
The event’s location in a decommissioned 1920s power station along the Brisbane River sets the vibey scene for what, coming into its fourth edition, has quickly become a fixture on the city’s spring calendar. A celebration of food, art and joie de vivre, Brisbane Night Feast brings together large-scale art installations, nightly live DJ sets and delectable dishes from 20 of the most sought-after restaurants in town. Think: LouisB, Southside, Wonderbao, Gelato Messina, Layla, Burn City Smokers and Lune. To up the ante, each restaurant has invented an exclusive new treat that will only be offered at the festival – and never again. Come for the food, stay for the culture, and enjoy the exclusivity: American Express card members can access their own dedicated Garden Lounge, a waterfront oasis in which to savour festival fare, tucked away from the crowds and served by a private bar.
Lewes Bonfire
Lewes, England
5 November 2025
If you’re in need of a reminder that tumultuous times are, well, timeless – despite how exceptional our own moment feels right now – this is it.
[Lewes Bonfire. Photos via Wikimedia Commons]
For centuries, Brits have been celebrating the quelling of Guy Fawkes and his 1605 plot to blow up the king and Parliament, but if anyone can “remember, remember, the Fifth of November” in an unforgettable way, it’s the people of Lewes. Here you’ll experience the country’s most elaborate Bonfire Night, complete with torch-bearing Bonfire Societies parading through the streets in traditional garb and burning unpopular historical personalities and political figures in effigy. Come and let your inner 17th-century revolutionary run free: don’t bring your own fireworks (or dogs or small children – it’s loud and smoky), but do wear old clothing made from natural fibres, and safely enjoy the wild night!
Iceland Airwaves
Reykjavik, Iceland
6-8 November 2025
What started more than 25 years ago as a party in an aeroplane hangar has become a staple for in-the-know music fans who value a more intimate, authentic festival experience.
[Iceland Airwaves. Photo at left © Julie van den Bergh, photo at right © Joana Fontinha]
Set during the atmospheric time of year when Iceland gets only a few hours of sunlight a day, this unique multi-genre festival is less about big-time headliners and more about discovering your next favourite band, all while taking in the side programme of art and industry events, too. For the 2025 edition, expect an epic line-up of activities and artists – we’re talking Kenya Grace, BabyMorocco, Fat Dog and other talented names rocking out a multitude of event spaces across central Reykjavik, each within easy walking distance of the other. Don’t miss the range of smaller and often free off-venue shows, where you can catch many of the same artists and chill with locals in a more laid-back setting.
Garden Marlborough
Blenheim, New Zealand
6-9 November 2025
If sunshine and spring blossoms are more your style, head south – way south – to the town of Blenheim on New Zealand’s South Island, where this annual event pays tribute to the region’s beautiful bounty.
[Garden Marlborough. Photos © Garden Marlborough]
Garden Marlborough invites everyone, from dedicated horticulturists to freshly flowering beginners, for an extended weekend of nature appreciation in its many varied forms. There will be garden tours galore, yes, but also local and international speakers, immersive experiences and exploratory cruises on the Queen Charlotte Sound, as well as hands-on workshops in a number of areas, including ceramics, bonsai, flax weaving, soil health and smartphone photography. This is a botanical bunch who knows how to let their hair down, so expect lively events like the magical Firelight Soirée at Auntsfield Estate and the STIHL Shop Garden Fete at Pollard Park, offering a chance to shop gardening vendors, try local eats and take in live entertainment.
New York Comedy Festival
7-16 November, 2025
New York City, New York, USA
Split your sides laughing hard and laughing long at this ten-day chuckle-fest in the Big Apple featuring the crème de la crème of comedy, including Margaret Cho, Pete Holmes, Stephen Colbert and Amy Sedaris, among many more.
[Photos © Getty Images]
Now in its 21st run, the festival will serve up more than 100 shows highlighting over 200 comedians across various comedy clubs and venues in New York City, from Carnegie Hall to Madison Square Garden, the Broadway Comedy Club and Beacon Theatre. On top of stand-up mainstays, there’ll be live tapings of podcasts (e.g. The Basement Yard) as well as TV reunions (e.g. Strangers with Candy) and the annual Stand Up for Heroes event held in honour of US veterans and service members – this year headlining such recognisable acts as Mike Birbiglia, Alex Edelman and Lea Michele. Whether you prefer blockbuster shows at iconic venues or more relaxed laughs at up-and-coming clubs, this festival promises a good time for everyone.
[Photo at top: Iceland Airwaves © ThoraOlafs]
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