Nov 26–2710:00 PM
352 Reunion x DrunkGiving THANKSGIVING NIGHT
SIMONS
Thanksgiving Events in Alachua 2026
Celebrate Thanksgiving 2026 in Alachua 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 Alachua.
Listings updated
Curated by the AllEvents team, for you
Top Thanksgiving events in Alachua
All Thanksgiving events in Alachua 2026
On nowNov 12–13Aaron’s Rent To Own 2145 NW 11th Dr Chiefland, FL 326262 days
🥩 $1,000 Meat Giveaway + Veterans Day Deals in CHIEFLAND🇺🇸
Backyard Butchers are HERE in CHIEFLAND this weekend ONLY, and we're kicking off the holiday season with a $1,000 MEAT GIVEAWAY! 🥩🎉 🇺🇸 VETERANS DAY SPECIAL: 10% OFF for all veterans, military members & their families! Thank you for your service. 🇺🇸
Sat, Nov 14Florida Room, Gainesville
Friendsgiving | Cozy Socks & Connections Gainesville
Gainesville — Cozy Socks & Connections Women’s Brunch Tickets Required: Join us at The Florida Room in downtown Gainesville for a relaxed brunch and a chance to connect
Dinner & brunchFriendsgiving
Sun, Nov 154393 US Hwy 27, Branford
Friendsgiving Sunday
Friendsgiving Sunday is coming! ❤️ On Sunday, November 15, we're gathering around one simple idea: "Even If — Thankful Anyway." Whatever this year has held, we still have reason to give thanks. 🙏 Bible class at 10, worship at 11, and a meal together af
Friendsgiving
Tue, Nov 174981 NW 177th Place, Reddick
TURKEY TROT & CRAFTS DAY!!
🦃🍂 TURKEY TROT & CRAFTS DAY! 🎨🌾 Join Cypress Valley Farm for a fun-filled fall day on the farm! Bring the kids, invite your friends, and enjoy Thanksgiving fun, creativity, and farm adventures. 📅 Tuesday, November 17, 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM–1:00 PM 🎟️ $25
Turkey trotFamily friendly
Tue, Nov 17High Springs Civic Center 19107 NW 240th St High Springs, Fl
Annual Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Holiday Banquet
Please join us for our Free Annual Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Holiday Banquet. This is a free event for all area seniors who are able to make it. You do not have to live in high springs. Tuesday November 17th, 2026 starting at 12 noon at the High Spring
Wed, Nov 183530 NW 8th Ave., Gainesville
Thanksgiving Potluck
You're invited to gather with us to thank the Lord for all He has done! You can sign up to bring something here:
Thu, Nov 192002 NW 36th Ave, Gainesville
F4GK Homeschool Meetup Thanksgiving
Join Fun 4 Gator Kids for a Homeschool Meetup. We have some fun Thanksgiving themes planned! We will meet on Thursday, November 19th 10am-noon at Kiwanis Challenge Park. Plus FREE face painting from Monica's Creative Corner! This is a FREE event. All ages
Family friendly
Thu, Nov 1914370 Kennard Street, Waldo
FBC Waldo Senior Adult Thanksgiving Banquet
You're invited to our annual Senior Adult Thanksgiving Banquet! Come and enjoy a meal & fellowship with us 🍂
Fri, Nov 205201 NW 34th Blvd Gainesville
Harvest Market & Thanksgiving Together
Just a reminder that I am the only host/coordinator of the Event , no one else!!!. We are still accepting vendors, Registration forms are sent from me,Do NOT correspond with anyone else as they are a fraud!! I am trying to run a legit craft fair to ben
Market
Sat, Nov 21Fresh Pick’n, Trenton
Gilchrist County Farm Bureau 3rd Annual Farm-City Week Event
Farm-City Week is celebrated the week leading up to Thanksgiving: Nov. 18-25, 2026. This week is used to celebrate and recognize the beneficial partnerships between rural and urban communities that make our food supply safe and plentiful. To celebrate Fa
Sat, Nov 21124 South Lawrence Blvd., Keystone Heights
November Family Paint Night!
