Planning to celebrate Friendsgiving in Seattle?
It has become a tradition in recent years to gather your closest friends and enjoy good food, drinks, and company without the stress of family drama. Typically this takes place on the weekend before Thanksgiving. If your friend group includes at least one amazing cook and someone with enough space to host everyone, then congratulations and enjoy! If, however, you’re looking for a more low-key, effortless plan we have some unique Friendsgiving events in Seattle that you can do with your friends. From festive brewery events to turkey trots, there’s something here for every kind of friend group.
Here are our top ideas for unique ways to celebrate Friendsgiving in Seattle this year:
1. Friendsgiving at a brewery
When: Saturday, November 18
Where: Reuben’s Brews in Ballard
Cost: Free admission
Not in the mood to cook? Meet your friends at Reuben’s Ballard taproom the Saturday before Thanksgiving for beer, a roasted turkey and apple slaw sandwich special, and a chance to win one of their 2023 advent calendars full of beer. There will also be fun activities for both adults and kids, such as ornament decorating and a coloring station. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the food drive for the Ballard Food Bank. See more info here.
2. Gobble Up Seattle
When: Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16
Where: Magnuson Park Hangar 30
Cost: $2
Find an incredible dessert, snack, beverage, condiment, or ingredient to bring with you to Friendsgiving at this craft food show on Saturday. Gobble Up Seattle runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and admission is only $2 so consider it an essential and easy grocery trip before your party. Local vendors will be selling everything from seasonings and sauces to desserts and beverages. You can even buy ceramics, kitchenware, art, and dog treats so you can surprise your host with a thoughtful gift. There will be food trucks on-site as well in case you get hungry. Get tickets here.
3. PetsGiving Toy & Food Drive
When: 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 23
Where: The Stone House Cafe
Cost: Free admission
The Stone House Cafe is starting PetsGiving this year to collect food, supplies, and toys to donate to a local animal shelter. In addition to donations, bring your own furry friend and meet other pet parents! See the event page here.
4. Tacky Turkey Sweater 5k
When: 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 17
Where: Green Lake
Cost: $38 for adults
If you and your friends like to get active together, you should sign up for the Tacky Turkey Sweater 5k together. The packet pickup starts at 9:00 a.m. at Green Lake Park Community Center and the race is at 10:00 a.m. Sign up here. You can also register day-of for an additional $10 fee.
5. Brooks Trailhead Turkey Trot
When: 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 23
Where: 3400 Stone Way North
Cost: Free!
Another fun run to do with your friends this month is the Brooks Trailhead Turkey Trot in Wallingford on Saturday, November 23. This 5k starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends with coffee, donuts, and raffles at the Brooks Trailhead store. Bring non-perishable food items to donate. Reserve your spot here.
6. A pie or wreath decorating class
When: various November dates
Where: The Works Seattle (3516 Fremont Pl N)
Cost: $88-$128
Don’t have the bandwidth to host or cook an entire meal for Friendsgiving? Spend quality time with your friends while learning how to make something special for your upcoming holiday festivities. The Works Seattle offers hands-on classes in Fremont. There are several dates available on their November class calendar for a Holiday Wreaths class and there is also a Pie Art class on Sunday, November 24.