Thanksgiving is less than a week away, so we’ve rounded up some places in town that are offering free community celebrations of the holiday! Know of more? Please feel free to share them in the comments. If you’re interested in volunteering this Thanksgiving, check out Operation Turkey or Giving City Austin.
This list is brought to you by the Office of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin. For more information on how they are helping those in need this season and how you can help, visit their website.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
November 16 | from 6 to 8 p.m. | Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez Dr, Austin
This Community Thanksgiving Dinner is FREE for the public and provided by the City of Austin. For special assistance utilizing CoA facilities, please call (512)974-3840.
A.B. Cantu Pan-American Recreation Center Thanksgiving Dinner
November 18 | from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | 2100 E 3rd St, Austin
This year’s 22nd Annual A.B. Cantu/Pan Am Recreation Center Advisory Group Thanksgiving Dinner welcomes the community for a FREE meal in memory of Eloisa Ojeda Limon. Doors open at 10 a.m., with dinner served at 11 a.m. For special assistance utilizing CoA facilities, please call (512)974-3840.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Celebration
November 19 | service from 3 to 4:30 p.m., reception from 4:40 t0 5:30 p.m. | Riverbend Church, 4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin
FREE, family-friendly, all are welcome. Reception follows the prayer service and all are welcome to bring a dish to share (no pork or shellfish, please label for those with dietary restrictions). For the past 32 years, iACT has had the great joy and privilege of bringing the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service to the Austin Community. This is a unique opportunity for Austinites of all faith backgrounds to come together to give thanks as one community. We are proud to announce this year’s service will be hosted by the Austin Muslim Community and held at Riverbend Church. We invite you to come hear prayers and practices from all of Austin’s faith communities, learn and appreciate the beauty and diversity of Islam, and share in a reception after the service.
Turkey Bingo
November 20 | from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E Rundberg Ln, Austin
Join in on the food and fun as Gus Garcia Rec Center hosts their annual Turkey Bingo! Families can enjoy free hot dogs and drinks, as well as arts and crafts for the little ones. You’ll have the chance to play bingo to win a Thanksgiving dinner basket. Bingo cards cost $2 and one basket can be won per family.
H-E-B Feast of Sharing
November 21 | from 4 to 8 p.m. | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin
Join in the festivities and experience the joy at the annual H‑E‑B Feast of Sharing holiday dinner with turkey and all the trimmings. The Feast of Sharing is the culmination of a year‑round commitment H‑E‑B makes to fighting hunger. In addition to a holiday meal you can enjoy music, arts and crafts, and kids activities‑even an appearance by Santa himself.
Find more free Thanksgiving dinners, below.
Operation Turkey Request
November 23 | from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Your home
To request a meal to be delivered to your home, please fill out the request form. Each meal will contain turkey, stuffing, vegetables, pie, and a drink.
Mt. Olive Thanksgiving Meal
November 23 | from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 1800 East 11th St, Austin
Mt. olive Baptist Church opens its doors to the community for Thanksgiving Day dinner and community fellowship.
Thanksgiving Day Luncheon
November 23 | from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Iglesia Bautista Principe de Paz, 1204 Payton Gin Road, Austin
All are invited to this free luncheon for the community.
Feast of Giving
November 23 | from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | St Louis Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Road, Austin
This popular event, held in Wozniak Hall at St Louis Catholic Church, provides a traditional hot Thanksgiving meal to members of the community.
November 23 | from 6 to 8:30 p.m. | Haven House, 11200 Powder Mill Trail, Austin
If you’re interested in volunteering this Thanksgiving, check out Operation Turkey or Giving City Austin.
Featured photo courtesy US Defense Department.
