Wanna get away on Thanksgiving? Gobble up these Black culture events.
Thanksgiving looms just around the corner, which means the holiday season has officially commenced.
The holidays generate that sentimental feeling to be around those who mean the most. But at some point, we need a break. We can only take so many endless stories from that one uncle, or maybe auntie, who won’t let up on asking why you’re not married yet. Whatever the reason, an escape plan can be necessary.
We put together a list of Thanksgiving week events to either start your holiday season in a super festive and celebratory spirit or help you exit stage left for a change of scenery.
No matter the reason, we’ve got you covered.
Monday
14th Annual No Reservations Needed Thanksgiving Dinner
To start the Thanksgiving week off right, music executive Shanti Das, SinceThe80s record label and Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins’ Street Dreamz nonprofit organization will host a free dinner for the public. It’s first-come, first-served. That means no reservations are taken.
Street Dreamz is keen on uplifting Atlanta and giving back to the community. So, if you’re unable to get a traditional Thanksgiving meal Thursday, this is an opportunity to get a warm dinner beforehand.
Nov. 24, 4:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m. The Atlanta Mission: Shepherd’s Inn. 165 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW, Atlanta. 404-367-2493. atlantamission.org
City Winery Presents Pastor Troy feat. The D.S.G.B. Band
For two nights, Pastor Troy will be performing at City Winery with the D.S.G.B. Band. As per usual, you get to enjoy a live show along with food and vino.
Take your cousins if they’re already in town. Pastor Troy can boost early 2000s nostalgia, and y’all can reminisce on your earlier years.
Nov. 24-25, 8 p.m. $50-$70. City Winery Atlanta. 650 North Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-946-3791. citywinery.com
Tuesday
The SHHH Show
Described as Atlanta’s “loud night of truth,” the SHHH Show makes a comeback just before Thanksgiving at the Buckhead Theatre.
“The SHHH Show was built for the culture — real artists, real actions, no cap,” says show creator Big Bank.
Known for its Apollo-like setting, entertainers and performers of the SHHH Show take the stage and await a cacophony of brutally honest feedback from the audience. Be it good, bad or somewhere in between, nothing is held back. And that includes getting booed off the stage.
Nov. 25, 8 p.m. $38-$133. Buckhead Theatre. 3110 Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-843-2825. thebuckheadtheatre.com
The Session R&B Jam
If you’d prefer a smoother and less raucous evening, the Session R&B Jam may just be, well, your jam.
Featuring singers and a live band, the vibe is supposed to be reminiscent of an old-school party where grooving was key and rhythm and blues required some soul.
This is a grown-and-sexy event with reserved seating, depending on your party size.
So, plan a dope outfit and get some calmness to your week before the kitchen chaos ensues.
Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m. — 9:30 p.m. Backstage Atlanta. 2505 Godby Rd., Atlanta. 404-763-1107. eventbrite.com.
Wednesday
Live Music: Sax & Trax
A live saxophonist is probably the best way to complement a DJ mixing classic hip hop and R&B jams.
Allan on Sax will set the tone for an evening at Politan Row before DJ Retrospec jumps in for the close at this family-friendly vibe. A blend of jazzy remixes to rhythmic grooves and dancing is expected in this communal playground.
Nov. 26, 7 — 9 p.m. Politan Row at Colony Square. 1197 Peachtree St. NE #150, Atlanta. 404-228-7941. eventbrite.com
Thursday
Thanksgiving Day Vibe & Chill Flow
Start your holiday right with exercise! Prepare yourself for eating that holiday meal later and before you grab a second and third plate.
Get your meditation and mindfulness in check with a morning yoga session. For the people who are extra in the know of mental wellness, there’s an option to dive into a sound bath as well.
And it wouldn’t be Atlanta if there wasn’t some sort of party feel to it. You’ll be stretching and flexing to rhythm and blues.
