Richmond's Thanksgiving Weekend Events and Parades

We're deep into fall, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This is the perfect occasion to venture out into the community and enjoy all that Richmond has to offer. In fact, there are several Thanksgiving events coming up that our real estate agents are excited to recommend.

Thanksgiving Events Around Richmond

Virginia Thanksgiving Festival

Address: 12602 Harrison Landing Road, Charles City, Virginia 23030

Head over to the Berkeley Plantation in Charles City for the Virginia Thanksgiving Festival, scheduled for Sunday, November 1 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. This annual event begins with a parade. Then, guests can enjoy colonial games, a petting zoo, historic demonstrations, crafts, and more.

Local vendors will be on-site selling crafts, food, and artwork. There will be smoked turkey legs, hot dogs, and festive desserts. Proceeds from the event go to benefit Feed More, a non-profit organization that provides food for families in need.

Richmond Official Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl

Address: Downtown Richmond, VA

The Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl is an annual tradition in Richmond. The event lasts from 6 - 11 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25. With the purchase of a ticket, you get admission to 4+ participating venues, discounted food specials, Thanksgiving-themed drink specials, and the opportunity to enjoy live DJs and entertainment.

Participants must be 21 or older. Buy your ticket in advance to save! In past years, tickets have sold out prior to the event.

Richmond Turkey Trot

Address: 600 S Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, VA 23221

Need some motivation to get moving on Thanksgiving morning? Sign up for the Richmond Turkey Trot! This 5K race weaves through downtown Richmond and is open to both runners and walkers. You can sign up in advance, and registration includes a t-shirt. The race starts promptly at 8 a.m., and the course closes at 9:30 a.m. Race-day packet pickup begins at 7 a.m.

There's also a 100M dash for kids age 8 and under. Registration for that race is free! Volunteers are also needed to hand out packets, man water stations, and more.

Foodies + New Friends

Address: 123 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220

Foodies + New Friends is a weekly activity held on Saturdays at Bar Solita. On November 21st and 28th, they're doing a "Giving Back Edition" that's a great fit for Thanksgiving. Participants meet up to enjoy dinner and socialization. The ticket fees are donated to While We Still Can, a group that supports families and small businesses who are going through hard times.

Purchase a ticket for Foodies + New Friends in advance; they're limited. This is a great way to carry the generous spirit of Thanksgiving through the weekend!

Carytown's Great Gift Caper

Address: 3142 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA 23220

Grab a few friends and enjoy Carytown's Great Gift Caper, a scavenger hunt around Richmond. This is the perfect activity to get everyone out of the house on the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving. Sign up online, and the game instructions, starting location, and specific hunt details will be sent to you. 

The Great Gift Caper will take you to popular Richmond sites and will involve festive, seasonal cues aligned with the Thanksgiving theme. All activities are optional. Tickets are just $20 per person, and you can start (and stop) at whatever time is most convenient for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Events in Richmond

What are some family-friendly Thanksgiving events in Richmond, VA?

Richmond has several Thanksgiving activities for families to enjoy. The Virginia Thanksgiving Festival at Berkeley Plantation features a parade, colonial games, crafts, and a petting zoo. Families can also participate in the Richmond Turkey Trot, which includes a free 100-meter dash for children ages 8 and under.

Are there any Thanksgiving Day events in Richmond?

Yes! The Richmond Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2026, starting at 8 a.m. This 5K welcomes both runners and walkers, making it a fun way to get active before enjoying Thanksgiving dinner.

What can I do in Richmond during Thanksgiving weekend?

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend in Richmond. You can meet new people at the Foodies + New Friends Giving Back Edition on November 28 or explore the city with Carytown's Great Gift Caper scavenger hunt. Both offer a fun way to celebrate the holiday weekend.

Whether you're in the mood to shop, run, watch a parade, or even dine with new friends, the Richmond area is brimming with Thanksgiving opportunities. Contact us if you're still looking for Richmond homes for sale. Our agents are happy to help.