Fri, Nov 205:00 PM
30th Annual Crafts, Gifts & Collectibles Show
265 Notre Dame Drive
Thanksgiving Events in Jackson 2026
Celebrate Thanksgiving 2026 in Jackson 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 Jackson.
Listings updated
Curated by the AllEvents team, for you
Top Thanksgiving events in Jackson
All Thanksgiving events in Jackson 2026
Tue, Nov 101318 MAIN ST SUITE A, Scott City
Operation Turkey Drop
this is a Club to use up your stash. call in for details.
Thu, Nov 12420 Broadway, Cape Girardeau
SINGO! at Scout Hall
Cape Girardeau's original game night is back on November 12 with a Thanksgiving edition of SINGO! It's like Bingo, but we swap the numbers with song titles and play you a series of tracks (only the good parts) all evening until someone hits five in a row
Sat, Nov 14Fusion Church, Advance
Building Dedication
Big news! 🎉 You’re invited to our Church Building Dedication Service as we celebrate God’s goodness and dedicate our new building to His glory! Come ready for a powerful time of worship, joy, thanksgiving, and fellowship as we mark this exciting milesto
Tue, Nov 17318 East Main Street
Thanksgiving Lunch
Join The Cheesecake Ninja for our annual Thanksgiving lunch! Turkey, dressing and all the fixings. $15 per plate
Sat, Nov 21Rise Nutrition, Anna
Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
Our 2nd Annual Rise for Youth Foundation Thanksgiving Food Giveaway will be Saturday, November 21st at Rise Nutrition in Anna. We will start handing out food packages at 9 am until noon, or while our supplies last. If you are interested in donating or vol
Volunteer
Sat, Nov 21503 Stone Creek Drive, Makanda
🦃 Thanksgiving Kiddie Crafternoon 🦃
🦃🍂 Thanksgiving Kiddie Crafternoon at Apple Creek! 🍂🦃 Bring the kiddos out for a fun afternoon of Thanksgiving-themed crafts and creativity! 🎨 🖍️ We’ll have festive activities planned to get everyone in the Thanksgiving spirit. 📅 Saturday, November 21s
Sat, Nov 21320 Watson Rd, Murphysboro
GJAL PTO Thanksgiving Produce Sale
ORDER NOW! Make your Thanksgiving preparations easier this year with fresh, quality produce at great prices, while supporting the GJAL PTO! 📅 IMPORTANT DATES: 📞 Phone Ordering Deadline: November 13 at 4:30 PM 💻 Online Ordering Deadline: November 15 at 8
Sun, Nov 22Fredericktown Church of God of Prophecy
Thanksgiving Dinner
Come give thanks to the Lord!
Dinner & brunch
Sun, Nov 22Gaia House Interfaith Center, Carbondale
TRANSGIVING: Carbondale Trans Community Potluck
It’s @downstateiltransorg’s 3rd annual Transgiving celebration! Every year, trans folx and their families gather to celebrate the holidays together with Transgiving dinner, socializing, music, and merriment! 5-8 PM on Sunday, November 22nd at Gaia House I
Dinner & brunchFamily friendly
Wed, Nov 252560 Independence St., Cape Girardeau
Community Thanksgiving Dinner!!! 🦃🍽
Come join us for our Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner!!!🦃🍽 Low-Income, Homeless, Needy families, single moms or Pregnant ect...Come Enjoy Thanksgiving Meal with us or Drive-in Pick-ups Available also! RSVP Please!
Dinner & brunch
Wed, Nov 2598 Grand Avenue, Perryville
Roots, Boots & Thanksgiving Eve
🎸👢 ROOTS, BOOTS & THANKSGIVING EVE! 🦃 Before the turkey hits the table, we’re turning up the music at American Legion Post 133! Join us November 25th for Blue Collar Roots, with Clint Sattler opening the night! We’re bringing the music to the hall,
Live music
Wed, Nov 25Stooges Restaurant
Wayne Givens at Stooges Thanksgiving Eve!
Wednesday night before Thanksgiving at Stooges!
Wed, Nov 251029 State Hwy A, Chaffee
Drinksgiving
Welcome home! Can’t wait to see everyone the Wednesday before Thanksgiving aka Drinksgiving. We will have a DJ and karaoke that night with drink and bucket special’s. It’s always great to see old and new friends!