🦃 Family Paint Night: Thanksgiving with Snoopy Make this Thanksgiving break one to remember with a fun Family Paint Night at The Dirty Palette! We’ll be painting this adorable Thanksgiving-inspired canvas featuring Snoopy, Woodstock, and a colorful turkey
Family friendly
Sun, Nov 22Lois Forte Park, Newberry
Thanksgiving In The Park
You are invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with our town, Sunday, Nov. 22nd at 11am. This worship service and a free meal is our gift to you. We’re so excited to celebrate with you and your family at Thanksgiving In the Park. See you there! We will also b
Live music
Sun, Nov 22Brooker Baptist Church
Thanksgiving Service with the Lord's Supper
Join us at Brooker Baptist Church for a special 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱’𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿 on Sunday, November 22, at 11:00 AM! As we gather to give thanks for God's many blessings, we'll worship together as a church family and remember His greatest gif
Family friendly
Sun, Nov 227790 SR 100, Keystone Heights
RagTag Thanksgiving
This event is for anyone and everyone who is looking to celebrate and give thanks with a group of people who might not have it all together, have more questions than answers, are wobbly and weak-kneed scalawags, but also know there are many reasons to giv
Sun, Nov 221739 SW 248th Dr. Suite 20, Newberry
Turkeys & Trucks 2026
Big trucks. Full tables. A community that shows up. 🦃🚜 Join us for Turkeys & Trucks at CountryWay Town Square in Newberry! Bring the family for an afternoon of trucks, tractors, equipment, and free photo opportunities while helping local families thi
VolunteerFamily friendly
Nov 23–25333 SW 140th Terr, Newberry3 days
Camp Sunny Thanksgiving Camp | Sun Country Sports
Looking for something fun for the kids during Thanksgiving break? Camp Sunny Thanksgiving Camp is the perfect way for preschool and elementary-age kids to stay active, make friends, and enjoy exciting adventures while school is out! Our experienced camp
Family friendly
Nov 23–27475 SW 3rd Street, Lake Butler5 days
Thanksgiving Break
There will be No School Monday, November 23, through Friday, November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. We hope you all have a blessed holiday!
Nov 23–25Wellspring Church, Lake City3 days
Thanksgiving Mini Music Camp
**Exciting Music News for Lake City Homeschoolers! �** Something special is coming! A brand-new homeschool choir is launching in January 2027 (stay tuned for full details this November). In the meantime, I can’t wait to jump back into the joy of making
Nov 23–25Worthington Springs, Florida3 days
Fall Cheer Clinic
Sign up your future cheerleader now for a fun filled thanksgiving break! All details shown on my personal page! 🧡🦃
Tue, Nov 24Gateway Art Gallery, Lake City
Clay Pumpkins
Get in the Thanksgiving mood with this ceramic pumpkin class! Create a timeless artwork that can be part of your fall decorations for years to come! This class involves the full sculpting process of your ceramic pumpkin. After the class ends your piece
Tue, Nov 24Bell Community Center
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
We would like to personally invite you to a community wide Thanksgiving Dinner at the Bell Community Center! Grab your friends and family and come join us as we celebrate the season of thankfulness!
Dinner & brunch
Tue, Nov 248146 NW 52nd St, Gainesville
Ladies Book Club
Come join us on Tuesday, November 24 at 7pm for our monthly book discussion. Please note that this is a change from our usual 4th Wednesday due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Our book selection for this month is "The Faculty Lounge" by Jennifer Mathieu.
Thu, Nov 265109 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville
OPEN THANKSGIVING DAY & NIGHT!!
OPEN THANKSGIVING DAY & NIGHT!! DON'T COOK!! SKIP THE DISHES!! COME EAT WITH US!!
