Thu, Nov 267:45 AM
18th Annual YMCA of Lincoln Turkey Trot
The Railyard Lincoln
Thanksgiving Events in Lincoln 2026
Celebrate Thanksgiving 2026 in Lincoln 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 Lincoln.
Listings updated
Curated by the AllEvents team, for you
Top Thanksgiving events in Lincoln
All Thanksgiving events in Lincoln 2026
On nowNov 10–16Nebraska Innovation Campus7 days
Nebraska Innovation Campus Food Drive
During the month of November, Nebraska Innovation Campus is hosting a food drive to benefit Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach. Most needed items: - Hearty canned soups - Peanut butter - SpaghettiOs - Canned protein - Cereal - Granola bars - Powdered mil
Volunteer
On nowSun, Nov 15Of the Earth Florals
Mahj Friendsgiving
Mahj Friendsgiving 🦃🀄 Good Friends. Grateful Hearts. Play It Forward! 🍂💙 This Friendsgiving, we’re gathering around the Mahjong table for a little friendship, a little friendly competition, and a whole lot of gratitude! Grab your favorite Mahjong besti
FriendsgivingVolunteer
Tue, Nov 17Venue Restaurant & Lounge
Treasures, Traditions, and Tomorrow: Giving with Purpose this Season
Do your grandkids really need more stuff? Join us for a Journey Lunch and Learn about the possibilities of intentional holiday giving. Treasures, Traditions & Tomorrow: Giving with Purpo
Free
Wed, Nov 181975 M Street
Thanksgiving Trivia
Turkey is coming friends! Join us for a night of Thanksgiving trivia!
Thu, Nov 19Union Bank Place
Shop the Blocks 2026
The holiday season is quickly approaching and your favorite shopping event is back! Downtown Lincoln’s boutiques, book stores, art galleries, specialty shops, and stores are open late just for you. On Novem
$7.18 – $14.64
Fri, Nov 2020040 Hampton Dr. Suite 1, Gretna
FOOD DRIVE
B Douglas Construction will be doing a Thanksgiving food drive in conjunction with the Gretna Neighbors Food Pantry. 8 AM - 3 PM Friday November 20th
Volunteer
Fri, Nov 203400 Plantation Dr Suite 100
Friendsgiving
Join us for food and friends! This Friendsgiving is open to everyone! All we ask is that if you’re attending, you bring a dish to share 🍽️
Friendsgiving
Fri, Nov 205740 Hidcote Dr
Mix & Mingle Holiday Cocktail Experience at Art & Soul
Celebrate the season with an evening of creativity, connection, and craft cocktails at Art & Soul! Join us for a festive, hands-on cocktail experience featuring Sean of The Italian Vine portfolio and expert bartender instruction. Whether you're a cock
Fri, Nov 20Veseli, Springfield
Thanksgiving Wine tasting
Find the best wine to pair with your Thanksgiving dishes and stock up before you head home Thanksgiving Wine Tasting Join us at Veseli on Novemb
$46.97
Fri, Nov 20Cappy's Hotspot Bar & Grill
Shoot to Thrill: Tribute to AC/DC returns to Cappy's!
The final show for the year Lincoln! Let's have a pre-turkey party!!
Sun, Nov 22BFT Lincoln
Thanksgiving with the Girls: A HYROX-Inspired Fitness Adventure
Come to BFT Lincoln for a free HYROX-inspired fitness adventure with mini challenges, mystery stations, and lots of pre-Thanksgiving fun. Kick off Thanksgiving week with a workout that feels more like an ad
Free
Sun, Nov 22Iglesia Berea Lincoln NE
🍁🧡 ¡Comida de Acción de Gracias!
En Iglesia Berea Lincoln queremos celebrar juntos las bendiciones de Dios y disfrutar de un tiempo especial como familia en Cristo. Será una oportunidad para compartir la mesa, fortalecer nuestros lazos de amistad y dar gracias por la comunidad que Dios
Sun, Nov 22Heavy Brewing, Gretna
Cupcake and Beer Flights - Thanksgiving Edition!
Mark your calendars for our Thanksgiving beer and cupcake pairing. We're going to ramp it up this year so get ready! More details and ticket ordering coming soon!
