Annapolis and Anne Arundel County community guide for Thanksgiving week
Annapolis Thanksgiving 2026: Turkey Trots, Thanksgiving Boxes & Friendsgivings
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Here’s where to find a free turkey or a hot meal, where to run off the pie, and how to celebrate with friends from Eastport to Severna Park, Arnold and Kent Island.
Need food right now? The Light House (10 Hudson St., Annapolis, 410-349-5056) serves a community lunch that is open to all. Visit aafoodbank.org to find an Anne Arundel County Food Bank pantry or mobile distribution near you, or dial 2-1-1.
Thanksgiving in Annapolis starts in Eastport, where runners, strollers and dogs set off on the downtown Turkey Trot for Girls on the Run, and it carries on across the county as The Light House and the Anne Arundel County Food Bank make sure neighbors have a holiday meal. I put this guide together from Eventbrite listings, local news and community resources so you can find what you need in one place, whether that’s a Thanksgiving box, a place to give back, or a Friendsgiving to meet new people.
Events are listed by date within each section. Plans change, so always confirm times and registration with the organizer before you head out.
Food help and Thanksgiving boxes
If you need groceries or a Thanksgiving box this year, start here. Call ahead, since holiday hours change.
Love Wins Movement holiday meal distribution
A large mid-November holiday meal distribution in Severn, supported by the Maryland Food Bank, that has served hundreds of neighbors.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: Maryland Food Bank
The Light House Thanksgiving boxes
Each fall, The Light House distributes hundreds of donated Thanksgiving boxes during Thanksgiving week at its Open Market Pantry, so neighbors can prepare a holiday meal of their own. Call 410-349-5056 for details.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: What’s Up? Media
Ways to give back
Donate food or support a Thanksgiving meal drive.
Donate to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank
The county’s central hunger-relief hub supplies dozens of pantries. Drop off food weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or give online.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: Annapolis Moms
The Light House Holiday Table Meal Drive
Donate to the drive that puts holiday meals on the tables of local households.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: Annapolis Moms
Turkey Trots
“Wobble before you gobble.” Annapolis-area trots fill fast, so register early and plan for downtown parking.
Burn Before the Bird (Severna Park)
REPS Performance’s annual Thanksgiving morning workout, open to members and non-members. Bring friends and family.
Source: Eventbrite
Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K
A Thanksgiving morning charity 5K from the Greater Annapolis Y, with parking at the Y and Anne Arundel Community College. Runners have brought non-perishable food for ALIVE’s hunger programs.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: What’s Up? Media
Annapolis Turkey Trot (Fleet Feet Annapolis)
Downtown Annapolis’s Thanksgiving Day 5K tradition, now about 20 years running, with a scenic tour through downtown benefiting Girls on the Run Greater Chesapeake. Strollers, kids and dogs are welcome.
Source: Endurance Grid
Friendsgivings
Dinners, dancing and game nights for celebrating with the people you choose.
Friendsgiving Salsa & Bachata Night at Caliente Grill
Dinner at 7, then salsa, bachata, a dance class and a live DJ.
Source: Eventbrite
Friendsgiving in Wine Country at Cooper’s Hawk
A Friendsgiving wine club pairing dinner at Cooper’s Hawk ($79 per person).
Source: Eventbrite
Friendsgiving Fall Out at Log Rhythm Records
An open mic, vendor show and hangout at Log Rhythm Records.
Source: Eventbrite
The Rich Auntie Cake Heist: Friendsgiving Edition (Upper Marlboro)
A girls’ Friendsgiving cake experience with mystery boxes and a cake to take home.
Source: Eventbrite
Friendsgiving Soul Food Dinner Party (Upper Marlboro)
The annual PerfectFriends Friendsgiving soul food dinner party.
Source: Eventbrite
Billiards-Giving (Bowie)
Games and friendly competition at Center Pocket Cafe & Billiards.
Source: Eventbrite
Classes and holiday prep
Cook healthier sides or build a centerpiece for the table.
Simple Holiday Dinner Cooking Class (Bowie)
Learn healthier takes on holiday favorites like mac and cheese, greens and vegan drumsticks.
Source: Eventbrite
Grateful Gathering Centerpiece Workshop
Craft your own Thanksgiving centerpiece at Oyster Flower Co.
Source: Eventbrite
Thanksgiving Day and the long weekend
Brunch on Kent Island and a couple of ways to dance off the leftovers.
Thanksgiving Brunch at Kent Island Resort
A relaxed Thanksgiving brunch across the Bay Bridge.
Source: Eventbrite
Turkey Burn Off Dance Fitness (Glen Burnie)
Ninety minutes of dance fitness the morning after Thanksgiving.
Source: Eventbrite
The Turkey Gobbler: Soca & Afrobeats Dance Fitness (Bowie)
A soca and Afrobeats dance fitness party.
Source: Eventbrite
Thanksgiving in Annapolis: Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Is there a Turkey Trot in Annapolis on Thanksgiving?
Yes. Fleet Feet Annapolis hosts the Annapolis Turkey Trot 5K from 318 6th St. in Eastport on Thanksgiving morning, benefiting Girls on the Run Greater Chesapeake. The Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K and the Rugby Hall 5K run in Arnold.
Where can I get a Thanksgiving box or free meal in Annapolis?
The Light House (10 Hudson St.) distributes Thanksgiving boxes during Thanksgiving week and serves a community lunch open to all. Call 410-349-5056, or dial 2-1-1 to find other help.
How can I donate food for Thanksgiving in Anne Arundel County?
Drop off food at the Anne Arundel County Food Bank (120 Marbury Dr., Crownsville) on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or support The Light House Holiday Table Meal Drive.
Where can I find a Friendsgiving near Annapolis?
Eventbrite lists Friendsgivings at Caliente Grill (Nov. 13), Cooper’s Hawk (Nov. 16) and Log Rhythm Records (Nov. 21), plus more in Bowie and Upper Marlboro.
From our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving
If this guide helped, pass it along to a neighbor who could use it. And when you’re ready to talk about buying or selling a home in Annapolis or anywhere in Anne Arundel County, I’m here to help.
Kimberly Barton · Kinetic Realty
(443) 837-5645 · kimberly@kbartonrealtor.com · KineticRealtyInc.com
Event information was gathered from Eventbrite and the public sources linked with each listing as of October 27, 2026, and is provided for convenience only. Dates, times, eligibility and availability are set by each organizer and may change. Free food distributions are typically first-come, first-served while supplies last. Kinetic Realty is not affiliated with these organizations or events unless stated. Listings marked “2026 details pending” are annual events whose 2026 schedules had not been announced at the time of writing.