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15 Awesome Things to Do on Thanksgiving Day (and Night)
Explore SF with SF Botanical Garden’s free day, free walking tours, ice skating, dance parties & more
There’s plenty of fun to be had in San Francisco this Thanksgiving, whether you want to get a workout at the largest Turkey Trot in the America, or explore the city on a free walking tour, or later in the evening move and groove at a free ’80s dance party.
Or, wake up early to catch the sunrise ceremony at Alcatraz honoring Indigenous Peoples, take time to volunteer, or enjoy some laughs at a free comedy show. You can also soak in the season with free admission to the SF Botanical Garden for a peaceful stroll among the greenery. Or enjoy a free vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner accompanied by an Indian concert.
No matter your pace or interests, San Francisco offers a Thanksgiving full of ways to celebrate, give back, and have fun. Happy Thanksgiving!
Saturday, November 21
Free “Arts for Oakland Kids” Holiday Market
Saturday, November 21 – 12:30 pm - Ends at 2:30 pm |
Cost: FREE | The Lot off Fourth
Holiday Market & Live Jazz with Arts for Oakland Kids
Sat, Nov 21 · 12:30–2:30 PM · 1800 Fifth Street, Berkeley
Get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting local young artists! Arts for Oakland Kids is hosting an open-air holiday market with live music from ...
Sunday, November 22
$5 Off: All-Ages Drag Brunch w/ Kings Queens at “Beeryland” (Oakland)
All Ages Drag brunch with an exclusive breakfast menu at Beerlyland!
Oakland’s New Drag Brunch at Beeryland!
$20 General Admission, $30 Premium with drink tickets and swag bag. Code “beery” gets $5 off!
...
RedBrick Ceramic Studio: Artist Talk & Pop-Up with Tasha Colby
Sunday, November 22 – 2:00 pm - Ends at 4:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | RedBrick Ceramic Studio
Artist Talk & Pop-Up: “What the Earth Remembers”
Join RedBrick Ceramic Studio on Sunday, November 22 for a free artist talk and ceramic demonstration with artist Tasha Colby.
Through her experience as a self-taught ceramicist, Tasha reflects on learning through curiosity, necessity, experimentation, and community. Her talk ...
Thursday, November 26
Alcatraz’s Thanksgiving Indigenous Peoples’ Sunrise Ceremony (2026)
The Indigenous Peoples’ Day Sunrise Gathering on October 12 and November 26, 2026 are organized by the International Indian Treaty Council commemorating the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz by the Indians of All Tribes. These are one-day events and not the standard Alcatraz Island tour; all ...
Thanksgiving Day Ice Skating at Union Square’s Holiday Ice Rink
Thursday, November 26 – All Day |
Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for its 19th season. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square opens November 4, 2026, bringing outdoor ice skating to the heart of downtown San Francisco through January 18, 2027. Skate beneath the holiday lights in ...
Volunteer for Thanksgiving Day 2026: Deliver Meals + In-Home Visits (SF)
Join us this Thanksgiving as we bring warmth, joy, and holiday meals to older adults in our community! There are two ways you can volunteer:
Option 1: In-Person Visit & Meal Delivery
Pick up your Thanksgiving meal(s) in downtown San Francisco on Thursday, November 26th between 10:00 ...
Friday, November 27
2026 Black Ass Weekend: Black Queer Burlesque + Drag at Oasis (Nov. 27-29)
✊Black Ass Weekend is BACK! ✊
Skip the retail lines. We are serving the only Black Friday plans you actually need.
From Friday, November 27th through Sunday, November 29th, Cyclone Enterprises presents Black Ass Weekend 2026—the ultimate celebration of Black, queer burlesque and drag entertainment taking over ...
Saturday, November 28
Brad Williams: The Tall Tales Comedy Tour at Palace of Fine Arts (SF)
Saturday, November 28 – 6:00 pm - Ends at 7:00 pm |
Cost: $35 | Palace of Fine Arts
Brad Williams is one of comedy’s most in-demand headliners, known for his fearless, high-energy stand-up and sold-out shows across the globe. A veteran performer since his teens, he has appeared on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and more, with acclaimed specials on Showtime and ...
