Thanksgiving 2026 in Fort Lauderdale: the Turkey Trot on A1A Nov. 26, school break Nov. 23-27, library closures and what the city says about trash pickup.
Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Each fact comes from the organizer’s or agency’s own page, linked below. City questions, any hour: Neighbor Support Center, 954-828-8000.
Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. In Fort Lauderdale the day starts on the beach with the Turkey Trot on A1A. Schools are out all week, county libraries close for two days, and the city has said in past years that trash pickup carries on as normal.
What this means for you
- Turkey Trot: 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, from 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd.
- Schools: Broward County Public Schools are off Nov. 23-27.
- Libraries: close at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25; closed Nov. 26 and 27.
- Trash: no Thanksgiving interruption last year; the 2026 notice is not out yet.
- Need a meal or food help? Call 211, the Broward help line, any hour.
Turkey trot
15th Annual Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot, Thursday, Nov. 26, 7:30 a.m. A 5K run and walk along A1A with the ocean beside the course, from 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., the address of Las Olas Oceanside Park. The organizers say it draws more than 3,000 runners and walkers and welcomes all ages. Their schedule for the morning:
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 6 to 7:15 a.m. | On-site registration |
| 7:30 a.m. | Race start |
| 8:45 a.m. | Awards |
Shirts and bibs are guaranteed for the first 3,800 to register, and finisher medals for the first 3,800 finishers. Entry costs more after Oct. 26, and a combined entry with the Fort Lauderdale Jingle Bell Jog is offered. The race is presented by MedPro Healthcare Staffing and the Leadership Broward Foundation. Register on RunSignup; details are on the Turkey Trot site. Questions go to turkeytrotftl@gmail.com.
Expect runners on A1A near Las Olas Boulevard early on Thanksgiving morning.
What is open and closed
| Service | Thanksgiving week 2026 |
|---|---|
| Broward County Public Schools | No school Monday, Nov. 23, to Friday, Nov. 27 |
| Broward County libraries | Close 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25; closed Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27 |
| City trash and recycling | No interruption on Thanksgiving 2025; 2026 notice not yet posted |
| Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center | Closed Thursday, Nov. 26; lap swim 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 27 |
| City offices | Check with the Neighbor Support Center, 954-828-8000 |
The school dates come from the School Board’s 2026-27 calendar; more in our schools guide. The library closures are on Broward County Library’s holiday schedule, which notes that online resources stay available. The Aquatic Center’s hours are on the city’s fall 2026 flyer (PDF).
Trash pickup changes
On its collection programs page, the city said there would be no service interruptions on Thanksgiving 2025, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. It names Christmas Day as the only holiday on which collections do not happen. The page still shows the 2025 notices; we will update this section when the city posts Thanksgiving 2026. Your pickup days and the rules for carts are in our trash and recycling guide.
Community meals and food help
We have not yet confirmed a 2026 community Thanksgiving dinner in Fort Lauderdale from an organizer’s own page. Churches, nonprofits and civic groups usually announce them in late October and November, and we will list each one here with its date, time and address.
Until then, 211 Broward answers around the clock and connects callers to food pantries and meal programs across the county. Dial 211.
Running a free dinner or a food drive? Send the details through our contact page.
Restaurants
Restaurants that serve Thanksgiving dinner post their menus in November. We list only what a restaurant announces on its own website, and we will add them here once they do. Our brunch guide has places that serve on weekends all year.
Also this season
- Black Friday and holiday shopping
- Holiday lights and Christmas events
- Christmas parade and tree lighting
- Halloween events
Frequently asked questions
When is the Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot in 2026?
The 15th annual Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot, a 5K along A1A, starts at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, from 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd. On-site registration runs 6 to 7:15 a.m.
Is trash picked up on Thanksgiving in Fort Lauderdale?
For Thanksgiving 2025 the city said there were no service interruptions, and Christmas Day is the only holiday with no pickup. The city had not posted its Thanksgiving 2026 notice when we checked.
Are Broward County libraries open on Thanksgiving?
No. Broward County libraries close at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, and stay closed Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, 2026.
When is Thanksgiving break for Broward County schools?
Broward County Public Schools are out for Thanksgiving break Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27, 2026.
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