OKC Thanksgiving events

Turkey trots and races

The OKC Turkey Trot runs Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, 2026, near 5th Street and Harvey Avenue in downtown Oklahoma City. The 1-mile starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K at 9 a.m., with a Kids' Trot on the same morning. Registration listed around $30.50 to $62.40 depending on distance and timing; check the race site for the current fee before you register. Packet pickup is Tuesday, Nov. 24, and Wednesday, Nov. 25, at Red Coyote Classen, with race-morning pickup near the start from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Harvey Avenue closes between 4th and 6th during the race; most nearby lots are free on the holiday, but arrive early. The Edmond Turkey Trot starts at 19 N. Boulevard (Russell Dougherty Elementary). The 1-mile Family Wobble is at 8 a.m. ($15; ages 3–12 $10) and the 5K at about 8:35 a.m. ($29; ages 3–12 $15). Proceeds benefit Turning Point Ministries and the YMCA. Packet pickup is Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 3 to 7 p.m., or race morning from 7 to 7:30 a.m. The Norman Turkey Day 5K starts at Norman High School, 911 W. Main St. The 5K is at 8:30 a.m. ($40 with shirt, $30 without) and the 1-mile at 9:30 a.m. ($30 with shirt, $20 without). Prices rise after Nov. 15. There is no race-day registration.

Community dinners

The Edmond Community Thanksgiving Dinner serves a free meal Thursday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bronco Room at UCO's Nigh University Center. No reservations are required. Service is first come, first served, with about 220 seats at a time. There is no delivery or drive-thru this year; limited to-go orders are available, with dining-in the priority. Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church hosts GraceGiving on Thanksgiving Day at 1020 N.E. 42nd St. in Oklahoma City, with free home-cooked meals. Check with the organizer for public serving hours and how to receive a meal. City Rescue Mission and other nonprofits often serve Thanksgiving meals in Oklahoma City. Check with each organizer for 2026 hours, walk-in rules, and volunteer needs before you go.

Early holiday openers

The Devon Ice Rink at Myriad Botanical Gardens is already open for the season and runs 3 to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, then 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27. Admission is $16 with skate rental or $11 if you bring your own skates. The National's Great Christmas Tree Lighting is free on Friday, Nov. 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 120 N. Robinson Ave., with the lighting at 4:30 p.m. Seating is limited and first come, first served. Scissortail Park's Sparkle Holiday Market runs Saturday, Nov. 28, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. ArtAfloatOKC caroling cruises begin Nov. 27. Bricktown canal lights and the Bricktown Christmas Tree are free to view after the Nov. 12 tree lighting. Stores and restaurants post their own holiday hours; do not assume Thursday availability. For the broader season calendar, see the holiday events and Christmas lights guides.

Travel notes

Highway traffic rises Wednesday afternoon and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. If you are heading to a race or dinner, leave extra time and check for road work on your route.

Notes