Nov 25–268:00 PM
Pre-Thanksgiving Bash with the Brianna Rae Band at Rumors
Rumors Bar and Grill
Thanksgiving Events in Onalaska 2026
Celebrate Thanksgiving 2026 in Onalaska 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 Onalaska.
Listings updated
Curated by the AllEvents team, for you
Top Thanksgiving events in Onalaska
All Thanksgiving events in Onalaska 2026
On nowThu, Nov 12Bethel Home & Services, Viroqua
Lefse Making with Bethel Home & Services
You're invited to join Bethel Home & Services to make lefse for our assisted living residents and tenants. Whether you are a seasoned professional at making lefse and are able to bring equipment, or you are willing to learn and lend a hand, Bethel Ho
On nowThu, Nov 12Faith Lutheran Church, La Crosse
LFIS Harvest Dinner
Join us as we celebrate Thanksgiving with our international students. Turkey will be provided! Please bring a side or dessert to share.
Dinner & brunch
Sat, Nov 14W7800 A Johnson Rd, Holmen, WI 54636-9246, United States
Crafts + Calves at Whippoorwill Hill Farm
***Tickets open to the public November 7 at 6 PM! Our email subscribers received exclusive access to book 24 hours early.*** Sign up on our website to receive early access to future events before they're released to the public. Crafts & Calves Creat
Sat, Nov 141025 Liberty St, La Crosse
Thanksgiving Event (La Crosse)
Gather, Celebrate Thanksgiving! We will have turkey and stuffing, please bring a potluck dish to share! (Need potatoes, veggies, gravy, rolls, and desserts)
Sun, Nov 15731 Sand Lake Road
The Great Packer Friendsgiving
Bring a dish, bring your appetite, and bring your Packer pride! We're gathering for a Friendsgiving potluck with a little extra green & gold thrown into the mix. Bring your favorite Thanksgiving or football-inspired dish, check it in with the bartende
Friendsgiving
Mon, Nov 16603 North Court St., Sparta
Zor Shriners Feztival of Trees
Feztival of Trees is an annual event held the week before Thanksgiving where people see a winter wonderland of decorated trees. We are open: Mon-Fri 4 pm - 8 pm Saturday 10 am - 6 pm Drawing for all trees will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday November 21
Mon, Nov 16Central Lutheran Church ELCA Winona, MN
November Welcoming Table
Join us for a special Thanksgiving Welcoming Table! We've planned a wonderful evening of food, friendship and culture. All are welcome, but please visit bit.ly//PFNov2026 or call our office at 507-452-4100 to reserve your seat. Hope to see you there!
Nov 20–22Minnesota Equestrian Center, Stockton3 days
Gobbles & Gunsmoke Shootout
🦃💥 IT’S OFFICIAL! 💥🦃 Come shoot with us at The 1st Annual Gobbles & Gunsmoke Shootout at the premiere Minnesota Equestrian Center on November 21st & 22nd, we are making this an event you won’t want to miss! 🔥 Here’s what you can look forward to:
Nov 20–22LaCroix Black Box Theatre at Viterbo University Fine Arts Center, La Crosse3 days
The Thanksgiving Play
Sat, Nov 21731 Sand Lake Road
Gobble ’Til You Wobble Karaoke
Thanksgiving is coming, which means it’s time to practice your best “I’m thankful I don’t have to cook yet” face. 😂 Come on down to the Post for Karaoke and get those vocal cords warmed up before the turkey, relatives, and holiday chaos take over!
Sun, Nov 22201 N 7th St., Brownsville
Holiday Happiness Food Drive
Help bless families in need by donating food items. Just want to give a financial donation instead - all monetary donations will go to purchase turkeys. Please bring your donations to the church by Sunday November 22nd.
Volunteer
Sun, Nov 22Viterbo University Fine Arts Center
The Thanksgiving Play
Nearby Attractions The Thanksgiving Play has 2 upcoming events.
Sun, Nov 22515 Quincy St
Friendsgiving
🎉 You're Invited to Hope City’s Friendsgiving! 🦃🍂 Join us for an evening of food, fellowship, fun, and friendship! We would love to gather together, share a meal, and enjoy some quality time as a community. Everyone is welcome! 🍽️POTLUCK STYLE Please br
Friendsgiving
Mon, Nov 23Wilton, WI Public Library
Lego Club: Thanksgiving
Drop in and join us for an afternoon of building with Legos. Each time we meet, we will have a different theme to make our creations. Creations will then be displayed in the case by the circulation desk until the next meeting.
