Top 9 Things To Do on Thanksgiving Day in Vero Beach

Thanksgiving in Vero Beach is not just about who is cooking. From a free community dinner in Gifford to waterfront brunches, a chef's tasting menu, and two Thanksgiving morning races, there is a way to spend November 26 that fits your table, your schedule, or your cause. Here are nine ways to spend the holiday around Indian River County.

1. Free Thanksgiving Community Dinner at Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church of Gifford

Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church of Gifford is serving a free Thanksgiving dinner to families, seniors, and neighbors throughout the community on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2506 42nd Street, Vero Beach. Households in need can register in advance to reserve meals, and the church is also calling for volunteers to help prepare, pack, and distribute food. Registration and volunteer sign-up links are on the church's site, and questions go to Sister Mietta Fort at (904) 613-2780.

2. Thanksgiving at Curfew

Curfew is open Thursday, November 26, from noon to 7 p.m. with its full regular menu plus a set of Chef's Thanksgiving Specials, a full bar, and dessert. It is at 1932 14th Ave, Vero Beach. Reservations are strongly recommended; call 772-205-2212.

3. Thanksgiving Dinner at Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa

Costa d'Este's culinary team is putting together a special holiday menu of seasonal dishes with coastal flair for Thanksgiving. The resort is at 3244 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, and reservations are required; call 772.410.0100.

4. Thanksgiving Brunch and Dinner at Cobalt

Cobalt is serving Thanksgiving Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 26, with a raw bar, chef-attended carving stations, live action stations, traditional favorites, and live music, at $110 per adult and $39 per child 12 and under. A full a la carte Thanksgiving Dinner follows from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with festive specials. Reservations are highly recommended at cobaltrestaurant.com or 772-469-1060.

5. Thanksgiving Dinner at Maison Martinique

Maison Martinique's holiday menu opens with butternut squash soup or smoked duck salad, followed by honey maple turkey with pan gravy, croissant stuffing, and cranberry relish, alongside Thai braised short rib, pan-seared halibut, and ricotta tortellini. It is served Thursday, November 26, from 4 to 9 p.m. at 1605 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach. Reserve online or call (772) 231-7299.

6. Thanksgiving Brunch at The Wave Kitchen & Bar

Chef Armando Galeas is preparing a Thanksgiving brunch at The Wave Kitchen & Bar inside Costa d'Este, with a seafood and raw bar display, cheese and charcuterie, made-to-order omelets, a hot buffet, and assorted desserts. It is at 3244 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach.

7. Pelican Yacht Club Turkey Trot 5K

The 4th Annual Pelican Yacht Club Turkey Trot 5K runs Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2026, capped at 750 runners after selling out the past two years. The course winds through South Hutchinson Island neighborhoods to Ocean Boulevard and the jetty before finishing back at the club with a trot and toast, drinks and snacks included. The club is at 1120 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, supporting Jaycee Park and the local running community.

8. Trot Against Poverty

Trot Against Poverty is a professionally timed Thanksgiving morning 5K at Riverside Park, Vero Beach, starting at 7:30 a.m. on November 26. It benefits United Against Poverty, and runners, joggers, and walkers of all abilities are welcome. Stay after for announcements and a free sweet potato pancake breakfast. Register early at trotagainstpoverty.org; parking is limited, so plan to arrive early.

9. Thanksgiving on the River at The Shack Riverfront Restaurant & Outback Tiki Bar

The Shack is open Thanksgiving Day, November 26, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with Thanksgiving reservations taken 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for parties of four or more. The waterfront menu includes traditional roast turkey and honey-glazed ham alongside steaks, prime rib, and fresh seafood, with Indian River views from most tables. It is at 4845 Dixie Highway NE, Palm Bay; call 321-676-9995.

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Ava Cook

Community Manager at Vero Vine

Hello!
My name is Ava Cook and I am a Freshman at Florida Southern College in Lakeland FL. I am currently a B.F.A musical theatre major with a minor in Business Administration. I love reading, singing, acting, dancing, and writing. My favorite part about Vero Beach and Indian River County as a whole is how close the community is. Vero Vine is important to me as it allows me to do my part it bringing the community together also, sharing events, small businesses, and other local happenings. If you have any questions or any recommendations for me, my email is always open [email protected].