10 Best Thanksgiving Activities and Events in Kentucky

Embrace the charms of Kentucky for your Thanksgiving festivities. Whether you live in Kentucky or you’re visiting the area, you won’t want to miss these top Thanksgiving activities.

Horse Racing at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY

Churchill Downs is one of Kentucky’s most famous sites and experiences, and it can be a part of your Thanksgiving plans. Take in some horse racing on the Saturday of the Thanksgiving weekend.

Dinner Cruise, Newport, KY

A river cruise can be a great idea for a date or an outing on any day, but some riverboat companies do something even more special for Thanksgiving. Enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner cruise with BB Riverboats in Newport.

Thoroughbred Classic 5K, Lexington, KY

In the area known for horse racing, the Thoroughbred Classic is the perfect name for a traditional Thanksgiving 5K. Enjoy a fun run and benefit charities like the Allegro Dance Project, CASA, and the Kentucky Equal Justice Center.

Yuletide at Yew Dell, Crestwood, KY

The Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to transition from fall festivities to the winter holidays. That’s why Yuletide at Yew Dell is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving weekend plans.

Take In a Kentucky State Park, Multiple Locations, KY

Kentucky’s state parks are gems you can enjoy any day of the year, but they’re even better on Thanksgiving. 14 different state parks across Kentucky post a special Thanksgiving dinner, but reservations are required, so be sure to plan ahead.

Hardinsburg Turkey Trot, Hardinsburg, KY

Work off a bit of the Thanksgiving turkey with the Hardinsburg Turkey Trot. This is the first year for what is sure to become a beloved local tradition.

Southern Lanes Bowling for Turkeys, Bowling Green, KY

Couldn’t score the perfect Thanksgiving turkey from the grocery store? Maybe you can win one! The Bowling for Turkeys event at Southern Lanes is an exciting and unique way to have a more active Thanksgiving this year.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Floral Design Workshop, Lexington, KY

Every Thanksgiving dinner is better with an exquisite centerpiece. If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry. Book your spot for a fun Thanksgiving centerpiece workshop the day before Thanksgiving from Lexington’s Drury Floral and Ephemeral Florals.

Rowena Landing Restaurant, Jamestown, KY

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park isn’t your average park. It has a full restaurant called Rowena Landing Restaurant, and that restaurant happens to serve a fantastic Thanksgiving buffet.

Deck the Y'alls Fest, Florence, KY

Florence is known for its “Florence, Y’All” water tower, so it’s only fitting that its Thanksgiving weekend event kicking off the holiday season is called “Deck the Y'alls.” Wrap up your Thanksgiving weekend by checking out the fabulous lights and festivities at this popular event.

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