Free dine-in community Thanksgiving dinners around Michigan

This holiday season, various non-profits, businesses, and local groups are offering no-cost dine-in Thanksgiving meals to members of their communities. Here’s where to find a location in your region.

We recommend checking the RSVP processes for each location. End times may vary based on supply. Additional options are available across Michigan. If you’d like to suggest a place not on the list, please email us at [email protected].

Northern Michigan

Alpena County 

Werda’s Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Thanksgiving Day, 3:00–6:00 PM
Where: VFW Post 2496, Alpena, Michigan

Stop by for a turkey and ham dinner with classic sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and more.

Benzie County 

Community Thanksgiving with Papa J’s Pizzeria & Diner
When: Thanksgiving Day, 12:00–3:00 PM
Where: 10583 Main Street, Honor

Papa J’s Pizzeria & Diner will be hosting their 17th Annual Community Thanksgiving dinner. You can also sign up to volunteer. 

Crawford County

Crawford Ausable Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Thanksgiving Day, 12:00–3:00 PM
Where: Grayling High School, 1135 N Old 27, Grayling

Join the 34th annual Crawford Ausable Thanksgiving Dinner at Grayling High School. You can get take-out, or dine in with special guests for kids’ entertainment. Call 989-387-3672 if you need to request meal delivery.

Delta County

2024 Community Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Thanksgiving Day, 11:30AM–1:30 PM
Where: Escanaba High School Commons, 500 South Lincoln Road, Escanaba

Thanks to businesses and volunteers in Delta County, community members looking for “friendship and fellowship” can enjoy a “traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings” at a sit-down meal at Escanaba High School. To-go meals will also be offered. Reservations are encouraged. 

Marquette County

‘Friends Helping Friends’ Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Thanksgiving Day, 11:30 AM–2:00 PM
Where: Ishpeming Elks Lodge, 597 Lakeshore Dr, Ishpeming

Marquette County community members are hosting their fifth annual ‘Friends Helping Friends’ Thanksgiving Dinner. The event is funded by donations from the community and run by volunteers. Dine-in, take-out, and delivery in Marquette County will be available. Reservations are encouraged. 

Southwest Michigan

Berrien County

The Sidetrack Cafe II Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Thanksgiving Day, 12:00–4:00 PM
Where: 315 N Main St, Watervliet, MI, United States, Michigan

The Sidetrack Cafe II is inviting the community to join them for Thanksgiving dinner and dessert. 

Cass County

Battle Creek Pride Annual Holiday Dinner
When: Friday, Nov. 29, 6:00–8:00 PM
Where: 65 Bedford Rd N, Battle Creek

Battle Creek Pride is inviting the community to the Annual Holiday Dinner. During an interview with Southwest Michigan Second Wave, BC Pride Board Member and Volunteer and Events Coordinator, Pam McCoy, said “Our LGBTQIA+ community is struggling and we need to gather together to show them that they do have support.”

Mecosta County

Community Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Thanksgiving Day, 1:00–4:00 PM
Where: Big Rapids Eagles, 18361 16 Mile Road, Big Rapids

Our Brother’s Keeper, Project Starburst, Manna Pantry, Angels of Action, and Connect Church have come together to host a community meal. Contact [email protected] or 231-629-8033 if you plan to attend. 

Muskegon County

Corine’s Cakes and Catering Free Community Dinner
When: Thanksgiving Day, 12:00–2:00 PM
Where: 90 W Broadway Ave., Muskegon

Corine’s Cakes and Catering is serving a free community dinner with dine-in and drive-thru options, and delivery “to senior citizens and all homebound.” Delivery requests can be made at 231-760-6809.

St. Joseph County

Three Rivers Community Kitchen Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 4:00–6:00 PM
Where: Trinity Episcopal Church, 321 N Main St, Three Rivers, MI 49093

Three Rivers Community Kitchen is hosting their Thanksgiving dinner at the Trinity Church Parish Hall. 

Southeast Michigan

Ingham County

Blondie’s Barn Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Thanksgiving Day, 12:00-2:00 PM
Where: 5640 Marsh Road, Haslett

Blondie’s Barn will be offering Thanksgiving meals for the 12th consecutive year. Reservations are not required.

Oakland County

Capuchin Soup Kitchen Thanksgiving Breakfast and Dinner
When: Thanksgiving Day, Breakfast 8:30–9:30 AM | Dinner 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Where: 1264 Meldrum, Detroit, and 4390 Conner, Detroit

Capuchin Soup Kitchen will be hosting Thanksgiving meals at their Meldrum and Conner locations in Detroit. Reservations are not required.

Saginaw County

Thanksgiving Feast and Fellowship
When: Thanksgiving Day, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Where: 940 E. Genesee Ave, Saginaw 

You can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner from the East Side Soup Kitchen, with dine-in and drive-thru options available. There will be live music from David Paul Britton.

Washtenaw County

Chelsea Hospital’s Free Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Thanksgiving Day, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Where: 775 S Main St, Chelsea 

Members of the community “who would be alone on Thanksgiving or cannot afford a Thanksgiving meal” are invited to a Thanksgiving meal at Chelsea Hospital. Reservations are required. Call the Chelsea Senior Center at 734-475-9242 to register.

Related: Michigan’s holiday magic: 18 events in November & December