Thu, Nov 264004 SE State Road 21 S, Keystone Heights
Thanksgiving Dinner Party
Mark your calendar! Thursday, November 26th at 1:00PM! We are excited for another wonderful gathering of family and friends, as we celebrate the LORD's blessings. ALL are welcome! Please contact Melissa Kyle and Tim Grubbs or call the church office to s
Dinner & brunch
Thu, Nov 264701 NW 6th St, Gainesville
Thanksgiving Dinner for all of the Post 16 Family
TURKEY, SPIRAL HAM, MASHED POTATOES, GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE, COLLARDS, AND SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE WILL BE PROVIDED. Please bring a dish to share. Comment what you plan on bringing below.
Dinner & brunch
Thu, Nov 262602 SW Main Blvd, Lake City
American Legion Post 57 Member Thanksgiving Dinner
We invite our members to come join us on Thanksgiving Day to enjoy a full, traditional Thanksgiving meal. We do this because we have so many couples with no family support and more importantly, individual Veterans with no family support so that we all ha
Dinner & brunchVolunteer
Thu, Nov 264631 NE 162nd CT, Williston
R3C Thanksgiving Community Dinner
Join us for Thanksgiving Dinner at Rafter Cross Cowboy Church. We’ll gather on Thanksgiving Day for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, and everyone is welcome. There is no cost to attend. Thanksgiving Day 4:00 PM Rafter Cross Cowboy Church 4631 NE 162nd C
Dinner & brunch
Thu, Nov 2618 SW 1st Ave, Gainesville
Thanksgiving Together
The Bull, located on 1st Avenue in downtown Gainesville, has graciously agreed to host Thanksgiving Together. Set up will occur the evening of November 25th and the afternoon of the 26th. The event will commence at 5PM and conclude around 7PM. Our intent
Volunteer
Nov 26–27201 W University Ave, Gainesville2 days
“Vybez” a Night of R&B Party Thanksgiving Edition
DGE brings to you “Vybez” A Night catered to Strictly R&B Music All Night Long, for the Mature Crowd at Vivid Music Hall Vybez R&B Party is a party like no other! A night strictly dedicated to my R&
$24.92 – $116.69
Fri, Nov 278528 East County Road 225, Graham
Thanksgiving Tours
Tours by professional zoologists Friday and Saturday. Giraffe feeding, lemur interactions and big cat feeding demonstrations.
Fri, Nov 27Silver Q Billiards & Sports Bar Gainesville
Throwback Friday Night Marbles Tournament
Missing the old days of Friday night marble tournaments? Well I’m bringing it back the day after Thanksgiving!
Sat, Nov 28Peacefield, Newberry
Post Thanksgiving Turkey Free Feast!
Here's to new traditions! A Post Thanksgiving Turkey-Free Feast! We know that not everyone is able to experience the magic of a vegan thanksgiving so you can come to ours Saturday 11/28 at Peacefield from 12-2pm! Let’s come together to celebrate Mary's f
Dinner & brunch
Nov 28–29THE RANGE (NEXT TO CIGAR LOUNGE), Gainesville2 days
“THANKFUL ASF”
SAT NOV 28TH @ THE RANGE FOR “THANKFUL ASF” THE THANKSGIVING WEEKEND FINALE! 📍 @ THE RANGE (NEXT TO COGAR LOUNGE) 10 SE 2ND AVE GAINESVILLE FL LADIES FREE TIL 11PM W/RSVP AGES 25 AND UP DOORS OPEN AT 10PM FOR SECTIONS AND MORE INFO CALL 352-810-689
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.
Links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, AllEvents earns from qualifying purchases.
