Vancouver and Clark County community guide for Thanksgiving week
Vancouver, WA Thanksgiving 2026: Free Meals, Turkey Trots & Friendsgivings
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Here’s where to find a Thanksgiving basket or a hot meal, where to run before the feast, and how to celebrate with friends across Vancouver, Camas and just over the river in Portland.
Need food right now? Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211info.org to find a food pantry near you in Clark County. FISH of Vancouver (906 Harney St.) and the Salvation Army both offer holiday food help. Call ahead, since holiday hours change.
Thanksgiving in Vancouver starts at Klineline Pond, where more than a thousand runners hit the Salmon Creek Trail to raise money for the Clark County Food Bank, and it carries on at Share House, FISH and the Salvation Army as volunteers make sure neighbors have a holiday meal. I put this guide together from Eventbrite listings, local news and community resources so you can find what you need in one place.
Events are listed by date within each section. Plans change, so always confirm times and registration with the organizer before you head out.
Food banks and Thanksgiving boxes
If you need groceries or a Thanksgiving basket this year, start here. Most programs are first-come, first-served, so call ahead and arrive early.
Soul Food Fiesta 2026 (with Holiday Meal Sacks)
An evening of soulful eats and good company at Fourth Plain Community Commons. Register to receive a Holiday Meal Sack.
Source: Eventbrite
Salvation Army Vancouver Thanksgiving food baskets
The Salvation Army has handed out free Thanksgiving food baskets curbside the week before Thanksgiving. No registration has been required, but you must show proof of Washington residency. Call the holiday hotline at 360-448-2894.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: The Columbian
FISH of Vancouver holiday foods
FISH stocks its food pantry with holiday foods each November while supplies last, and partners with Beaches Restaurant on Thanksgiving meals (sit-down, to-go, or delivery by phone).
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: 211info
Free Thanksgiving meals
Hot meals in Vancouver that are free to attend. Confirm 2026 times before you go.
Share House Thanksgiving meals
Share House has served free Thanksgiving breakfast and dinner, with the cafeteria entrance on Lincoln Avenue. Share also runs its Holiday Cheer food box program for families.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: ClarkCountyToday
Ways to give back
Donate, volunteer or play bingo for a good cause during Thanksgiving week.
Haven Treatment Center Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
Help Haven Treatment Center pay it forward with a Thanksgiving turkey drive.
Source: Eventbrite
Turkey Bingo for the Camas Parks Foundation
Bingo, prizes, food and drinks at Lacamas Lake Lodge, supporting the Camas Parks Foundation.
Source: Eventbrite
Volunteer or donate at the Clark County Food Bank
Sign up through the food bank’s volunteer page, or drop off food donations at the warehouse or a partner organization.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: The Columbian
Turkey Trots
“Wobble before you gobble.” Pack a rain layer: Northwest trots go on rain or shine.
Clark County Turkey Trot
Clark County’s Thanksgiving morning tradition since 2002: a 5K walk/run or 10K run along the Salmon Creek Trail. About 1,250 racers take part each year, and 100% of race proceeds go to the Clark County Food Bank. Details at turkey-trot.org.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: Clark County Food Bank
Threshold Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K (Portland)
Across the river: the annual Thanksgiving Day fun run/walk at Threshold Brewing & Blending.
Source: Eventbrite
Gobbler 5K, 10K & 13.1M – Camas
A Saturday-after 5K, 10K or half marathon in Camas for working off the leftovers.
Source: FindARace
Friendsgivings, classes and fun
Pie, Friendsgivings and a few favorites across the river in Portland.
Thanksgiving Pie Baking Class (Vancouver)
Learn to make holiday pies with Chef Fabi at Class Cooking.
Source: Eventbrite
Haitian Friendsgiving (Portland)
A Haitian Friendsgiving feast with bold flavors and new friends.
Source: Eventbrite
Thanksgiving Gong & Hado Bath (Vancouver)
A Thanksgiving gong and sound-bath experience at The Soul Ascension Studio.
Source: Eventbrite
Irish Network Portland Friendsgiving
Good food, great company and plenty of craic.
Source: Eventbrite
Thankful & Tipsy Holiday Cocktail Class (Portland)
Mix holiday cocktails in a hands-on class on Alberta Street.
Source: Eventbrite
Friendsgiving Gay-la: A Rainbow Tie Affair (Camas)
A spaghetti dinner celebrating connection in the LGBTQIA2S+ community, with a silent auction benefiting Camas Pride.
Source: Eventbrite
15th Annual Thanksgiving Eve Brownout (Portland)
A 15-year Thanksgiving Eve music tradition at The Common Loon; all proceeds go to the Oregon Food Bank.
Source: Eventbrite
Giving Thanks for Line Dancing (Portland)
A post-Thanksgiving line dance party at the Ponderosa Lounge.
Source: Eventbrite
Thanksgiving in Vancouver, WA: Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Is there a Turkey Trot in Vancouver, WA?
Yes. The Clark County Turkey Trot has run on Thanksgiving morning since 2002 from Salmon Creek Regional Park / Klineline Pond, with a 5K walk/run and a 10K run. All race proceeds go to the Clark County Food Bank.
Where can I get a free Thanksgiving meal in Vancouver, WA?
Share House (1115 W. 13th St.) has served free Thanksgiving breakfast and dinner, and FISH of Vancouver partners with Beaches Restaurant on Thanksgiving meals. Confirm 2026 times before you go.
Where can I get a Thanksgiving food basket in Clark County?
The Salvation Army Vancouver (11018 NE 14th St.) has given out free Thanksgiving baskets the week before the holiday with proof of Washington residency. Call 360-448-2894, or dial 2-1-1.
How can I volunteer on Thanksgiving in Vancouver?
Volunteer at the Clark County Food Bank, help with Share’s Holiday Cheer food boxes, or join the Haven Treatment Center turkey drive on Nov. 20.
From our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving
If this guide helped, pass it along to a neighbor who could use it. And when you’re ready to talk about buying or selling a home in Vancouver or anywhere in Clark County, I’m here to help.
Rob Mourton · Kinected Realty
360-787-3675 · Rob@RealEstateRob.House · RealEstateRob.House
Event information was gathered from Eventbrite and the public sources linked with each listing and is provided for convenience only. Dates, times, eligibility and availability are set by each organizer and may change. Free food programs are typically first-come, first-served while supplies last. Kinected Realty is not affiliated with these organizations or events unless stated. Listings marked “2026 details pending” are annual programs whose 2026 schedules had not been announced at the time of writing.