Community Events Planned for Thanksgiving Weekend in Central Florida

ORLANDO, Florida — Central Florida is gearing up for a festive Thanksgiving weekend with a series of community events designed for families and friends to celebrate together. From charity food drives to fun runs, there’s something for everyone.

The Thanksgiving Basket Brigade will partner with the Conway Community Market this year, inviting participants to build a nonperishable Thanksgiving meal in a laundry basket. The event takes place on Sunday, November 23, at Barber Park, located at 3701 Gatlin Ave., starting at 10 a.m. Local vendors, food trucks, and live music will enhance the festive atmosphere. For more information, call 407-739-7005.

On Wednesday, November 26, art enthusiasts can join a free watercolor painting workshop at the South Trail Library from 11 a.m., creating festive holiday cards and place cards. The library is located at 4600 S. Orange Blossom Trail. Call 407-835-7323 for details.

That evening, two events will attract crowds in Orlando. The AAHZ All-Stars Thanksgiving Eve event at The Beacham features sets from well-known DJs and begins at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $75. Meanwhile, Tuffy’s Music Box in Sanford will host a Dueling Pianos Thanksgiving Eve Extravaganza starting at 9 p.m., with ticket prices from $10 to $25.

The Thanksgiving Day festivities kick off with family-friendly races. The Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K will take place on Thursday, November 27, at Lake Eola Park, starting at 7 a.m. Registration costs between $40 and $50. Similarly, the AdventHealth Turkey Trot 5K & 10K is set for the same day at Cherry Lake Park, commencing at 7:15 a.m., with a fee of $40. For those looking for a shorter option, the Wild Turkey Trot 3K takes place at Brevard Zoo at 7:30 a.m., costing between $28 and $38.

Post-Thanksgiving activities include free admission to the Morse Museum of American Art from Friday, November 28, to Sunday, November 30. The museum is located at 445 N. Park Ave., in Winter Park. For families looking for a fun run, the Turkey Trails event at Waterfront Park in Clermont on Saturday, November 29, starts at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $25.50.

The weekend wraps up with FusionFest, celebrating over 110 cultures through music, food, and interactive activities on Saturday, November 29, and Sunday, November 30, at Seneff Arts Plaza.