- Host
Instant-read thermometerThe one tool between a dry bird and a juicy oneShop on Amazon - Host
Roasting pan with rackLifts the turkey so it browns all overShop on Amazon - Host
Food warming matEvery side still warm when the last guest sitsShop on Amazon - Guest
Casserole carrierFor the dish you promised to bring, 9×13Shop on Amazon - Table
Thanksgiving tableclothAutumn leaves for the long tableShop on Amazon - Table
Cheesecloth table runnerSoft and gathered, this year’s table lookShop on Amazon - Table
Gratitude conversation cardsSomething to talk about besides the gameShop on Amazon - Kids
Coloring tableclothKeeps the kids’ table busy till pieShop on Amazon - Friendsgiving
Plates and napkins setFor Friendsgiving, and no washing upShop on Amazon - Run
Turkey hatRun the Turkey Trot dressed for dinnerShop on Amazon
Thanksgiving events near Alachua
Turkey trots, dinners and parades in the towns nearby
Sat, Nov 147614 Pritchard Rd., Jacksonville
🦃 FREE THANKSGIVING TURKEY GIVEAWAY 🦃
Sat, Nov 21Mt. Zion AME Church Southside 3811 St,Augustine Rd. 32207, Jacksonville
Thanksgiving turkey giveaway.
Free
Wed, Nov 2561 N Laura St, Jacksonville
GO TO NEW EVENTBRITE (WHOISTHEREALCROWDPLEASER.EVENTBRITE.COM )
$24.92
Thu, Nov 269850 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville
Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic Half Marathon and 5k
Turkey trotVolunteer
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.
- 1621After their first harvest, the Plymouth colonists hold three days of feasting. Massasoit arrives with about 90 Wampanoag men, who bring five deer.
- 1789George Washington proclaims the first national day of thanksgiving, for Thursday, 26 November.
- 1846–63Sarah Josepha Hale, the magazine editor who wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, writes to five presidents asking for one national day.
- 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.
- 1896Buffalo runs its first YMCA Turkey Trot, now the oldest footrace held every year in North America — a year older than the Boston Marathon.
- 1924Macy’s holds its first parade in New York, with animals from the Central Park Zoo. The giant balloons arrive in 1927.
- 1934The Detroit Lions play on Thanksgiving for the first time, and football becomes part of the afternoon.
- 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.
- 1957Canada settles on the second Monday of October for its own Thanksgiving, which goes back to 1578.
- 1989George H. W. Bush gives the first formal presidential turkey pardon, now a White House tradition.
Thanksgiving in Alachua: frequently asked questions
When are Thanksgiving events in Alachua in 2026?
Thanksgiving events in Alachua run from Nov 12 to Nov 28, 2026: 36 events.
What is on in Alachua on Thanksgiving Day?
9 events are listed for Thursday, November 26, including OPEN THANKSGIVING DAY & NIGHT!!, Thanksgiving Dinner Party and Thanksgiving Dinner for all of the Post 16 Family.
Where can I have Thanksgiving dinner in Alachua?
7 dinners, brunches and buffets are listed, including Friendsgiving | Cozy Socks & Connections Gainesville at Florida Room, Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Bell Community Center and Thanksgiving Dinner Party. Tables go early for the holiday, so book ahead where you can.
Are there turkey trots in Alachua?
Yes: TURKEY TROT & CRAFTS DAY!! (Tue, Nov 17).
Are there free Thanksgiving events in Alachua?
Yes: 2 of the 36 listed are free, including 352 Reunion x DrunkGiving THANKSGIVING NIGHT at SIMONS and DRUNKGIVING… THE 352 REUNION EDITION at SIMONS NIGHT CLUB. Tickets for the rest run from $24.92 to $174.04.
What are the best Thanksgiving events in Alachua?
The most popular on AllEvents right now are 352 Reunion x DrunkGiving THANKSGIVING NIGHT at SIMONS (Nov 26–27), DRUNKGIVING… THE 352 REUNION EDITION at SIMONS NIGHT CLUB (Nov 26–27) and Signature Saturday Thanksgiving Wknd Finale (Nov 28–29).
Are there Thanksgiving events near Alachua?
Yes: 7 more events are listed within reach, in Jacksonville, Belleview, Green Cove Springs and Ocala.
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.