Cleveland Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving Events for 2026
Thanksgiving in Northeast Ohio starts early. Before the turkey goes in the oven, thousands of people are lacing up for a Turkey Trot, and by noon half the region is either cooking, driving to family or sitting down at a restaurant that took reservations weeks ago. Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, so here are the races, dinners and November plans worth putting on the calendar now.
We're a moving company based in Brunswick, and this is our short list for Thanksgiving week around Cleveland.
The Cleveland Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Morning
The Cleveland Turkey Trot is the big one. It runs downtown on Thanksgiving morning and marks its 45th year in 2026. You can pick a 5-mile run, a 5K or a 1-mile walk, so it works for serious runners and for families.
- Start times: The 1-mile walk starts at 8:45 a.m., and the 5-mile and 5K start together at 9:30 a.m.
- Packet pickup: Race-day pickup opens at 7:00 a.m. inside Public Hall Auditorium at 500 Lakeside Ave. E.
- Price: $35 plus a sign-up fee through November 22, then $45 from November 23 to 25 and $50 on race morning.
- Family rate: Groups of 4 to 8 people living at the same address get $2 off each registration.
There's also a costume contest, so don't be surprised to see a few runners dressed as pilgrims or pumpkin pie. Full details and sign-up are on the official Cleveland Turkey Trot registration page.
Turkey Trots Near Cleveland
Not everyone wants to fight downtown parking at 7 a.m. These two Thanksgiving Day races are smaller, closer to the southern suburbs and just as much fun.
Medina Turkey Chase
The Medina Turkey Chase starts on Public Square in Uptown Medina on November 26. The kids' 1-mile race (ages 12 and under) goes off at 8:30 a.m., and the 4-mile race follows at 9:00 a.m. Adult runners get chip timing, a race shirt, a finisher's medal, free race photos and a shot at a free pie. Proceeds support Medina Shop With a Cop and Birthcare of Medina County.
Turkey Burner 5K in Hinckley
The Turkey Burner 5K loops around Hinckley Lake in the Hinckley Reservation, a short drive from Brunswick. The 5K and the 1-mile fun run both start at 9:00 a.m. from the South Ball Field parking lot at 1920 East Dr., and entry is $30. Every runner gets a long-sleeved shirt and a medal. Registration is capped at 1,200 because parking is tight, so sign up early and carpool if you can. The race is hosted by Running2bWell, a Northeast Ohio nonprofit that supports people dealing with addiction and mental health challenges.
The Weekend Before: Fall Classic in Strongsville
If one race isn't enough, the Fall Classic gives you a warm-up weekend before the holiday. The 5K runs on Saturday, November 21, and the half marathon and relay follow on Sunday, November 22. Both start at 9:00 a.m. at the Bonnie Park Picnic Area in the Cleveland Metroparks, with flat courses that mostly follow Valley Parkway. Each day is capped at 1,000 runners, so register early.
Thanksgiving Dinner and Buffets in Cleveland
If nobody in the family wants to cook this year, book a table soon. Thanksgiving dinner reservations in Cleveland go fast, and most buffets only take guests with a reservation.
LockKeepers in Valley View
LockKeepers on Rockside Road is serving a Thanksgiving buffet in its private dining room from 12 to 4 p.m. on November 26. It's $85 per person, and you can reserve by calling (216) 372-2543.
The Aviator Pub & Restaurant on Brookpark Road
The Aviator, at 20920 Brookpark Road right by Cleveland Hopkins Airport, is hosting a Thanksgiving Day brunch buffet with views of the runway. Reservations are booked in two-hour windows, which makes it an easy choice if you're picking up relatives from a flight that morning.
More Things to Do in Cleveland in November
November is a quieter month in Cleveland, and that's part of the appeal. The Cleveland Museum of Art is free to visit any day it's open, which makes it a good escape on a cold, gray afternoon. The Metroparks are still worth a walk before the snow settles in, and the West Side Market keeps its regular Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday hours, so check its holiday schedule before you go shopping for Thanksgiving week. For a longer list of year-round ideas, see our guide to things to do in Cleveland, Ohio.
Moving Around Thanksgiving in Northeast Ohio
Late November is a popular time to move. Kids are off school for a few days, family is in town to help, and some people want to host their first holiday in the new house. If that's your plan, keep these in mind:
- Book before the holiday week: Moving dates around a holiday are in demand, so reserve yours early.
- Plan for the weather: Northeast Ohio can turn icy by late November, and our Cleveland winter moving tips explain how to get ready for a cold-weather move.
- Pick movers close to home: Hiring local movers in Cleveland, Ohio keeps travel time short when the roads are busy with holiday traffic.
Moving south of the city? Our Medina movers are a short drive from our Brunswick location. And if Thanksgiving will be your first holiday in town, our guide to your first 30 days in Cleveland will help you get settled.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Cleveland Turkey Trot?
The 2026 Cleveland Turkey Trot is on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26. The 1-mile walk starts at 8:45 a.m., and the 5-mile and 5K start at 9:30 a.m.
Is there a Turkey Trot in Medina?
Yes. The Medina Turkey Chase runs on Thanksgiving morning from Public Square, with a 4-mile race at 9:00 a.m. and a kids' 1-mile race at 8:30 a.m.
Do I need a reservation for Thanksgiving dinner in Cleveland?
For most buffets, yes. Restaurants like LockKeepers in Valley View take reservations by phone, and it's best to book as early as you can.
Plan Your Thanksgiving Week Now
Thanksgiving week in Cleveland is busy in the best way. Pick your race, book your table early and leave room for a slow walk through the Metroparks or a free afternoon at the art museum. If you're planning a move around the holiday, call us early and we'll help you get into your new home before the turkey's carved.