Sun, Nov 22Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Lincoln
Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble Concert: Friendsgiving with Five Trumpets
Join the Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble for their first concert of the 2026-2027 25th Anniversary Season! This concert will feature an exciting program performed by core members Debbie Bouffard, Dean Haist, Alicia Henderson, L.J. McCormick, and Barb Schmit. It
FriendsgivingLive music
Sun, Nov 224200 Vine St
ALC Thanksgiving Meal and Praise
We invite you to join the members and families of American Lutheran as we come together for a home cooked meal to give thanks and praise. All are welcome.
Wed, Nov 251040 O St
Thanksgiving Food Drive for Kids
For many young people who walk through the doors of CEDARS Youth Outreach Center (YOC), a meal is more than food. It is often the first sign that someone cares. It can mean a teen does not have to choose between eating and staying safe, and a connection t
VolunteerFamily friendly
Wed, Nov 251115 Libra Drive
Thanksgiving Baseball and Softball Day Camps! Ages 12u and under
*Visit to register or call 402-882-3228* All Aspect Camp Baseball and Softball Ages 7u-12u 9am-2pm Hitting Fielding Pitching/Throwing Mechanics Base Running Games & Competition! Camp Goal To learn something new about Baseball/Soft
Family friendly
Wed, Nov 25Wilber Care Center
Snoopy's Thanksgiving Event
Please RSVP We will have, Snacks, Crafts & Watch the classic Program The Peanuts "Charlie Brown Thanksgiving"
Wed, Nov 25136 N 14th Street
Toasted Ponies - Thanksgiving Eve at The Zoo Bar
$10 Bring the Fam! The Toasted Ponies combine the best of both traditional and contemporary Bluegrass music. Look for great harmony singing and hot instrumentals in a typical Ponies performance. These are seasoned professionals who love playing their musi
Live music
Wed, Nov 25The Canvas Event Studio
Thanksgiving Build A Dessert Box Event
🦃🍁 Hello, November!! 🍁🦃 It’s officially time to announce this one of a kind event! ~ JM Confection’s Thanksgiving Build A Dessert Box ~ When: Wednesday November 25th, 2026 Where: The Canvas Event Studio Time: 6:00pm Allow me to take some of the stres
Wed, Nov 2519600 Harrison St, Gretna
Thanksgiving Eve Service
Jesus may not have celebrated Thanksgiving, but He would’ve loved the tradition. Gathering around the table with people we love and sharing what we’re thankful for. Two things Jesus liked to do. We want to invite you to join us the night before Thanksgi
Wed, Nov 2520333 Patton St, Gretna
Blackout Wednesday Music Bingo
We're bumping up the Music Bingo to Wednesday for the week of Thanksgiving!
Wed, Nov 25Sheridan Lutheran Church
Thanksgiving Eve Worship & Pie Social
Experience a special Thanksgiving worship at 7pm. Following worship, at 8pm, enjoy pie and coffee while supporting our Habitat for Humanity partners with a freewill offering. Your generosity helps provide building supplies for safe, decent and affordable
Nov 25–264101 Main St, Roca2 days
Drunksgiving!! ~ Wonder Rising Band $5 Cover
About the Band: Wonder Rising is an upbeat, feel-good band set out to create cool music and fun times. Wonder Rising is an independent music artist from Lincoln, NE, and made up of four individuals coming together to play some tunes.
