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Thanksgiving Events in Milwaukee 2026

Celebrate Thanksgiving 2026 in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee.

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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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Top Thanksgiving events in Milwaukee

All Thanksgiving events in Milwaukee 2026

On now

Oct 3 – Nov 146501 W National Ave43 days

West Allis Farmers Market - Saturdays

The West Allis Farmers Market is open from the first Saturday in May through the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. We open later in the day to allow the farmers

1:00 PM

Market

Sponsored
On now

Thu, Nov 1215437 W. National Avenue, New Berlin

Thanksgiving Potluck Party

🍂🦃 Join Us for a Thanksgiving Potluck Party! 🦃🍂 Gather your friends, bring your dancing shoes and your favorite dish to share, and join us for an evening filled with dancing, laughter, gratitude, great food, and plenty of fun! This is the perfect way to

7:30 PM

Nov 13–155454 CR-Q, Colgate3 days

Peck & Bushel Winter Market

🎄 Deck the halls and spread the cheer — Peck & Bushel Winter Market is almost here! The trees are trimmed, the candles are glowing, and we're busy stocking the shelves and baking up a whole lot of holiday goodness! WINTER MARKET OPENS THIS COMING WEE

10:00 AM

Market

Fri, Nov 13Thirst Books: A Romance Bookstore

Thanksgiving Garland Craft

Join us for a cozy Thanksgiving craft as we create adorable pie-inspired garlands. A Slice of Thanksgiving: DIY Pie Garland! Get into the Thanksgiving spirit with a

6:00 PM

$25.01

Nov 14–157220 W Rawson Ave, Franklin2 days

Giving Thanks Craft & Vendor Fair

Discover a vibrant marketplace filled with talented artisans, delicious local food, live entertainment, and the incredible charm of beautiful Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. For more information 📧 Sabcreationkey50@gmail.com ✨ Highlights: • Over 150 vendors acro

2:00 AM

Live music

Sponsored

Sat, Nov 14Atwater Park Playground, Upper Level, Shorewood

Play Date: Social: Friendsgiving Playground Hop

A free Friendsgiving morning with two playgrounds, new family connections, a recipe exchange and hot chocolate at the finish. PLAN YOUR VISIT Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10 AM to noon Ce

10:00 AM

FreeFriendsgivingFamily friendly

Sat, Nov 14Oklahoma Avenue Lutheran Church

Community Thanksgiving Lunch

Along with our partners, we are providing a hot Thanksgiving Lunch. This is open to EVERYONE. Start spreading the word now and sign up for your time slot.

12:00 PM

Sat, Nov 14City of Light Church

Thanksgiving Family Dinner

Join the City of Light Church family for a meal, meaningful conversations, community, and gratitude. Whether you’re new to City of Light, looking for community, or navigating a different kind of season thi

12:30 PM

FreeDinner & brunch

Sat, Nov 14WWP Design and Decor, Menomonee Falls

Petals Pumpkins and Permanent Jewelry

Join us for a fun day of pressed flowers, pumpkin vibes, and permanent jewelry in person! PETALS, PUMPKINS & PERMANENT JEWELRY A Friendsgiving Craft & Gifting Experience Gather your favor

1:00 PM

$85.97Friendsgiving

Sat, Nov 1411616 N Port Washington Rd, Mequon

Gobble & Bowl

Get Ready to Roll into the season with our Turkey Bowling Bash! Bring your family and friends and join us for a festive afternoon of turkey bowling, friendly competition and exciting challenges for all ages. Whether you're aiming for the top score or just

1:00 PM

Family friendly

Sponsored

Sat, Nov 14Plaid Cardinal Quilts, Port Washington

Kids’ CrafterNoon

Held in Grace and Plaid Cardinal Quilts are bringing you Port Washington's first Kids' CrafterNoon. Join us for a complimentary Thanksgiving craft on Saturday, November 14th from 2pm-3pm. The craft is intended for ages 4+ and children should have an adu

2:00 PM

Family friendly

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 Milwaukee

Turkey trots, dinners and parades in the towns nearby

Sponsored

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 Milwaukee: frequently asked questions

When are Thanksgiving events in Milwaukee in 2026?

Thanksgiving events in Milwaukee run from Oct 3 to Nov 29, 2026: 100 events.

What is on in Milwaukee on Thanksgiving Day?

17 events are listed for Thursday, November 26, including Beast Before The Feast, Thanksgiving Turkey Shoot Tennis and BEST DAY EVER.

Where can I have Thanksgiving dinner in Milwaukee?

13 dinners, brunches and buffets are listed, including Thanksgiving Family Dinner at City of Light Church, Friendsgiving AYCE Vegan Buffet at Dead Bird Brewing at Dead Bird Brewing Co. and Give Thanks Community Dinner. Tables go early for the holiday, so book ahead where you can.

Are there turkey trots in Milwaukee?

Yes: Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot at Lake Park at Lake Park Pavilion (Thu, Nov 26), Oconomowoc Gobble Wobble 5K at Fowler Lake Park, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (Thu, Nov 26) and Racine Turkey Trot at Downtown Racine (Thu, Nov 26).

Where can I volunteer this Thanksgiving in Milwaukee?

CBS 58 Thanksgiving Drive-Thru Food Drive at American Family Field and Jeeps & Turkeys waddle. at Milwaukee, Wisconsin are looking for helping hands.

Are there free Thanksgiving events in Milwaukee?

Yes: 11 of the 100 listed are free, including Play Date: Social: Friendsgiving Playground Hop at Atwater Park Playground, Upper Level, Thanksgiving Family Dinner at City of Light Church and TNT Community Thanksgiving Gathering at Story Hill FireHouse. Tickets for the rest run from $18.74 to $1,200.

What are the best Thanksgiving events in Milwaukee?

The most popular on AllEvents right now are Milwaukee Official Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl 2026 at Downtown Milwaukee (Nov 25–26), The All Black Xperience 2026 | The Suite Xperience at Landmark Credit Union Live (Fri, Nov 27) and Black Wed/BELLA CAIN- "Pre" Turkey Day Party!!! at Route 20 (Wed, Nov 25).

Are there Thanksgiving events near Milwaukee?

Yes: 6 more events are listed within reach, in Island Lake, Mchenry, Gurnee and Grayslake 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.