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Thanksgiving Events in Akron 2026

Celebrate Thanksgiving 2026 in Akron with festive dinners, brunches, buffets, Turkey Trots, parades, family-friendly activities, Friendsgiving parties, holiday markets, volunteer opportunities, food drives, cruises, and seasonal events. Whether you're planning a traditional Thanksgiving feast or looking for unique things to do, discover the best Thanksgiving events happening in Akron.

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You’re warmly invited

to

ThanksgivingDinner

Date
Thursday, November 26
Time
4:00 PM

“Come hungry and bring your stories. There’s always room at our table.”

With love,Your name

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Curated by the AllEvents team, for you

Top Thanksgiving events in Akron

All Thanksgiving events in Akron 2026

Wed, Nov 11Kisling, Nestico & Redick, LLC, Copley

2026 KNR Coats & Cans for Kids Turkey Giveaway

It's time for our 2026 KNR Coats & Cans for Kids Turkey Giveaway! The giveaway will take place at our Akron office on WEDNESDAY, November 11th from 11:00 a.m. until supplies run out! Join us as we give away your choice of FREE TURKEYS AND HAMS! To p

11:00 AM

VolunteerFamily friendly

Thu, Nov 1210260 Ravenna Rd, Twinsburg

Cookie Decorating by Cody's Sugar Shop - Thanksgiving Theme

NEW cookie decorating class is all about fun, creativity, and letting your imagination run wild! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this hands-on class focuses on playful designs, bright colors, and stress-free techniques that make decorating

6:00 PM

Fri, Nov 13Heinen's Grocery Store, Strongsville

Thanksgiving Wine Showcase

Explore 12 wines paired with Thanksgiving favorites, from brunch mimosas to holiday pies, at this $30 tasting at Heinen’s Strongsville. Trust Heinen’s to help you discover the perfect wine pairings for your

4:30 PM

$30Dinner & brunch

Fri, Nov 13Bella Moxie Company, Medina

Favorite Things Friendsgiving at Bella Moxie II Collective

Not your traditional Friendsgiving! It's a celebration of the things we love to create, the joy of giving, and the beauty of sharing. Join us in the Studio at Bella Moxie II Collective for a heartwarming Fr

5:30 PM

$28.52 – $49.87Friendsgiving

Fri, Nov 13DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown

Thanks + Giving = Hope Gala

📆Friday, November 13, 2026 🕰️6:00 PM 📍DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown The 17th Annual Thanks + Giving = Hope Gala returns this November presented by Walsh University! Last year's event sold out. Reserve your seat today! Brought to you by our incr

6:00 PM

Fri, Nov 133155 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Shaker Heights

Friday the 13th Skate!

Something spooky has escaped the Thanksgiving table… and apparently it knows how to SKATE! 😂🛼 Join us for Friday the 13th: Turkey Terror — a fun, creepy twist on Thanksgiving at ZWG! 📅 Friday, November 13 ⏰ 6:00 PM–8:30 PM 🎟️ Admission: $9 🛼 Skate Renta

6:00 PM

Nov 14–15Lorain County Community College, Elyria2 days

12th Annual Give Thanks Craft & Vendor Show

Join us for two days of shopping for all those holiday and unique handmade items. Free Admission. We are so excited to be back at Lorain Community College for our 12th Annual Give Thanks Craft & Vendor

9:00 AM

Free

Sat, Nov 14University Of Akron Field Station

Autumn Sanctuary: Nature Wellbeing Retreat

A One-Day Wellbeing Retreat with Nature: Pause. Breathe. Reconnect. Step into the season ahead with intention. Autumn Sanctuary: A One-Day Wellbeing Retreat with Nature Pau

9:00 AM

$55.20

Sat, Nov 1410084 Ravenna Rd, Twinsburg

2026 Twinsburg Turkey Trot Fun Run and 5k

Learn more and register at TwinsburgRecreation.com. 1-mile Fun Run: $15/runner starts at 9:30am 5k: $30/runner starts at 10am Prices $20/$35 at the door Registration Registration will begin at 9am for 5k Race on gym court 3 in the Twinsburg Fitness Cent

9:30 AM

Turkey trot

Sat, Nov 14306 Main St W, Louisville

TRIAD 3rd Annual Deafsgiving

Join TRIAD Deaf Services for our 3rd Annual Deafsgiving! This is a fun community gathering where everyone can enjoy good food, connect with friends, meet new people, and celebrate our Deaf community. TRIAD will provide turkey and ham, and everyone is

12:00 PM

Sat, Nov 14655 E Waterloo Rd

Thanksgiving Concert

Join us on Saturday, November the 14th at 6 PM, for our 10th annual multi-cultural Thanksgiving concert. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served following the concert. #thanksgivingconcert #akron #concert

6:00 PM

Live music

Thanksgiving table decor and hosting essentials

From the thermometer that saves the turkey to the tablecloth, the kids’ table and a hat for the Turkey Trot. Check delivery dates before you order.

