It’s expensive to live in San Francisco, which is why it’s not always an option for people to go home for the holidays, especially if you’re not from the Bay Area. If you couldn’t swing flying back for this year’s turkey dinner, don’t fret—San Francisco is a great place to be on Thanksgiving. You can spend time outside, and there are a lot of quirky events going on that will be sure to entertain. Starting with yoga in the morning and ending with a reggae dance party at night, here are a few ways to make your San Francisco Thanksgiving one for the books.
Yoga + Brunch
Yogis can kick off the day with a two-hour vinyasa class at Yoga Flow studio. After exercising, you can feast on a brunch that includes such delicious items as coconut oat parfait, tofu scramble and vegan banana almond muffins. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the SF-Marin Food Bank. Namaste to that!
Turkey Trot
If yoga isn’t your thing, there’s always the Turkey Trot, a 5K race created to help you get a workout in before you stuff your face with food. There are a couple happening in the city, but this one hosted by 24 Hour Fitness takes a flat and scenic route that starts at AT&T Park and ends by the Embarcadero.
Volunteer at the Tenderloin Block Party
There will be thousands of people without a home or meal on Thanksgiving. Why not spend the day volunteering at San Francisco City Impact’s event, where you can deliver hot meals and help those who are in need to have a good day? Pay $25—a fee that goes directly toward covering the costs of the event—and you will have the chance to make a difference in a variety of ways.
Presidio Social Club Traditional Thanksgiving
For those who don’t want to spend all day cooking, there are a lot of options for dining out. The Presidio Social Club is known for its annual traditional Thanksgiving dinner “with all the fixins.” While they’re currently not taking reservations, they welcome walk-ins.
Dance to Dubstep and Reggae
Night owls and dancing queens, pay attention. F8 is hosting a late-night affair. Drink specials include $5 Fernet shots and $5 Moscow Mules. The party starts at 10 p.m. and ends at 2:00 a.m.
Host Your Own Twerksgiving
If you have a group of friends here who are also staying in town for the holiday, it’s probably a good time to start your own tradition together. Home is where you make it, right? Take a page from my roommate’s sisters, who have been hosting Twerksgiving for a couple of years now. It’s a big dance party you throw after dinner to twerk off all the delicious food you ate.
So there you go. Eat the day away, enjoy the company of friends, and give thanks, because spending Thanksgiving here is actually pretty great.