Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26. The 40th Great Turkey 5K starts 8 a.m. at Kereiakes Park. Free meals, what is closed and trash pickup changes.

Last checked Oct. 16, 2026. This page is updated each year; the dates below are for Thanksgiving 2026. Facts come from each organizer’s own page and the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (270-782-0800). Where we cite last year’s hours, we say so.

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. In Bowling Green the day starts with the Bowling Green Running Club’s Great Turkey 5K at Kereiakes Park, now in its 40th year. The long weekend runs straight into the holiday season: vendor markets on Friday, Flea Land’s Holiday Bash on Saturday and Sunday, and Light Up BGKY from Monday, Nov. 30.

What this means for you

  • Trash: Scott Waste Services, 270-783-4016, or the WasteConnect+ app for holiday changes.
  • Leaf pickup: the city’s curbside leaf collection starts in Zone 1 on Monday, Nov. 23 (city calendar). See our trash and recycling guide for zones.
  • Emergencies: 911. Bowling Green Police non-emergency: 270-393-4000.

The Great Turkey 5K Run and Gobbler Walk

The 40th annual Great Turkey 5K Run and Gobbler Walk is Thanksgiving morning at Spero Kereiakes Park, 1220 Fairview Ave., according to the race’s RunSignup page:

  • 7:30 a.m.: 3K Gobbler Walk
  • 8 a.m.: 5K run, a gun start with chip timing because the start and finish are in different places
  • Thanksgiving-themed door prizes and awards
  • Only registered runners and walkers are allowed on the course. The club strongly recommends early packet pickup to avoid long lines on race morning.
  • Registration prices rise after Oct. 31.

The race is the only fundraiser for the Bowling Green Running Club’s high school athletics program, which helps track and cross-country teams in Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Logan, Metcalfe, Ohio, Simpson and Warren counties buy uniforms and equipment.

Community Thanksgiving meals

No 2026 community meals had been posted by their organizers as of Oct. 16. For reference, the visitors bureau’s 2024 Thanksgiving dining list (PDF) showed:

  • Teresa’s Restaurant, 509 Gordon Ave., 270-782-6540: a free community lunch, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., dine-in only.
  • The Salvation Army, 401 W. Main Ave., 270-843-3485: Thanksgiving meals for its clients.

Call ahead to ask whether either is serving in 2026. Churches and nonprofits often announce meals in November; we will add them here when they post them.

Restaurants open on Thanksgiving

The visitors bureau publishes a list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day each year. Its most recent list is from 2024, and hours change from year to year. The bureau’s holiday page links the current list when it is out, or call 270-782-0800. Book ahead wherever you plan to eat; call the restaurant to confirm it is open.

What is open and closed

  • Greenwood Mall, 2625 Scottsville Road: in 2025 it was closed on Thanksgiving Day and opened at 8 a.m. on Black Friday, according to its 2025 holiday hours. The mall had not posted 2026 holiday hours as of Oct. 16. Department stores and restaurants set their own hours.
  • Post offices are closed; Thanksgiving is a federal holiday.
  • City community centers (Kummer/Little, Parker-Bennett and F.O. Moxley) are closed Nov. 26-27; F.O. Moxley stays closed through Saturday, Nov. 28, according to the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation program booklet (PDF).
  • Lost River Cave, 2818 Nashville Road, is closed on Thanksgiving Day, according to its tours page.
  • City offices and the Warren County Public Library: neither had posted a 2026 holiday closing notice as of Oct. 16. Check the city’s announcements or call the library at 270-781-4882 the week before.
  • Trash pickup: Scott Waste Services posts holiday changes in its WasteConnect+ app and on its pickup schedule page. Call 270-783-4016 to confirm your day.

The rest of the long weekend

  • Friday to Sunday, Nov. 27-29: The Christmas Collective holiday vendor market, Three Thirty One Venue, 331 Kentucky St.; Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (listing).
  • Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28-29: Holiday Bash at Flea Land, 1100 Three Springs Road, with a sidewalk sale, ornament decorating, the Grinch on Saturday and Santa on Sunday (listing).
  • Saturday, Nov. 28: WKU football hosts Kennesaw State at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium (WKU Athletics).
  • From Monday, Nov. 30: Light Up BGKY week. See our Christmas parade and tree lighting page.

Shopping hours and markets for the weekend are on our Black Friday and holiday shopping page.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a turkey trot in Bowling Green on Thanksgiving?

Yes. The 40th annual Great Turkey 5K Run and Gobbler Walk is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, at Spero Kereiakes Park, 1220 Fairview Ave. The 3K walk starts at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K run at 8 a.m. Only registered runners and walkers are allowed on the course.

Where can I get a free Thanksgiving meal in Bowling Green?

Organizers had not posted 2026 meals as of Oct. 16. In 2024, the visitors bureau’s Thanksgiving dining list showed a free community lunch at Teresa’s Restaurant, 509 Gordon Ave., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Salvation Army meals for its clients. We will add 2026 meals as they are announced.

Is Greenwood Mall open on Thanksgiving?

Greenwood Mall was closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025 and opened at 8 a.m. on Black Friday, according to its 2025 holiday hours. It had not posted 2026 holiday hours as of Oct. 16.

Does trash pickup change for Thanksgiving in Bowling Green?

Scott Waste Services collects trash in Bowling Green and posts holiday changes through its WasteConnect+ app. Call 270-783-4016 the week of Thanksgiving to confirm your pickup day.