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Thanksgiving events near Akron

Turkey trots, dinners and parades in the towns nearby

Since 1621

The history of Thanksgiving

It began with a harvest. In the autumn of 1621, the Plymouth colonists and their Wampanoag neighbours shared three days of food in a good year. Nobody called it Thanksgiving then. It took two more centuries, a determined editor and a president in the middle of a war to turn it into the day we know: a Thursday in November for family, food and being grateful.

Most of what fills the day now came later. The parade, the football, the morning Turkey Trot and the long table of sides were added by one generation after another, which is why every family’s Thanksgiving looks a little different.

  1. 1621After their first harvest, the Plymouth colonists hold three days of feasting. Massasoit arrives with about 90 Wampanoag men, who bring five deer.
  2. 1789George Washington proclaims the first national day of thanksgiving, for Thursday, 26 November.
  3. 1846–63Sarah Josepha Hale, the magazine editor who wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, writes to five presidents asking for one national day.
  4. 1863In the middle of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln makes the last Thursday of November a national Thanksgiving. It has been kept every year since.
  5. 1896Buffalo runs its first YMCA Turkey Trot, now the oldest footrace held every year in North America — a year older than the Boston Marathon.
  6. 1924Macy’s holds its first parade in New York, with animals from the Central Park Zoo. The giant balloons arrive in 1927.
  7. 1934The Detroit Lions play on Thanksgiving for the first time, and football becomes part of the afternoon.
  8. 1939–41Franklin Roosevelt moves the day a week earlier to lengthen the shopping season. People call it “Franksgiving”, so Congress fixes it for good: the fourth Thursday of November.
  9. 1957Canada settles on the second Monday of October for its own Thanksgiving, which goes back to 1578.
  10. 1989George H. W. Bush gives the first formal presidential turkey pardon, now a White House tradition.

Thanksgiving in Akron: frequently asked questions

When are Thanksgiving events in Akron in 2026?

Thanksgiving events in Akron run from Nov 11 to Nov 29, 2026: 100 events.

What is on in Akron on Thanksgiving Day?

12 events are listed for Thursday, November 26, including Turkey Trot at Green Memorial Stadium, CF330 Turkey Trot and 30th Annual Perry Township Rotary Turkey Trot at Central Catholic High School.

Where can I have Thanksgiving dinner in Akron?

12 dinners, brunches and buffets are listed, including Thanksgiving Wine Showcase at Heinen's Grocery Store, Friendsgiving Brunch and Fall Harvest Cookie Decorating Workshop at Bella Moxie II Collective. Tables go early for the holiday, so book ahead where you can.

Are there turkey trots in Akron?

Yes: The Franksgiving Day 5K / Red Hot Tot Trot (Sat, Nov 14), 2026 Twinsburg Turkey Trot Fun Run and 5k (Sat, Nov 14) and Turkey Trot at Green Memorial Stadium (Thu, Nov 26).

Where can I volunteer this Thanksgiving in Akron?

LCAC Thanksgiving Food Drive - Sorting at Lakewood Masonic Temple, LCAC Thanksgiving Food Drive - Bagging Food and Delivering at Lakewood Masonic Temple and Cranksgiving Cleveland are looking for helping hands.

Are there free Thanksgiving events in Akron?

Yes: 9 of the 100 listed are free, including 12th Annual Give Thanks Craft & Vendor Show at Lorain County Community College, NEO NSBE Pro Friendsgiving at Beachwood Branch and BOOZY BINGO (FRIENDSGIVING) at The Winchester. Tickets for the rest run from $7.18 to $161.90.

What are the best Thanksgiving events in Akron?

The most popular on AllEvents right now are Cleveland Turkey Trot at Cleveland Public Hall (Thu, Nov 26), Thanksgiving Buffet at Wagner's of Westlake (Thu, Nov 26) and 30th Annual Perry Township Rotary Turkey Trot at Central Catholic High School (Thu, Nov 26).

Are there Thanksgiving events near Akron?

Yes: 4 more events are listed within reach, in New Cumberland, Columbiana, Painesville and Mentor.

When is Thanksgiving 2026?

In the United States, Thursday, November 26, 2026 — always the fourth Thursday of November. Canada celebrates earlier, on Monday, October 12, the second Monday of October.

What is Friendsgiving?

A Thanksgiving meal shared with friends rather than family, usually on a day near the holiday. Many restaurants and bars host Friendsgiving dinners and parties, so you can skip the cooking.

Do I need to book Thanksgiving dinner in advance?

Yes, as early as you can. Restaurants serving a Thanksgiving menu often fill up a week or more ahead, and many offer a set menu at fixed seatings on the day.