10 ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Birmingham (besides eating turkey)

Reviewed by: Grace Howard

Reading time: 6 minutes

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Fall Leaves Railroad Park. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now.
It’s time for Thanksgiving in the Magic City. (Matthew Niblett / Bham Now)

If Thanksgiving has you craving a little more than turkey and TV time, we get it. Maybe you’re ready for fresh air, a fun outing or a change of scenery with loved ones. Good news—the Magic City offers plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday.

Read on for more.

1. Friendsgiving at Up-Down Arcade

(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Spend Thanksgiving with friends at Up-Down Arcade. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Up-Down Arcade is a cool place to meet up before the holiday hits full speed. They’re having a Friendsgiving special on November 26 & 27—$30 for 6 domestic tallboys and a single-topping pizza to share. It’s a fun way to link up with friends who are back in town, grab some food and drinks and spend time together between rounds of your favorite arcade games. Entry is 21+ with an ID.

2. Friendsgiving at Rojo

Highland Park, Rojo
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Rojo. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Rojo is opening their doors for a Friendsgiving gathering at 6PM on Thanksgiving day. The kitchen will be closed, but the bar will be open and they’ll be serving free enchiladas, with both vegan and non-vegan options, while they last. Donations will go to the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. Come hang out, grab a bite and support a local cause all at the same time.

3. Crestwood Tavern Potluck

FullSizeRender 441 10 ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Birmingham (besides eating turkey)
Get ready for good vibes & good food at Crestwood Tavern’s potluck. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Crestwood Tavern is hosting a community potluck on November 24 at 7PM. It’s a chance to gather with friends—both familiar and new ones—and share whatever dish you’d like to bring. They’re also open on Thanksgiving day, so if you’re in the neighborhood and want an easy, welcoming place to land, this is a great option.

4. Enjoy a stroll at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Appreciate the scenery at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

If you want a calm break from the holiday buzz, a walk through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a nice way to spend part of your Thanksgiving day. The paths are open, it’s free to visit and it’s an easy way to get some fresh air between all the cooking, family time and football.

5. Take a hike

Bham Now outing at Ruffner Mountain
Take a hike at one of Birmingham’s parks. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Get outside with a hike at Oak Mountain, Ruffner Mountain, or another local spot. Hitting a trail gives you a quiet moment and a chance to move around before (or after) all the food and family time. Whether you go with friends, bring visiting relatives or take a solo walk, it’s a calm break in the middle of a busy holiday weekend. The trails at Oak Mountain State Park and Ruffner Mountain will be open on Thanksgiving day.

Oak Mountain State Park

Ruffner Mountain

6. Volunteer with Jimmie Hale Mission

RealtySouth at Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
Lend a helping hand this Thanksgiving. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

If giving back is on your Thanksgiving to-do list, Jimmie Hale Mission is a great place to start. The holiday season is one of their busiest times, and extra hands make a real difference. It’s a chance to connect with the community and be part of something that really matters on a day centered around gratitude. Check out their website to see what volunteer opportunities they have available.

7. Visit the Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham Zoo walking trails, BCBS
Enjoy the long weekend with a visit to the Birmingham Zoo. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Once the Thanksgiving dishes are done, a trip to the Birmingham Zoo is a simple way to enjoy the long weekend. They’ll be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but open Friday through Sunday, giving you plenty of time to walk around and see the animals after all the holiday meals.

8. See a movie at Sidewalk

side walk film scary movies
Catch a movie at Sidewalk this Thanksgiving weekend. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

If catching a movie is part of your Thanksgiving weekend tradition, check out the showings at Sidewalk. While they’ll be closed on Thanksgiving Day, the theater will be open Friday through Sunday.

9. Play games with family + friends

Activate Games
Stop by Activate Games with the family. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to get moving and Breakout Games Birmingham & Activate Games both offer an easy way to do that. They’re closed on Thanksgiving Day, but open Friday-Sunday. Whether you’re solving puzzles or tackling challenges as a group, it’s a fun way to spend time with friends or visiting family.

Activate Games

Breakout Games Birmingham

10. Check out Cahaba Brewery’s Black Friday sale

beer
Don’t miss Cahaba Brewery’s Black Friday specials. (Beth Cunningham / Bham Now)

If you want to skip the crowds this Black Friday, Cahaba Brewing is offering a laid-back alternative. Their all-day sale runs from 11AM–10PM and includes 25% off select spirits, merch and their specialty frozen cocktail, plus $9 six-packs of Amber Light. The Current at Cahaba will also have food specials, making it a great spot to drop by and enjoy the day at your own pace.

No matter how you spend the holiday, Birmingham has plenty of options for enjoying Thanksgiving in your own way. However you choose to celebrate, we hope your weekend is filled with good company, good moments and a little time to slow down and enjoy the Magic City.

How are you spending Thanksgiving this year? Let us know on Instagram + Facebook!

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Makenzi Fultz
Makenzi Fultz
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