In anticipation of Thanksgiving, several Austin-area neighborhood centers, churches, and schools plan to open their doors and welcome locals inside to share a hearty meal. If you would like to join in a community celebration, there are plenty to choose from.
Tuesday, November 18
Dove Springs Recreation Center’s Community Dinner – Tuesday, November 18 from 6-8:00 p.m. FREE and open to the public. 5801 Ainez Dr, Austin. 512-974-3840
Thursday, November 20
Pickle Elementary School – Thursday, November 20 from 5-6:30 p.m. Community members in the St. John area are invited to enjoy a FREE meal in the school cafeteria. Donations such as sides, drinks, and desserts are accepted but not required. 1101 Wheatley Dr, Austin. 512-841-8400
Virginia L. Brown Rec Center’s Thanksgiving Dinner – Thursday, November 20 from 5-6:30 p.m. FREE and open to the public. 7500 Blessing Ave, Austin. 512-974-7865
LBJ High School Thanksgiving Meal – Thursday, November 20 from 5-8:00 p.m. (or until food lasts). Community members in the Colony Park area (78721, 78723, 78752, 78753) are invited to enjoy a FREE meal in the school cafeteria. Families may bring a pot-luck dish to the meal, but this is not required. 7309 Lazy Creek Dr, Austin. 512-414-2543
Givens Recreation Center’s Community Dinner – Thursday, November 20 from 6:30 p.m. until food runs out. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. FREE and open to the public. Givens Recreation Center, 3811 East 12th St, Austin. 512-974-2430
Friday, November 21
Southside Thanksgiving Dinner (San Marcos) – Friday, November 21 from 6-8:00 p.m.
FREE and open to the public. San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E Hopkins, San Marcos. 512-392-6694Saturday, November 22
Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center – Saturday, November 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
FREE and open to the public. 2800 Webberville Rd, Austin. 512-972-6740AB Cantu Pan-American Recreation Center Thanksgiving Dinner – Saturday, November 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. FREE and open to the public. 2100 E 3rd St, Austin. 512-476-9193
Shoreline East – Saturday, November 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Thanksgiving meal and worship service are FREE and open to the community. New men’s and women’s tennis shoes will be distributed at the event, while supplies last. 901 E 6th St, Austin. 512-983-1048
St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Thanksgiving Dinner (RSVP) – Saturday, November 22 at 6:00 p.m. FREE and open to the public. Attendees are asked to call before event to sign-up. 14311 Wells Port Dr, Austin. 512-251-0698
Sunday, November 23
St Martin de Porres Catholic Church (Dripping Springs) – Sunday, November 23 at Noon. FREE and open to the public. 26160 RR 12, Dripping Springs. 512-858-5667, ext 209
Chisholm Trail Cowboy Church (Georgetown) – Sunday, November 23 at Noon. All are welcome. FREE. 115 CR 120, Georgetown.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Celebration – Sunday, November 23, 2014 from 3-4:30 p.m. The iACT’s 30th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Celebration joins congregations and denominations of all faiths in a reflection on our blessings and a celebration of our diversity as people of God. A reception will follow the prayer service and everyone is invited to bring a favorite dish to share. This is a FREE, family-friendly event and all are welcome. Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2938 E 13th St, Austin. (512) 386-9145
Monday, November 24
Mobile Loaves and Fishes Feast – Monday, November 24 from 5:30 p.m. until food runs out. FREE and open to the public. First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity St, Austin. 512-328-7299
Tuesday, November 25
H-E-B Feast of Sharing – Tuesday, November 25 from 4-8:00 p.m. 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, kids activities, and even an appearance by Santa.
FREE and open to the public. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin. 512-421-1000First Baptist Church (Blanco) – Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. FREE and open to the public. 1200 4th St, Blanco. 830-833-5867
Wednesday, November 26
Baptist Community Center Thanksgiving Dinner – Wednesday, November 26 from 1-6:00 p.m. FREE and open to the public. 2000 E 2nd St, Austin. 512-478-7243
Salvation Army Social Services Center – Wednesday, November 26 from 4-5:00 p.m. FREE and open to the public. 501 E 8th St, Austin. 512-634-5921
Thursday, November 27
North Austin Christian Church Thanksgiving Meal – Thursday, November 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. FREE and open to the public. 1734 Rutland Dr, Austin. 512-836-3282
St. Louis Catholic Church’s Feast of Giving – Thursday, November 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. FREE and open to the public. Wozniak Hall, 7601 Burnet Rd, Austin. 512-454-0384, ext 265
Ministry of Challenge – Thursday, November 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a food dish to share, though this is not required. FREE and open to the public. 1500 E 12th St, Austin. 512-370-8962
Looking for someplace to volunteer on Thanksgiving?
Operation Turkey – Thursday, November 27, 2014 (Thanksgiving Day), from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. Operation Turkey cooks, assembles, and delivers meals to area homeless people on Thanksgiving Day. Volunteers are needed to cook food, sort donations, package the food in to-go containers, and deliver dinners and donations. To volunteer for Operation Turkey, fill out this form. Meals are being assembled and delivered in North Austin, Downtown Austin, South Austin, and San Marcos. Go here for locations and specifics.
For more Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities, visit GivingCity Austin.
Need help finding food beyond Thanksgiving?
Visit the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas website for information and resources to help you find food when you need it.
Know of a meal we missed? Please email the details to [email protected]
In her life before kids, Emily held jobs as a zookeeper, a middle school teacher, and a tour bus driver in the wilds of Montana–not one of which prepared her for the adventures of motherhood. Now she’s living the good life in Austin with her husband, two sons and a Great Dane. When she’s not off gallivanting with her boys, you might find Emily baking up a mean batch of cupcakes, recalling obscure 80s song lyrics, or dreaming of peace and quiet.
