One thing we can all be thankful for this November is that there is never a shortage of free fun in Austin! Are you looking to stretch your Thanksgiving celebrating to more than just the one day? We’ve rounded up the places in town that are offering FREE community celebrations of the holiday. Put on your loose pants and check out one of these schools, churches, or community centers for a free Thanksgiving meal!
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
November 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Metz Recreation Center, 2407 Canterbury St., Austin
Metz Recreation Center staff and the City of Austin, would like to invite all program participants and their families and friends to a homemade Thanksgiving feast. This is their way to thank you for being a part of the Metz community. Entertainment provided by Metz Ballet Folklorico, the Cobra Cheerleaders, Metz after-school program, and more! Special performance by the Tiarra Girls! Rainout date: Saturday, November 14 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Givens Recreation Center Thanksgiving Meal
November 12 from 6-8 p.m. | 3811 E 12th St, Austin
Free annual Thanksgiving meal for the community.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
November 19 from 5-7 p.m. | Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center, 7500 Blessing Ave., Austin
Free and open to the public.
Pickle Elementary School
November 19 from 5-7 p.m. | School Cafeteria, 1101 Wheatley, Austin
The school provides an annual Thanksgiving meal for the community. Donations such as sides, drinks, and desserts are accepted but not required.
The Helping Hands Center – Harvest of Hope Thanksgiving Meal and Winter Clothing Giveaway
November 21 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Olivet Baptist Church, 1179 San Bernard St, Austin
Annual Harvest of Hope event offering a Thanksgiving meal to the community, plus adult winter clothing giveaway, including sweatshirts and wool caps at the event.
AB Cantu Pan-American Recreation Center Thanksgiving Meal
November 21 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | 2100 E 3rd St, Austin
Free Thanksgiving meal for the community.
Rosewood Zaragosa Neighborhood Center
November 21 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | 2800 Webberville Rd, Austin
Free and open to the public.
Dove Springs Recreation Center’s Community Dinner
November 21 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | 5801 Ainez Dr., Austin
Free and open to the public.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Thanksgiving Meal
November 21 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. | 14311 Wells Port Dr, Austin
Free Thanksgiving meal to the community each year. Attendees are asked to call before the event to RSVP (512-251-0698).
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Celebration
November 22 at 3 p.m. | 7501 Blessing Ave., Austin
Free, family-friendly, all are welcome. Reception follows the prayer service and all are welcome to bring a dish to share.
H-E-B Feast of Sharing
November 24 from 4-8 p.m. | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd., Austin
Join in the festivities and experience the joy with a holiday meal and good cheer at the annual H‑E‑B Feast of Sharing holiday dinner. 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.
Church Community Thanksgiving Meal (Blanco)
November 24 at 6:30 p.m. | Trinity Lutheran Church, 703 Main St., Blanco
Free and open to the public.
Baptist Community Center Thanksgiving Dinner
November 25 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | 2000 E 2nd St, Austin
Free Thanksgiving meal for the community.
Salvation Army Thanksgiving Meal
November 25 from 12-3 p.m. | Salvation Army’s main location, 501 E 8th St, Austin
Free annual Thanksgiving meal for the community.
North Austin Christian Church
November 26 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | 1734 Rutland Dr, Austin
Free Thanksgiving meal for the community.
12th Annual Feast of Giving
November 26 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | St. Louis Catholic Church, Wozniak Hall, 7601 Burnet Rd., Austin
Free and open to the public. Twelve years ago, Parish Social Ministries started the tradition of feeding needy brothers and sisters a great Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day. The last few years, over 800 individuals have been served annually with over 150 volunteers. The act of sharing not only allows volunteers to give of themselves to others, but brings the true meaning of this holiday to those who receive the meals. If you would like to volunteer for this ministry, the Social Ministry team could use at least two and a half hours of your time on Thanksgiving Day or the night before. For additional information on volunteering, please contact Bea Dela Rosa at 512-454-0384 extension 265 or [email protected].
For free food beyond Thanksgiving, check out the Capital Area Food Banks of Texas resource page.
If you’re interested in volunteering this Thanksgiving, check out Operation Turkey or Giving City Austin.
