Are you looking to make the most of Thanksgiving in Milwaukee this year? Whether you’re up for an active morning at the Milwaukee Turkey Trot, want to give back with the Thanksgiving Community Event at Milwaukee Dream Center, or simply want to join in on some pre-holiday fun at the Gobble Wobble Pub Crawl, there’s something for everyone. Milwaukee offers a mix of festive races, community meals, and even a lively pub crawl to kick off the holiday spirit. Here’s a look at some top Thanksgiving events around the city to make your holiday both memorable and meaningful.
Milwaukee Turkey Trot 5K & 8K
- Date & Time: Thursday, November 28, 2024, starting at 9:00 AM
- Location: Veterans Park, 1010 N Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, WI
- Details: This annual race features both a 5K and an 8K option, along with a Kids Dash, and supports local charities. Participants receive a themed long-sleeve shirt, and there’s a free cup of hot chocolate at the finish line! Arrive early to secure parking, as Lincoln Memorial Drive access closes at 8:30 AM
More Information: Wisconsin Events
Thanksgiving Community Event at Milwaukee Dream Center
- Date & Time: Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Atmosphere Church, 929 S 37th St., Milwaukee, WI
- Details: This event is focused on giving back, offering free turkeys and bags of food to families in need. Registration begins at 1:00 PM, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to support community members and spread gratitude
More Information: Milwaukeedreamcenter
6th Annual Gobble Wobble Pub Crawl
- Date & Time: Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 5:00 PM
- Location: Downtown Milwaukee bars (exact locations vary)
- Details: Kicking off Thanksgiving with a festive pub crawl, this event includes drink specials and Thanksgiving-themed costumes. The crawl is a popular pre-holiday activity for friends and family to celebrate together before Thanksgiving Day.
More Information: HappeningNext
Thanksgiving Day Meal at The Gathering
- Date & Time: Thursday, November 28, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
- Location: St. Benedict the Moor Church, 924 W State St., Milwaukee, WI
- Details: This free community meal is open to everyone and provides a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to those in need or anyone seeking fellowship. Volunteers are welcome to join and help serve food, making it a great way to give back during the holiday
More Information: FoodGressing
The Top 4 Thanksgiving Trends From 2023
In 2023, Thanksgiving saw some fun and creative trends that took traditional celebrations to new heights. Here are a few of the most exciting trends that spiced up the holiday:
- Thanksgiving Charcuterie Boards – Forget just the turkey and sides—charcuterie boards were the star of many tables. People got creative, and adding seasonal treats like roasted nuts, pumpkin-spiced cheeses, and even mini cranberry tarts became the perfect way to kick off the feast with a fun, shareable appetizer.
- Thanksgiving-Themed Cocktails – People were getting festive with their drinks this year! From spiced apple martinis to pumpkin pie cocktails, Thanksgiving-inspired beverages made their mark. These offer a creative twist to pre-dinner mingling, with some even incorporating cranberry and cinnamon for that extra holiday flavor.
- Social Media Thanksgiving Challenges – TikTok and Instagram were flooded with Thanksgiving-themed challenges. From “decorate your table in under 5 minutes” to “Thanksgiving recipe hacks,” social media had no shortage of holiday creativity. Many influencers even encouraged fans to share their family’s quirky Thanksgiving traditions.
- Friendsgiving Takeovers – The Friendsgiving trend continued to grow, with more people opting to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends before or after the main family gathering. In 2023, many opted for themed Friendsgiving parties, with cocktail pairings, movie marathons, and even “Friendsgiving dinners for a cause,” where people would donate meals or leftovers to local shelters.
These fun trends kept Thanksgiving fresh and lively in 2023 while still emphasizing the importance of getting together with friends and family during the holiday. Which trends will take over this year?