9 best November food and drink events in Houston — from Butcher's Ball to Tokyo Night Festival

Fall festival season is in full swing, and, of course Houston hospitality professionals are participating in a number of fun events, many of which raise money for worthy causes.

From bar takeovers to sommelier competitions to Tokyo-inspired street festival, the next month offers plenty of food-focused opportunities to experience something different. Below are nine of our favorites:

Licorería Limantour Bar Takeover at Julep, November 1
Houston’s James Beard Award-winning cocktail bar will celebrate Dia de los Muertos by welcoming Licorería Limantour co-owner Benjamin Padrón and bar manager Eduardo Nava for a one night only takeover event. Recently named the No. 4 bar in the world by World’s Best Bars, Licorería Limantour is a Mexico City institution known for its lively atmosphere, efficient service, and creative cocktails. Expect the bar’s signature margarita al pastor, a riff on the taco al pastor, as well as other signature drinks, 6-10 pm.

Houston Whiskey Social at The Citadel, November 5
Attendees at this seventh annual event will have the opportunity to sample more than 300 whiskeys (and whiskys) from all over the world. Other attractions include food tastings and an outdoor cigar patio. Tickets, priced at $75 for general admission and $135 for VIP, are available online.

Oxtail Mash Up at Project Row Houses, November 6
Founded by chef Shakti Baum and Black Restaurant Week co-foundere Warren Luckett, this fourth annual event celebrates creativity in both food and drinks. A group of 17 chefs from Houston, New York, Philadelphia, and St. Croix will compete to make the tastiest oxtail dish, and five bartenders will present their most delicious cocktails. Chef competitors include: returning champion Reginald Scott, Ruben Vela (Lucille’s), Ryan Savoie (Saint Arnold), Shannen and Stacy Tune (Craft Burger), Joseph Boudreaux (Boo’s Burger), and Darius King (Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers).

In addition to eating and drinking, attendees will have the opportunity to sample different tequilas, experience the art at Project Row Houses, and listen to DJs spinning tunes. A percentage of proceeds benefits the Feed the Soul Foundation, which helps culinary businesses in marginalized communities. Tickets, $95 for general admission and $145 for VIP, are available online.

Urban Harvest Sunday Supper at The Grove, November 6
Five top Houston chefs — Ryan Williams (The Grove), Justin Basye (Goode Co.), Alyssa Dole (LuLoo’s Day & Night), Tony Luhrman (El Topo), and Chase Voelz (Bludorn) — will create a multi-course, family-style meal utilizing ingredients supplied by local farmers and ranchers. Proceeds benefit Urban Harvest’s programming, including community gardens, farmers markets, and youth education. Tickets start at $325 with sponsorship packages still available.

Vishwesh Bhatt Cookbook Release Party at Georgia James, November 8
Executive chef Greg Peters welcomes his mentor, James Beard Award winner Vishwesh Bath of Snackbar in Oxford, MS, for a five-course meal that utilizes recipes from Bhatt’s new cookbook I Am From Here: Stories and Recipes from a Southern Chef. The menu includes Punjabi-style fried catfish with sweet potato and peanut salad and braised pork shanks with stewed turnip greens and roots with mustard seeds. Tickets, $150, are available via Resy.

Iron Sommelier at the Post Oak Hotel, November 9
The popular wine competition is back for its first full scale in-person event since 2019. Twelve Houston sommeliers will present three wines on a theme to both attendees and a panel of expert judges, who rate the competitors on wine choice, presentation, creativity, and knowledge of their wine selections. Participants include: Zachary Newman, Bludorn; Andrés Blanco, Le Jardinier; Trevor Wiedeman, MAD; Adele Corrigan Wade, 13 Celsius; and Kelly Voelkel – Vinology and Bombetta. The event raises money for The Periwinkle Foundation, which develops programs for children, young adults, and families who are being treated for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses at Texas Children’s Hospital. Tickets start at $250; underwriter and sponsorship packages are also available.

Tokyo Night Festival at at Texas Festival Grounds, November 11-12
The two-day event celebrates Japanese street food and culture. More than 30 food vendors are participating, including: Shun Japanese Kitchen, Hako Bento Box Company, Burger Chan, Click Virtual Food Hall, Crawfish and Noodles, Ramen Tatsuya, and Dumpling Haus. Performers include Japanese hip-hop artist, Zeebra, Nisei Japanese hip-hop artist G Yamazawa, Kaminari Taiko Houston, and j-rock artist Melancholiaah! Tickets are priced at $20 per day or attend both days for $35.

Butcher’s Ball at Rockin’ Star Ranch (Brenham), November 13
At this fifth annual event, attendees can wander the festival grounds eating and drinking while also attending cooking and butchery demonstrations and panel discussions about agricultural issues. Some of the Houston chefs competing for the coveted Golden Cleaver include: Alex Au-Yeung (Phat Eatery), Victoria Elizondo (Cochinita & Co.), Tony Luhrman (El Topo), Joseph Quellar (JQ’s Tex-Mex BBQ), and Austin Waiter (Marigold Room), and Ryan Hildebrand (Hildee’s), Ryan Lachaine (Riel), Performers include Garrett T. Capps, Disko Cowboy, Sheverb, The Jerrells, and DJ Mexican Blackbird. Tickets, $175, are available online. Add a roundtrip bus ride for $50.

Houston BBQ Throwdown at Saint Arnold, November 20
Once again, a group of top Houston barbecue joints will compete to produce the dish that best represents what it means to serve “Houston barbecue.” A panel of barbecue experts will pick their favorite, and attendees will vote for People’s Choice. Participants include: Brett's BBQ Shop, Dozier's BBQ, Harlem Road Texas BBQ, JQ's Tex Mex BBQ, Roegels Barbecue Co, Tejas Chocolate + BBQ, and The Pit Room. Tickets are priced at $75 for general admission (VIP is sold out).