Fri, Nov 2010:00 AM
Turkey Challenge
120 S Last Chance Gulch
Thanksgiving Events in Helena 2026
Celebrate Thanksgiving 2026 in Helena 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 Helena.
Listings updated
Curated by the AllEvents team, for you
Top Thanksgiving events in Helena
All Thanksgiving events in Helena 2026
Mon, Nov 16Sons of the American Legion Post 42, Townsend
Townsend Area Chamber Friendsgiving Pot Luck
Join us Monday Nov 16th at 5:30 pm at The Legion in Townsend for a Friendsgiving Pot Luck !! Wanna know more about the chamber and what we have going on?! Here is a great way to have some food and mingle in the community!! We look forward to seeing everyo
Friendsgiving
Mon, Nov 23Hammer & Stain Helena
Thanksgiving Mocktail Workshop
🍂🍹 SIP, SIP, HOORAY! IT’S THANKSGIVING MOCKTAIL TIME! 🍹🍂 Get ready to shake, stir, and sip your way into the holiday season at Hammer & Stain Helena! 🦃✨ Join us for a fun and festive Thanksgiving Mocktail Workshop, where you’ll learn how to create T
Wed, Nov 253207 Colonial Drive
Edgewood Thanksgiving Day Parade
Inspired by the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, our annual Edgewood Thanksgiving Parade is back! Staff members will create festive floats using wagons, strollers, and other mobile displays while dressed in holiday-themed costumes. The parade will wind it
Parade
Wed, Nov 25301 Main St., Deer Lodge
Das Froot Turkey Trot Improv
Das Froot is BACK with their annual Turkey Trot Improv show! Join us for a hilarious night of improv and drinks right before Thanksgiving! You won’t want to miss this side splitting crowd interactive show! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door!
Turkey trot
Thu, Nov 26740 Front St
Perky Turkey Thanksgiving Day Barre
Hey Perky Turkeys… it’s our favorite Loft tradition! Reserve your spot for our Thanksgiving morning class and start your day with movement and gratitude. 9:00am - 10:00am Loft Barre - Meet Hannah at the barre for this fun full-body workout! Space is lim
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 Helena
Turkey trots, dinners and parades in the towns nearby
Wed, Nov 1822 W. Park Street, Butte
The Abode Holiday Craft Night
Sat, Nov 21Missouri River Brewing Co.
Gobble til you Wobble Cookie Class
Sun, Nov 222121 Amherst Ave, Butte
Friendsgiving Cookie Decorating Sun Nov 22nd 11-1 $45
Friendsgiving
Thu, Nov 26Three Bears Alaska, Butte
ASSP Big Sky Chapter Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
Turkey trotVolunteer
Thu, Nov 265 N Main St, Three Forks
Turkey Day at the Sac Bar
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 Helena: frequently asked questions
When are Thanksgiving events in Helena in 2026?
Thanksgiving events in Helena run from Nov 16 to Nov 28, 2026: 8 events.
What is on in Helena on Thanksgiving Day?
One event is listed for Thursday, November 26, including Perky Turkey Thanksgiving Day Barre.
Where can I have Thanksgiving dinner in Helena?
1 dinner, brunch or buffet is listed, including Free community Thanksgiving dinner at Pen Convention Center. Tables go early for the holiday, so book ahead where you can.
Are there turkey trots in Helena?
Yes: Das Froot Turkey Trot Improv (Wed, Nov 25).
What are the best Thanksgiving events in Helena?
The most popular on AllEvents right now are Turkey Challenge (Fri, Nov 20), Free community Thanksgiving dinner at Pen Convention Center (Sat, Nov 28) and Black Friday & Small Business Saturday Open House (Nov 27–28).
Are there Thanksgiving events near Helena?
Yes: 7 more events are listed within reach, in Butte, East Helena and Three Forks.
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.