The Turkey Day Classic parade steps off at 8 a.m. Nov. 26 on Dexter Avenue; kickoff is 2 p.m. Trash runs early that week, and MPS is off Nov. 23-27.

Last checked Oct. 25, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: Alabama State University’s football schedule, the race’s registration page, the City of Montgomery 2026 holiday schedule (PDF), the Montgomery Public Schools calendar and organizers’ listings with the Montgomery Area Chamber’s tourism office.

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26. In Montgomery that means the Turkey Day Classic: a parade down Dexter Avenue in the morning and Alabama State against Tuskegee in the afternoon, the nation’s oldest HBCU football rivalry. Garbage pickup runs early that week, and Montgomery Public Schools are off all week.

Updated Oct. 25: added the city’s free Turkey Turn Up workout on Nov. 21; the game time and parade details are unchanged.

What this means for you

  • Parade: 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, Dexter Avenue.
  • Game: 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, ASU Stadium.
  • 5K: Gobble Wobble, 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Cloverdale. Free.
  • Trash: one early pickup. Monday and Thursday routes on Monday, Nov. 23; Tuesday and Friday routes on Tuesday, Nov. 24.
  • School: Montgomery Public Schools closed Nov. 23-27.
  • Sanitation: 334-625-2751. 311: 334-625-4636.

Turkey Day Classic

The parade. The Turkey Day Classic Parade kicks off at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day on Dexter Avenue in downtown Montgomery. More than 160 campus organizations, businesses and churches usually march. It is free to watch.

The game. Alabama State and Tuskegee agreed in January to a one-year extension of the series, so the 102nd Turkey Day Classic is on. Alabama State’s schedule lists kickoff at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, at ASU Stadium, on HBCU GO TV.

The night before. The Turkey Day Classic Music Fest is Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome, 1595 Robert C. Hatch Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m., with T.I., 112, 8Ball and MJG and Chanté Moore on the bill.

Turkey trot: Move MGM Gobble Wobble 5K

The city’s Move MGM program moves its Gobble Wobble 5K to Cloverdale this year, on Friday, Nov. 27. Registration is free; runners are asked to donate to the Heart of Alabama Food Bank.

  • Packet pickup: 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, in Cloverdale (organizers will post the exact site), and from 7 a.m. on race morning.
  • Race morning: warm-up at 7:30 a.m., 5K at 8 a.m., vendor village 9 to 10 a.m.
  • Walkers and strollers are welcome. Free shirts go out at packet pickup while supplies last.

The Saturday before. The city’s last Move, Meet and Motivate workout of the year, Turkey Turn Up: Thanksgiving Cardio Blast, runs 7:30 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Crump Senior Center, 1751 Cong. W.L. Dickinson Drive. It is free and open to all ages; bring water, a towel and a friend. Questions: 334-625-2300.

Trash pickup changes

From the city’s 2026 holiday schedule:

Your route Thanksgiving week pickup
Monday and Thursday Monday, Nov. 23, only
Tuesday and Friday Tuesday, Nov. 24, only
Yard trash Wednesday and Friday, as time permits

Questions: Sanitation, 334-625-2751. More on our trash and recycling page.

Schools

Montgomery Public Schools’ approved 2026-27 calendar gives students and teachers Thanksgiving break Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27. Classes resume Monday, Nov. 30.

Community dinners

No free community Thanksgiving dinners had been announced for Montgomery when we checked on Oct. 25. We will add churches, nonprofits and restaurants here as they announce them. To list a dinner, email tips@montgomerylive.com.

The weekend after

The city’s Gather Montgomery fall arts and crafts festival is Saturday, Nov. 28; details and holiday shopping are on our Black Friday and holiday shopping page. The Montgomery Zoo’s Christmas Lights Festival opens Dec. 1; see holiday lights and Christmas events and the Christmas parade and tree lighting.

Frequently asked questions

What time is the Turkey Day Classic parade in Montgomery?

The parade kicks off at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, on Dexter Avenue downtown. Organizers say more than 160 campus groups, businesses and churches usually take part.

What time is the 2026 Turkey Day Classic game?

Alabama State hosts Tuskegee in the 102nd Turkey Day Classic at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, at ASU Stadium, according to Alabama State’s schedule. The game streams on HBCU GO TV.

Is trash picked up on Thanksgiving in Montgomery?

Garbage runs early, one pickup only: Monday and Thursday routes on Monday, Nov. 23, and Tuesday and Friday routes on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Yard trash is picked up Wednesday and Friday as time permits.

When is Thanksgiving break for Montgomery Public Schools in 2026?

Montgomery Public Schools are off Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27, on the district’s approved 2026-27 calendar.

Is there a turkey trot in Montgomery?

Yes. The free Move MGM Gobble Wobble 5K starts at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27, in Cloverdale. Packet pickup is 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, and from 7 a.m. on race day.