Thanksgiving in Tampa is Thursday, Nov. 26: the YMCA Turkey Gobble, Metropolitan Ministries holiday meals, city offices closed Nov. 26-27 and trash notes.

Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: the City of Tampa holiday calendar, the Turkey Gobble registration page, Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Central and the Hillsborough County Public Schools 2026-27 calendar. City Utilities Call Center: 813-274-8811.

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. In Tampa the day starts with the YMCA Turkey Gobble downtown. City offices close Thursday and Friday, students are off all week, and trash pickup shifts. Metropolitan Ministries runs its Holiday Tent for families who need a meal.

Who to call

  • City of Tampa Utilities Call Center (trash and recycling): 813-274-8811
  • Hillsborough County Solid Waste (New Tampa and unincorporated areas): 813-272-5680
  • Metropolitan Ministries (holiday help): 813-209-1000
  • Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA: 813-224-9622

Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble: Thursday, Nov. 26

The Turkey Gobble starts and finishes at Benchmark International Arena in Channelside, with an out-and-back course. From the registration page:

  • 5:30 a.m.: the plaza at the arena opens
  • 6:30 a.m.: 5K corrals, with separate corrals for runners, walkers, strollers and pets
  • 7 a.m.: the 5K run and walk starts
  • 8 a.m.: announcements and awards
  • 8:15 a.m.: the 1-mile fun run, not chip timed

Registration for the 1-mile run and the virtual race ends at noon Wednesday, Nov. 25, and the 5K entry fee goes up after Oct. 31. The YMCA says proceeds pay for its free Kids Thrivers Club for children affected by cancer and its Pedaling for Parkinson’s program. The city’s event listing puts the race along Channelside and Bayshore from 7 to 10 a.m., so expect road closures there that morning.

Holiday meals and help

Metropolitan Ministries runs its Holiday Tent for Thanksgiving and Christmas and expects to serve 30,000 families across Tampa Bay. This year the Tampa tent has moved to 4900 W. Lemon St. The charity says holiday registration and volunteer signups open in October, online or in person, and its Holiday Central page lists holiday hot meal partner locations and food drop-off sites.

Most-needed donations, per the charity: frozen turkeys, hams, cereal, canned yams, stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Churches and community groups across Tampa serve free Thanksgiving meals. We list them here once the organizer has published the date, time and address; send yours through our contact page.

What is open and closed

Trash pickup changes

The city’s Thanksgiving closure notice points residents to its solid waste collection schedule, where the 2026 change will be posted. In 2025, according to the city’s Thanksgiving collection notice, there was no pickup on Thanksgiving Day: Thursday homes were served Friday, Friday homes were served Saturday, and the McKay Bay Transfer Station and Scale House, 114 S. 34th St., closed Thursday and Friday. The 2026 schedule is not out yet, and we will update this page when the city posts it. Carts go to the curb by 6 a.m. on pickup day. Our trash and recycling guide has the full schedule.

New Tampa homes are served by Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management, which sets its own holiday schedule: call 813-272-5680.

What this means for you

  • Leave early for the Turkey Gobble: the plaza opens at 5:30 a.m. and downtown streets near Channelside close for the race.
  • City offices are closed two days, Nov. 26-27; pay bills online or wait until Monday, Nov. 30.
  • Kids are home all week, Nov. 23-27.

More: holiday lights and Christmas events, the Christmas parade and tree lighting and things to do this month.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble in 2026?

Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, at Benchmark International Arena. The 5K starts at 7 a.m. and the 1-mile fun run at 8:15 a.m., according to the race’s registration page.

Are City of Tampa offices closed for Thanksgiving?

Yes. The city lists both Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, as office closure days.

Is trash picked up on Thanksgiving in Tampa?

The city shifts pickup around Thanksgiving and posts the change on its solid waste pages. In 2025, Thursday homes moved to Friday and Friday homes moved to Saturday. Questions go to the Utilities Call Center at 813-274-8811.

Where can I get a free Thanksgiving meal in Tampa?

Metropolitan Ministries runs a Holiday Tent at a new Tampa location this year, 4900 W. Lemon St., and lists holiday hot meal partner sites on its Holiday Central page. Call 813-209-1000.

Is there school the week of Thanksgiving in Hillsborough County?

No. Hillsborough County Public Schools has fall break Monday, Nov. 23, to Friday, Nov. 27, 2026. Students return Monday, Nov. 30.