Live music
Nov 25–26308 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale2 days
Thanksgiving Eve with Eastwood & the Prairie Wolves live at PK’s • Wed 11/25
Eastwood & The Prairie Wolves take the stage at PK’s on Thanksgiving eve, one of the biggest party days of the year! Fronted by the top-selling songwriter Joseph Eastwood Frisch, the band performs a unique blend of original Outlaw Country, Blues, and
Thu, Nov 262431 W Main St., Carbondale
FREE Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Join us on Thanksgiving Day from 11 AM-1 PM at Central Christian Church for a warm meal as we celebrate together! An event like this is only possible with a team of incredible volunteers that make it a success! If you'd like to serve with us, sign up at
Dinner & brunchVolunteer
Thu, Nov 26106 N Front St, Cobden
Annual Thanksgiving Potluck @ Fuzzy's
Mike Trexler started this tradition over 20 years ago! Thankful for our Fuzzy family!
Thu, Nov 2680 South Plaza Way, Cape Girardeau
Thanksgiving day dinner
🦃🍂 THANKSGIVING DINNER MADE EASY! 🍂🦃 Join us at Dogwood Social House in Cape Girardeau on November 26th from 5 PM–10 PM for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner! 🍽️ Turkey Dinner with Sides — Only $15.99! ❤️ Let us do the cooking while you enjoy great food
Dinner & brunch
Nov 27–29Flickerwood Arena3 days
Turkey Trot Barrel Race
Pink Buckle, Ruby Buckle & Young Guns DOUBLE DOWN BBR & WPRA Pending More information coming
Turkey trot
Fri, Nov 27Buffalo Wild Wings (211 Siemers Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO)
I-SC / Scott City High After Thanksgiving Get Together
It is that time of year again. This event has been going on for quite a few years and with the exception of the Covid year, there is normally around 30-35 who attend. it is really great to see everyone and catch up on life. So, come out see those who you
Sat, Nov 28105 S Garrett Street, Advance
Small Biz Saturday
🛍️ Small Biz Saturday at The Buzz Salon & Spa ☕ Join us for a special morning of shopping local and supporting small businesses! Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Stop by The Buzz Salon & Spa to purchase gift certificates for hair and nail s
Sat, Nov 281029 State Highway A, Benton
Tangled Roots
We’re going back to our roots and playing at the hometown watering hole! Join us Friday, November 28 from 7:00-11:00 pm at Schindler’s Tavern in New Hamburg, MO. Come ready to dance off all those Thanksgiving calories! Can’t wait to see all our Root Wad
Sat, Nov 281029 State Hwy A, Chaffee
Tangled Roots
We’re going back to our roots and playing at the hometown watering hole! Join us Friday, November 28 from 7:00-11:00 pm at Schindler’s Tavern in New Hamburg, MO. Come ready to dance off all those Thanksgiving calories! Can’t wait to see all our Root Wad
Sat, Nov 28106 N Front St, Cobden
Jacob Wolfson @ Fuzzy's Thanksgiving Weekend!
Our favorite guy is back! This show will be a must see.
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 Jackson
Turkey trots, dinners and parades in the towns nearby
Sat, Nov 21Herrin, Illinois
Art and Kevin Reveal Memorial Turkey Run
Wed, Nov 251500 East Main Street, Park Hills
Well Hungarians: The Night Before Thanksgiving
Fri, Nov 27Vasterling Suites Luxury Apartments, Cape Girardeau
2026 Christmas Tree Lighting
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 Jackson: frequently asked questions
When are Thanksgiving events in Jackson in 2026?
Thanksgiving events in Jackson run from Nov 10 to Nov 28, 2026: 26 events.
What is on in Jackson on Thanksgiving Day?
3 events are listed for Thursday, November 26, including FREE Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Annual Thanksgiving Potluck @ Fuzzy's and Thanksgiving day dinner.
Where can I have Thanksgiving dinner in Jackson?
6 dinners, brunches and buffets are listed, including The Perrywack Shack Gobble for Good Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet, Thanksgiving Dinner at Fredericktown Church of God of Prophecy and TRANSGIVING: Carbondale Trans Community Potluck at Gaia House Interfaith Center. Tables go early for the holiday, so book ahead where you can.
Are there turkey trots in Jackson?
Yes: Turkey Trot Barrel Race at Flickerwood Arena (Nov 27–29).
Where can I volunteer this Thanksgiving in Jackson?
FREE Thanksgiving Day Dinner is looking for helping hands.
What are the best Thanksgiving events in Jackson?
The most popular on AllEvents right now are 30th Annual Crafts, Gifts & Collectibles Show (Fri, Nov 20), The Perrywack Shack Gobble for Good Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet (Sat, Nov 21) and Old Cape Road ~ 90s/2000s Night (Wed, Nov 25).
Are there Thanksgiving events near Jackson?
Yes: 5 more events are listed within reach, in Herrin, Johnston City, Park Hills and Poplar Bluff and more.
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.