Tue, Nov 24933 Ferry St., La Crosse
Thanksgiving Meal & Gathering
Join us for a special meal and gathering to honor the Thanksgiving holiday! Spread the word, bring your friends.
Wed, Nov 25Wilton, WI Public Library
Preschool Story Time: Thanksgiving
Come join us for preschool story time! Each week we have a different topic and a craft to complement it.
Wed, Nov 2530766 County D Cashton
Thanksgiving Eve LOD
Sign up at 6, shooting at 7. There's no league on this night, so let's have some fun!! We will figure out format once we have numbers.
Nov 25–26Wisco 8, Sparta2 days
Night before thanksgiving dart tournament
Night before Thanksgiving dart tournament $10 entry 200% payback 50/50
Wed, Nov 251010 Sill St, La Crosse
Thanksgiving Eve Worship at Trinity
Gather with Trinity for a great and meaningful worship experience. Scripture, music and prayer. Let us share our glad hearts and sing to glory of God.
Wed, Nov 25118 E Main St, Arcadia
5th anniversary Pre-thanksgiving party / game night.
It’s National Jukebox day. Join us for “Blackout Wednesday”, or as we call it, Pre-Thanksgiving day party. BOGO on the TouchTunes music box. Snacks will be provided. Game night…if you played along last year, you know how much fun this was. Drink special
Wed, Nov 25Popcorn Tavern, La Crosse
Petty Comes Alive on Thanksgiving Eve at the Popcorn
Petty Comes Alive! Tickets are $20. doors ar 6PM show at 7PM An all star cast playing all Tom Petty hits we all love!! Gregg Hall-Vocals/guitar (white Iron band/GHWB) Chris Castino- Vocals/Guitar (The Big Wu) Noah Levy-Drums (Brian Zetzer Orchestra, Sou
Wed, Nov 25Stockyards Bar & Grill, LLC, Dodge
Music by Corey Wise
Join us the night before Thanksgiving for some amazing music by Corey Wise!
Wed, Nov 25412 Main St, Wilton
🦃Pre-Thanksgiving Bash!🦃
Get those dancing shoes ready, because this Thanksgiving-Eve we will be hanging out with DJ Dearman!🎤🎵💃
Live music
Wed, Nov 25807 4th St S, La Crosse
Hen Round Up Tournament
🐔 HEN ROUND UP IS BACK! 🎳 Kick off Thanksgiving weekend with a little friendly competition at Pla-Mor Lanes! Join us for our annual Hen Round Up, a Cosmic 8-Pin Tap Bowling Tournament held the Wednesday before Thanksgiving! 🎳 COSMIC 8-PIN TAP TOURNAMEN
Thu, Nov 26807 4th St S, La Crosse
Turkey Shoot Tournament
🦃 THANKSGIVING DAY TURKEY SHOOT! 🎳 Join us for our annual Turkey Shoot, a classic 10-Pin Tap Bowling Tournament and a Thanksgiving Day tradition! 🎳 CLASSIC 10-PIN TAP TOURNAMENT 📅 Thursday, November 26, 2026 🕗 8:00 AM start 🎟️ $30 per bowler — includes
Thu, Nov 26Chamber of Commerce, Black River Falls
Gobbler Giveback 5k Walk/Run
Move Now! Gobble Later! Gobbler Giveback 5K Fun Run/Walk Start your Thanksgiving Day off right by moving your feet before you feast! Join the annual Gobbler Giveback 5K Fun Run/Walk on Thursday, November 26, 2026, at 8:00 AM. Help us continue this wonder
Turkey trotDinner & brunch
Nov 26–27130 E Main Street, Lewiston2 days
Black Friday at Out in the Sticks
🖤✨ BLACK FRIDAY EVENT ✨🖤 Thanksgiving Night • Thursday, November 26 • 7:00PM to 10:00PM Black Friday • Friday, November 27 • 10:00AM to 5:00PM Kick off Black Friday with late night shopping, huge savings, and a fun after hours experience. ⭐ What Is Happen
Thu, Nov 2622852 County Road 17, Winona
Thanksgiving Buffet
Make this Thanksgiving one to remember and let us handle the cooking at Signatures! 🍽️ Join us for our annual buffet, featuring a spread of all-you-can-eat holiday favorites, including oven-roasted turkey breast, sliced ham, batter-fried shrimp, buttermil
Dinner & brunch
Thu, Nov 26214 S Cherry St, La Farge
Thanksgiving Day Dinner
This will be our Community Thanksgiving Dinner at The La Farge Free Methodist Church. We encourage you to come for Fellowship. Deliveries will be La Farge area only, please call with your name, number, and address so we can get you a hot, fresh meal on
Dinner & brunch
Thu, Nov 26Mabel, Minnesota
Mabel Community Thanksgiving
Make your reservations today! Or call to volunteer!
