The Thanksgiving holiday season often means entertaining out-of-town friends and family. But once the football games are watched and the meal has been eaten, what else is there to do? From Fun Run’s to Black Friday Shopping and taking in some quiet time by the shore, Fort Lauderdale Beach (and areas just Beyond) are blooming full of cultural, physical and fun activities for the entire family.
Here are our best ideas for things to do over Thanksgiving Weekend, and check out our Thanksgiving Dining Guide to fuel up before heading out on the town.
Thursday, November 25
All are invited on Thanksgiving morning to run, walk or jog in the 10th Annual Turkey Trot. The route for the race follows Fort Lauderdale Beach along A1A in a USA Track & Field sanctioned 5K. Proceeds are invested locally in an organization and scholarship committed to developing leadership and inspiring community service. Registration for the event can be done on-line or in person at one of the packet pickup locations or on-site on race day. To join or for more information, visit www.turkeytrotftl.com
Start your Thanksgiving Day and flow with grace & gratitude at the annual Thanksgiving Day Beach Yoga on Fort Lauderdale Beach hosted by Fort Lauderdale Beach Yoga & Fitness Founder Lisa Pumper & Team. Lisa will demonstrate & give clear directions with posture modifications for all levels & newbies to enjoy. This is a beautiful – wide open beach, with a cool vibe & inviting environment, where every color, shape and size is welcOMe to join us.
Come as you are, and receive all you deserve! Turkeyasana is optional! View Details
Friday, November 26
Skip the Black Friday lines at the mall and shop small this holiday season at the Music & Makers pop-up market, curated by the Flamingo Flea. Featuring a rotation of the best vintage, jewelry, skincare, upcycled clothing, homewares, craft batched foods, and handmade accessories in South Florida, shoppers have the unique opportunity to engage with local artists and innovators representing our diverse and creative community. A special performance by jazz pianist, Miles Lennox will take place from 5 pm – 6:30 pm.
5pm – 10pm, Las Olas Oceanside Park.
Friday Night Sound Waves ushers in the holiday season in swingin’ style with pocket trumpeter, vocalist, composer and bandleader, Ginetta M’s acclaimed jazzy, funk, original band Ginetta’s Vendetta. Spreading the gospel of “Peace Thru Music” along with America’s greatest export and cultural legacy, Jazz, this very special Thanksgiving weekend performance with her stellar quintet feature special guest and saxophonist extraordinaire, Jesse Jones Jr.
Saturday, November 27
Work off the Thanksgiving turkey and prime yourself for the holiday hustle with some Aubre and Danielle energy, IRL! Aubre Winters and Danielle Pascente are two highly sought-after fitness instructors and online personalities. Both women have a shared passion for making their communities feel AMAZING from the inside out! Meet them at Las Olas Oceanside Park on Saturday, November 27th for the ultimate sweat sesh. For ticket information, visit theloopflb.com
Shop small, shop local at the Las Olas Oceanside Park Farmers Market, from 9am – 4pm. Find gifts for everyone on your holiday list while supporting area artisans and micro-vendors while experiencing the magic of the season. Visitors will delight in a fine selection of fresh produce, cheese, baked items, plants, handmade goods, jewelry and more. On-site gift-wrapping stations will benefit local high-school and nonprofit organizations. For parking information, list of weekly vendors, and schedule of special pop-up events, visit theloopflb.com
Add a unique sizzle to your Thanksgiving weekend and take in the adult-only aqua burlesque show at B Ocean Resort’s world-famous Wreck Bar! This historic destination is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy the beauty of living mermaids from a porthole view while enjoying a tropical cocktail and dining on fresh seafood. Admission to the show is $60 per person with a credit of $45 towards food and beverage during the show. Tax and gratuity are extra. Doors open at 6:00PM.
Save some of your Thanksgiving turkey and pack a picnic for the rescheduled Movies by Moonlight viewing of The Birdcage starting at 7:30pm at Las Olas Oceanside Park. The movie, celebrating its 25th year release date, is held in partnership with the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, to benefit PRIDE Fort Lauderdale. Movie snacks and drinks are available to purchase onsite; limited chairs and picnic blankets are available to borrow. FREE + VIP
Sunday, November 28
Celebrate the first day of Chanukah at the Greatest Chanukah Fair on Las Olas, from 10am – 5pm. Hosted by the Downtown Jewish Center Chabad, in partnership with the LOOP the day-long festivities feature a festival street filled with amusement rides and children’s bounce houses, plus musical entertainment, farmers market and food trucks with kosher food. The celebration will conclude with a Menorah Lighting at 5pm. Free Admission. Unlimited Rides $20 prepaid / $25 at the door. Nominal Fee for Food.
