Thanksgiving in Murfreesboro, TN (2026)
Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. Here is what is happening in Murfreesboro around the holiday: two turkey trots, animal feasts at the Wilderness Station, a Discovery Center break camp, and the city closures and trash pickup changes to plan around.
By the Only in Murfreesboro local team · Last updated:
What is there to do in Murfreesboro for Thanksgiving 2026?
On Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, the Borodash 4-mile run/walk and 2K walk start at Murfreesboro City Plaza at 8:00 AM. Earlier that week, the Wilderness Station hosts Animal Thanksgiving on Nov. 24 and the Discovery Center runs a K-5 break camp Nov. 23-25. City offices close Nov. 26-27, and Thursday trash pickup moves to Friday.
Thanksgiving Turkey Trots and Family Events
Borodash Thanksgiving Day 4-Mile Run/Walk & 2K
Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 · 4-mile at 8:00 AM, 2K walk at 8:15 AM
Murfreesboro City Plaza, 111 W Vine St
Borodash is Murfreesboro's Thanksgiving morning charity race through historic downtown. The 4-mile run/walk is timed; the 2K walk, new for 2026, is untimed and includes a race shirt and medal. A "Sleep-In Superstar" option sends a shirt to supporters who stay home. Packet pickup is Wednesday, Nov. 25, 10 AM to 6 PM at North Boulevard Church of Christ (East Campus). Registration prices increase after Oct. 31.
Borodash event detailsThankful Steps 5K Turkey Trot
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 · 8:00 AM
Gateway Island and Reception Center, 1875 W College St
Barnabas Vision and Together as One host the first Thankful Steps 5K, an early turkey trot for runners, walkers, families and strollers. Participants can share what they are thankful for along the course, and proceeds are split between the two organizations. Registration is $27.50 including fees and closes at noon on Nov. 13.
Thankful Steps 5K detailsAnimal Thanksgiving at the Wilderness Station
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026 · 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park, 401 Volunteer Rd
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation prepares a Thanksgiving feast for the Wilderness Station's animal ambassadors. Visitors watch the animals eat and learn about animal diets. The program costs $5, and online registration opens Nov. 1, 2026.
Animal Thanksgiving detailsAnimal Thanksgiving for Seniors
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 · 10:00 to 11:00 AM
St. Clair Street Senior Center, 325 St Clair St
The Wilderness Station brings its animal ambassadors to the St. Clair Street Senior Center for a Thanksgiving meal and a talk about animal diets. This edition is for ages 60 and up, with registration through the senior center.
Senior center program detailsThanksgiving Break Campology: Operation: Ocean
Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 23-25, 2026 · 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 SE Broad St
The Discovery Center runs a three-day marine science camp for grades K-5 over Thanksgiving break. The full week is $185 for members and $200 for non-members, or $65 and $70 per day. Extended care from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM is available for an added fee. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Campology detailsMore turkey trots and Thanksgiving programs are added to the calendar as organizers announce them; the live list below picks them up automatically. For more ideas that week, see the Wilderness Station guide and kids activities in Murfreesboro.
Upcoming Thanksgiving Events in Murfreesboro
7 of 7 Thanksgiving events on the calendar, in date order. Each listing links to its organizer for registration and details. Browse everything else on the Murfreesboro events calendar.
- Wilderness Station Presents: Animal ThanksgivingEvent details for Wilderness Station Presents: Animal Thanksgiving (opens in a new tab)
Wed, Nov 4, 2026 · 10:00 AM
St. Clair Street Senior Center
- Event details for Thankful Steps 5K Turkey Trot (opens in a new tab)
- Event details for SPARK! Run, Turkey, Run (opens in a new tab)
- Thanksgiving Break Campology: Operation: OceanEvent details for Thanksgiving Break Campology: Operation: Ocean (opens in a new tab)
Mon, Nov 23, 2026 · 7:30 AM
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
- Event details for Animal Thanksgiving (opens in a new tab)
- Event details for Thanksgiving Day (opens in a new tab)
- Event details for Borodash Thanksgiving Day 4-Mile Run/Walk & 2K (opens in a new tab)
Is trash pickup delayed in Murfreesboro for Thanksgiving?
Garbage collection
The City of Murfreesboro Solid Waste 2026 holiday schedule moves Thursday residential pickup to Friday for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. Other days are not listed as changing. Text "borogarbage" to 38276 for service-change alerts, or call Solid Waste at 615-893-3681.
City holidays
The city's 2026 holiday schedule lists Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 26) and the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) as observed city holidays. The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, a separate nonprofit museum, is also closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Sources: City of Murfreesboro 2026 Residential ASL Garbage Collection Holiday Schedule and 2026 Full-time Holiday Schedule; Discovery Center at Murfree Spring.
Thanksgiving Food in Murfreesboro
Restaurants set their own Thanksgiving hours, and they change from year to year, so Only in Murfreesboro does not publish a list of places open on Thanksgiving Day. Use these guides to find options, then confirm 2026 holiday hours directly with each restaurant before you go:
- Murfreesboro restaurants directory
- Buffets in Murfreesboro
- Catering in Murfreesboro for ordering a meal or sides to serve at home
For a seasonal sandwich, Firehouse Subs brought back its Thanksgiving Turkey Sub through the end of December at participating restaurants. Read the Firehouse Subs Thanksgiving sub story for what is on it and the three Murfreesboro locations.
Holiday Season Kickoff Around Thanksgiving
- 3rd Annual Murfreesboro Holiday Market, Saturday, Nov. 21, inside Stones River Mall. See holiday markets and craft fairs.
- Smyrna Christmas Tree Lighting, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 6-8 PM, Depot District. Details.
- Holly Jolly Festival of Lights at Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville opens Friday, Nov. 27, and runs select dates through Dec. 23; advance tickets are required. Details.
- MTSU Football vs. New Mexico State (Senior Day), Saturday, Nov. 28, at Floyd Stadium. Details.
For December plans, see Christmas events in Murfreesboro, where to see Santa, holiday concerts and Christmas lights.
Thanksgiving in Murfreesboro FAQ
Is there a turkey trot in Murfreesboro on Thanksgiving?
Yes. Borodash starts at Murfreesboro City Plaza, 111 W Vine St, on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, 2026. The timed 4-mile run/walk begins at 8:00 AM and the untimed 2K walk at 8:15 AM. Register through RunSignup; prices increase after Oct. 31. For an earlier race, the Thankful Steps 5K Turkey Trot runs Saturday, Nov. 14, at Gateway Island.
Is Murfreesboro garbage pickup delayed for Thanksgiving 2026?
Yes, for Thursday customers. The City of Murfreesboro Solid Waste 2026 holiday schedule says Thursday service slides to Friday for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. Text "borogarbage" to 38276 for schedule alerts or call Solid Waste at 615-893-3681.
Are Murfreesboro city offices closed the day after Thanksgiving?
The City of Murfreesboro's 2026 holiday schedule lists both Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, and the Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, as observed city holidays.
Which Murfreesboro restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day?
Holiday hours are set by each restaurant and change year to year. Use the restaurant, buffet and catering guides on Only in Murfreesboro to find options, then call the restaurant or check its own website to confirm Thanksgiving 2026 hours before you go.
What can kids do over Thanksgiving break in Murfreesboro?
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring runs Thanksgiving Break Campology for grades K-5 on Nov. 23-25, and the Wilderness Station hosts Animal Thanksgiving on Tuesday, Nov. 24. See the kids activities guide for more.