Thanksgiving in Southwest Florida is a vibrant celebration of tradition and community, offering a mix of classic holiday activities and unique local events. While many embrace the tradition of turkey feasts and pumpkin pie, the region’s pleasant weather encourages residents and visitors alike to explore outdoor festivities, from beach gatherings to scenic nature walks.
Here’s a curated guide to some of the Thanksgiving events happening across Southwest Florida:
Lee County
Fort Myers
45th Annual Turkey Trot 5K
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with a scenic 5K run at the historic Edison and Ford Winter Estates. For those unable to attend in person, remote participation is available.
- Host: Fort Myers Track Club, in partnership with Edison and Ford Winter Estates
- Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 7:30 a.m.
- Location: 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901
Estero
Thanksgiving Day 5K
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a 5K run or walk, complete with medals, tech shirts, and a lively post-race party featuring music, snacks, and drinks.
- Host: Hertz Arena
- Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 6:50 a.m.
- Location: 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Lehigh Acres
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Enjoy a delicious turkey and ham dinner, with side dishes provided by the community. Sign up at the bar to bring your favorite dish.
- Host: Eagle 3938
- Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 3 p.m.
- Location: 607 Williams Ave, Lehigh Acres, FL
Charlotte County
Port Charlotte
Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Gulf Cove United Methodist Church invites the community to a free sit-down Thanksgiving dinner, spreading holiday cheer to all.
- Host: Gulf Cove United Methodist Church
- Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 12–3 p.m.
- Location: 1100 S. McCall Road, Port Charlotte
Punta Gorda
Thanksgiving Friendsgiving Celebration
Bring a side dish or dessert and enjoy this Friendsgiving event, complete with karaoke at 6:30 p.m.
- Host: Bar 17
- Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 3:30 p.m.
- Location: 3149 Duncan Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Englewood
Turkey Trot 5K
Join this family-friendly run/walk benefiting the Englewood Area Cancer Foundation. Registration is available at Real Bikes Englewood.
- Host: Englewood Turkey Trot
- Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 7:30 a.m.
- Location: 6751 San Casa Dr., Englewood, FL 34224
Collier County
Naples
Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner
Indulge in a Thanksgiving special at Giuseppe and the Lion, offering a warm and festive dining experience.
- Host: Giuseppe and the Lion
- Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 12–9 p.m.
- Location: 1585 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34109
Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise
Celebrate Thanksgiving on the water with a memorable dinner cruise aboard the Naples Princess.
- Host: Naples Princess
- Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 12–2 p.m.
- Location: 550 Port O Call Way, Naples, FL 34102
Gobble Gobble Thanksgiving Day 5K
A cherished tradition, this family-friendly 5K takes place at the Village Shops on Venetian Bay.
- Host: Elite Events
- Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 7:30 a.m.
- Location: 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. North, Naples, FL 34103
2024 Thanksgiving Feast To-Go
Order a Thanksgiving feast serving 6–8 people, with each purchase supporting the local St. Matthew’s House through turkey donations.
- Host: Naples Grande Beach Resort
- Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, pick-up starts at 11 a.m.
- Location: 475 Seagate Drive, Naples, FL 34103
Southwest Florida’s Thanksgiving events offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking to run a 5K, enjoy a community dinner, or celebrate with friends and family. Embrace the holiday spirit in this beautiful region!