Thu, Nov 26209 W 3rd St, Wilber
Wilber Physical Therapy Turkey Trot
The 12th Annual Wilber Physical Therapy Turkey Trot 🦃 Join us for a Thanksgiving morning tradition that gives back to our community! ❤️ Proceeds go toward our local backpack program, helping support kids right here in our area. Want to guarantee your ev
Turkey trotFamily friendly
Fri, Nov 275665 W Sprague Rd
Opening Weekend
Come and see. Prairie Woods opens for the season the day after Thanksgiving. Walk the rows and pick your tree: Canaan, Concolor and Douglas Fir, plus White Pine. Every tree is individually priced, and most run $80 to $110. Cut it yourself or we'll cut it
Family friendly
Nov 27–29Sandhills Global Event Center3 days
20th Annual Turkey Chase
The 2026 Turkey Chase at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln, NE is scheduled for November 27th, 28th & 29th Classes, rules, and purse info can all be found on our website. Visit Registration is available here: https:/
Fri, Nov 27Unitarian Church
Be Our Guest - Come As You Are Dinner
As the leaves turn golden and the crisp autumn air fills with the aroma of pumpkin pie, families across the nation gather to celebrate Thanksgiving - a time-honored tradition that embodies gratitude, unity, and love. Yet, for many, this family gathering c
Dinner & brunch
Sat, Nov 28Glacial Till Vineyard & Winery, 344 S 2nd Rd, Palmyra, NE 68418, Bennet
Small Town Saturdays: Holiday Give Back Edition
Small Town Saturdays is heading to Glacial Till in Palmyra for our Holiday Give Back Edition! Join us Thanksgiving weekend to shop local vendors, grab a drink, and bring something to give back through our donation drive. A little Christmas shopping and
Volunteer
Sat, Nov 28The Zoo Bar
The Last Waltz...for a while at The Zoo Bar
$ 10.00 - $13.00 / Age 21 And Up Additional Info: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The Last Waltz Concert and Film.A farewell to our annual celebration of a farewell.What started as a fun idea became an annual obligation and a beloved Thanksgiving tra
Live music21+
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 Lincoln
Turkey trots, dinners and parades in the towns nearby
Sat, Nov 21Benson Baptist, Omaha
November Drive Through Food Pantry! NOTE DATE!!!
Nov 25–26Billy Frogg’s Bar & Grill, Omaha2 days
Omaha Official Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl 2026
Free – $13.38
Nov 25–26QVOLE, Omaha2 days
Black Wednesday: Thanksgiving Eve
Thu, Nov 26Memorial Park Dr, Omaha, NE 68132, United States
Memorial Park Turkey Trot
Turkey trotVolunteer
Thu, Nov 26Little Ted's Pub & Grill, Nebraska City
Thanksgiving Meal at Little Ted’s Pub & Grill Nebraska City
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 Lincoln: frequently asked questions
When are Thanksgiving events in Lincoln in 2026?
Thanksgiving events in Lincoln run from Nov 10 to Nov 28, 2026: 33 events.
What is on in Lincoln on Thanksgiving Day?
2 events are listed for Thursday, November 26, including 18th Annual YMCA of Lincoln Turkey Trot at The Railyard Lincoln and Wilber Physical Therapy Turkey Trot.
Where can I have Thanksgiving dinner in Lincoln?
1 dinner, brunch or buffet is listed, including Be Our Guest - Come As You Are Dinner at Unitarian Church. Tables go early for the holiday, so book ahead where you can.
Are there turkey trots in Lincoln?
Yes: 18th Annual YMCA of Lincoln Turkey Trot at The Railyard Lincoln (Thu, Nov 26) and Wilber Physical Therapy Turkey Trot (Thu, Nov 26).
Where can I volunteer this Thanksgiving in Lincoln?
Nebraska Innovation Campus Food Drive, FOOD DRIVE and Thanksgiving Food Drive for Kids are looking for helping hands.
Are there free Thanksgiving events in Lincoln?
Yes: 3 of the 33 listed are free, including Treasures, Traditions, and Tomorrow: Giving with Purpose this Season at Venue Restaurant & Lounge, Thanksgiving with the Girls: A HYROX-Inspired Fitness Adventure at BFT Lincoln and Thanksgiving Eve Party at Bierhaus Maisschäler. Tickets for the rest run from $7.18 to $46.97.
What are the best Thanksgiving events in Lincoln?
The most popular on AllEvents right now are 18th Annual YMCA of Lincoln Turkey Trot at The Railyard Lincoln (Thu, Nov 26), Thanksgiving Eve Party at Bierhaus Maisschäler (Wed, Nov 25) and One2Go at the Waterfall Lounge - Drinksgiving 2026! (Wed, Nov 25).
Are there Thanksgiving events near Lincoln?
Yes: 9 more events are listed within reach, in Omaha, Boys Town and Nebraska City.
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.