Nov. 27, 11 a.m. $30. Seviin Yoga. 1963 Hosea L. Williams Drive NE, Atlanta. 404-590-3027. eventbrite.com
But also, it’s Thanksgiving. Feel free to stay home and love the ones you’re with.
Friday
Skip Day Atlanta: Black Friday Edition
Not sure who exactly is working the day after Thanksgiving, but here’s an additional reason to call out.
Skip Day takes place every month, but November’s edition will be especially festive.
A representative for the event said it’s a “space where adults can ‘skip’ the stress and tap into joy, music and good energy.”
With everyone still celebrating the holiday, there will be a DJ, games, food and drinks. Maybe a few ugly holiday sweaters will make early appearances. Let’s hope not because those parties get packed and hot.
Nov. 28, noon — 7 p.m. Free-$36. Westside Motor Lounge. 725 Echo St. NW, Atlanta. 678-388-9536. skipdayparty.com
Trap Karaoke
It’s karaoke like no other. Performers take the stage and really show out with dancing, impromptu splits, body rolls and a series of other moves that would probably only be expected in Atlanta. This audience-driven event is wildly entertaining.
This would be a great way to bring the family together after Thanksgiving. Hey, rather than arguing with one another about whose sweet potato pie was better, you can instead watch would-be swooners and crooners relive the days of wanting to be members of 112.
Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m. — midnight. $55-$93. Coca-Cola Roxy. 800 Battery Ave. SE #500, Atlanta. 470-351-3866. trapkaraoke.com
Thanksgiving Weekend Trail Ride Field Party Bonfire
At this point in the week, getting out of the house — and away from the family — may be a necessity.
Georgia Trail Rides and Candler-Tattnall Saddle Club are hosting a weekend of events. There will be a fish fry, bonfire, RV campers, horseback riding and live performances. Call it a mini holiday getaway and a chance to get some fresh, country air.
Nov. 28-29, Friday 6 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m., $20-$40 (pay at site). 711 Eden Church Road, Cobbtown. 912-678-5657 / 229-325-6567.
Saturday
‘Brown Sugar’ vs. ‘Love Jones’ Live Music and Poetry Show
Remember when words mattered when it came to professing love? Remember when romance stories were poetic and rhythmic, pulsing with anticipation as lovers let down their guards and shared their vulnerabilities for the sake of intimacy and passion?
Yeah, it’s definitely hard to come by — and artificial intelligence isn’t making it any easier — but “Brown Sugar” vs. “Love Jones” Live Music and Poetry Show will attempt to resurrect those old-school, ’90s R&B feelings.
The event will fuse the two iconic Black romance movies into one experience with food, drinks and, hopefully, good company.
Nov. 29, 9 p.m., $26-$73. Apache XLR. 393 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta. eventbrite.com
Keep It Simply Soca 2025: Thanksgiving Weekend
Noted as the “ultimate Soca experience,” this party will definitely get you in the celebratory mood. “Wine” away that extra scoop of mac and cheese and get ready for some high-energy dancing.
This is actually the perfect way to monitor your holiday diet.
Nov. 29, 10 p.m. — 3 a.m., $27-$43. Grand Anse. 6420 Old Hillandale Drive, Lithonia. 678-559-8993. kissatl.com
Sunday
Soul Brunch: Women of Neo-Soul
The perfect way to cap off a busy holiday week. Chill with a cool vibe to neo-soul at City Winery’s Soul Brunch on Sunday. It’s a tribute to all of those soothing voices we’ve become accustomed to hearing in music with meaningful lyrical content. Tunes from Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Angie Stone and Lauryn Hill are to be expected.
Ticket price does not include brunch. So, if you’re tired of eating 12 variations of turkey, make sure you pay the additional fee to tack on a meal.
Nov. 30, noon, $25-$35. City Winery Atlanta. 650 North Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-946-3791. citywinery.com
About the Author
Brooke Leigh Howard is a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Black culture team, UATL.
