Thanksgiving in Dayton is not just about turkey, mashed potatoes or football. It is about getting out, giving back, a little bit of adventure and soaking in that warm, festive community spirit.
From volunteering, getting active or just doing something memorable with friends, Dayton is bursting with festive things to get into the holiday spirit.
From volunteering to running in turkey hats, here are five local events that will make this Thanksgiving break anything but boring.
Feast of Giving
Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St, Dayton, OH
If Thanksgiving had a heartbeat, it would be right here. The Feast of Giving is Dayton’s biggest and warmest community meal.
Free for everyone and filled with good food, live music and more smiles than one can count. This is not just a meal; it is a celebration of togetherness.
Volunteers help with everything from serving meals to welcoming guests at the door. It is the kind of event that reminds everyone why Dayton is called the “Gem City.”
Dayton Turkey Trot Half Marathon & 5K
Nov. 29 at 8:30 a.m.
Welcome Stadium, 1601 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd, Dayton, OH
Get ready to trade slippers for sneakers and hit the pavement at the Dayton Turkey Trot, the most spirited run of the season. From marathon maniac to casual costume contestants, everyone is welcome.
Runners usually show up in turkey hats, tutus and goofy Thanksgiving outfits, making it one of Dayton’s most hilarious and heartwarming races.
The route winds through scenic city streets and the crowd’s energy is contagious. Plus, participants are sure to burn off plenty of calories to make room for their Thanksgiving meals.
Miami Valley Meals “Turkey Takeaway”
Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Various Distribution Sites across Dayton
Thanksgiving is not just about eating. It is about ensuring everyone gets to eat.
The Turkey Takeaway by Miami Valley Meals does exactly that. Volunteers help package and distribute frozen holiday dinners to families across the city. The work is fast-paced, friendly and deeply rewarding.
For more information visit miamivalleymeals.org/thanksgiving.
The Foodbank, Inc. – Holiday Volunteer Shifts
Nov. 18 – 27 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Flexible Shifts)
56 Armor Place, Dayton, OH
For those looking to make a real impact during Thanksgiving break, The Foodbank, Inc. is the engine behind many of Dayton’s holiday food drives. Volunteers help sort donations, pack boxes and distribute turkey dinners to families in need.
It is hands-on work that feels meaningful. The staff is welcoming; the vibe is high-energy and every box packed helps make someone’s holiday brighter.
Hawthorn Hill Tours. Orville Wright’s Historic Home
Nov. 30 at 10 a.m.
901 Harmon Ave, Oakwood, Dayton, OH
After all the turkey and volunteer work, slow things down with a little Dayton history. Hawthorn Hill, the mansion built by aviation pioneer Orville Wright, opens guided tours the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Wander through rooms filled with century-old furnishings, photographs and artifacts that tell the story of one of Dayton’s greatest innovators.
It is a quiet, reflective way to end the Thanksgiving weekend and a reminder that Dayton has always been a city of dreamers and doers.
From volunteering, running or taking in a piece of local history, Dayton offers a Thanksgiving experience that is full of heart.
So, pull on a coat, grab a friend and make this break one to remember because the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Mary-Immaculate Winemaliya Ayambire, staff writer
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