Volunteer
Thu, Nov 26731 Sand Lake Road
🦃 DONE WITH THE TURKEY? NEED AN ESCAPE PLAN? 🍻
Angel is opening the bar at 4 PM to give you a place to run away from the family after all that Thanksgiving fun. 😂 Come hide out, grab a drink, decompress, and pretend you’re not avoiding anyone. We won’t tell. 🤫🍺 Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! 🦃🍻
Fri, Nov 27313 Main Street, La Crosse
Holiday Dessert Classes Taught by Jen Barney
Jen Barney is teaching dessert classes over Thanksgiving weekend! Follow the link below to find out which class is best for you!
Fri, Nov 27Onalaska American Legion
Onalaska Legion Public Dance
Take a meal off after Thanksgiving and eat at the Legion and get some dancing in with us.
Fri, Nov 27Brick Sip Haus, Tomah
Don't be a Turkey-Come to the Brick!
Its the day after Thanksgiving-lets gather together, raise a glass, and give thanks for our family, friends, health, and time spent together! Solo acoustic rock playing in the background as you Gobble up some snacks and beverages!
Sat, Nov 28Trempealeau Hotel, Restaurant and Saloon
Gregg Hall solo at Trempealeau Hotel
Thanksgiving show at the lovely Trempealeau Hotel!
Sun, Nov 29800 Superior Avenue, Tomah
Sundays at The Brick Presents: Melissa Kay McCarthy
🎶🍷 **SUNDAYS AT THE BRICK PRESENTS: MELISSA KAY McCARTHY!** 🎤☕ ✨ **SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 | 1PM–3PM** ✨ **The Thanksgiving leftovers can wait. We've got live music!** 🦃🎶 After a weekend of turkey, shopping, family gatherings, and perhaps a little too much
Live music
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 Onalaska
Turkey trots, dinners and parades in the towns nearby
Wed, Nov 25Pulpit Rock Campground - Decorah, IA
2026 Holiday Lights Walk-through Night ONE-NIGHT-ONLY
Wed, Nov 25The Blackhawk, Prairie Du Chien
The Return 🎶
Fri, Nov 27Peace Plaza, Downtown Rochester, MN
Here Comes Santa Claus
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 Onalaska: frequently asked questions
When are Thanksgiving events in Onalaska in 2026?
Thanksgiving events in Onalaska run from Nov 12 to Nov 29, 2026: 39 events.
What is on in Onalaska on Thanksgiving Day?
8 events are listed for Thursday, November 26, including Turkey Shoot Tournament, Gobbler Giveback 5k Walk/Run at Chamber of Commerce and Black Friday at Out in the Sticks.
Where can I have Thanksgiving dinner in Onalaska?
4 dinners, brunches and buffets are listed, including LFIS Harvest Dinner at Faith Lutheran Church, Gobbler Giveback 5k Walk/Run at Chamber of Commerce and Thanksgiving Buffet. Tables go early for the holiday, so book ahead where you can.
Are there turkey trots in Onalaska?
Yes: Gobbler Giveback 5k Walk/Run at Chamber of Commerce (Thu, Nov 26).
Where can I volunteer this Thanksgiving in Onalaska?
Holiday Happiness Food Drive and Mabel Community Thanksgiving at Mabel, Minnesota are looking for helping hands.
What are the best Thanksgiving events in Onalaska?
The most popular on AllEvents right now are Pre-Thanksgiving Bash with the Brianna Rae Band at Rumors at Rumors Bar and Grill (Nov 25–26), Thanksgiving Community Meal - Sponsored by Sparta Ecumenical Ministerial Association (Thu, Nov 26) and Community Thanksgiving Meal (Wed, Nov 25).
Are there Thanksgiving events near Onalaska?
Yes: 6 more events are listed within reach, in Winona, Rochester, Decorah and Prairie Du Chien.
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.