Thanksgiving in Alpharetta 2026: turkey trots and trash pickup

Last checked 2026-10-04. This page is updated each year at the same address. Race details come from each race’s own registration page, the trash schedule from the City of Alpharetta and school dates from the Fulton County Schools 2026-27 calendar.

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26. Alpharetta’s own turkey trot fills the morning at Halcyon, trash pickup slides a day for the rest of the week, and Fulton County students have the whole week off. This page will grow as churches, restaurants and the city announce more.

What this means for you

• Run: Gobble Wobble 5K, 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, at Halcyon. Register online; there is no race-day packet pickup.
• Trash: Thursday pickup moves to Friday, Nov. 27. Friday pickup moves to Saturday, Nov. 28.
• School: Fulton County Schools are closed Nov. 23-27.
• Missed pickup or cart problems: Republic Services, 678-407-6216

Turkey trots

The Gobble Wobble is in its 11th year. Organizers call it “one of North Georgia’s favorite holiday traditions.” It is chip-timed, with live results and age-group and overall awards. The race page lists:

• 5K walk or run at 8 a.m. The price goes up after 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18.
• Kids Fun Run for children 10 and under at 9:15 a.m. The price goes up after Nov. 2.
• Virtual 5K. Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 18.
• 5K runners get a lightweight performance hoodie and a finisher medal. Fun Run kids get a sweatshirt or hoodie and a medal. Register by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, to be sure of a medal and shirt.
• Packet pickup is Friday, Nov. 20, through Wednesday, Nov. 25, noon to 5 p.m., at Big Peach Running Co. in Cumming (5485 Bethelview Road, Suite 430) or Dawsonville (145 Forest Blvd.). There is no race-day pickup.
• The race runs rain or shine. Donations go to Meals by Grace, which provides meals to local children and families.

The Five Star Turkey Trot in Johns Creek offers a 5K, 10K, 15K and half marathon, all starting at 8 a.m. Anyone who crossed a Five Star finish line from Jan. 1 to Nov. 14, 2026, can run one in-person turkey trot free, the race page says. More is on the organizer’s turkey trots page.

Trash and recycling pickup

The city’s contractor, Republic Services, changes the schedule for only three holidays, and Thanksgiving is one of them. If your pickup day is Thanksgiving or later that same week, it moves back one day, according to the city’s service schedule:

Carts go to the curb by 7 a.m. on your service day. Household trash, recycling and yard waste all follow the same shift. For missed pickups or damaged carts, call Republic Services at 678-407-6216. The full schedule and bulky-waste rules are on our trash and recycling guide.

School break

The Fulton County Schools 2026-27 calendar, approved by the school board Dec. 19, 2024, gives students Thanksgiving Break from Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27. Classes resume Monday, Nov. 30. Earlier in the month, Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, is a remote learning day. More is on our schools guide.

The weekend before: tree lighting

The holiday season in downtown Alpharetta starts before the turkey. The city’s Season of Celebration tree lighting is on its calendar for the evening of Saturday, Nov. 21. Times, parking and what to expect are on our Christmas parade and tree lighting page.

What is open and closed

The city has not yet posted its Thanksgiving closures for City Hall and recreation centers. Fulton County Schools are closed all week, as above. We will add city offices, libraries, the community centers and any announced restaurant hours here when the organizations post them. If you run an Alpharetta restaurant or church serving a Thanksgiving meal, tell us and send the link to your announcement.

Giving back

North Fulton Community Charities runs seasonal programs that provide meals, coats and holiday gifts to families in financial need. The Gobble Wobble’s donations support Meals by Grace.

Related: Halloween events 2026, holiday lights and Christmas events 2026, New Year’s Eve 2026, things to do this month and walking and biking trails.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a turkey trot in Alpharetta on Thanksgiving 2026?

Yes. The 11th annual Gobble Wobble 5K starts at 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, at Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, with a Kids Fun Run at 9:15 a.m.

Is trash picked up on Thanksgiving in Alpharetta?

No. Thanksgiving Day is one of three holidays when city pickup moves back one day. Thursday pickup moves to Friday, Nov. 27, and Friday pickup moves to Saturday, Nov. 28.

When is Thanksgiving break for Fulton County Schools in 2026?

Thanksgiving break runs Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27, on the district’s approved 2026-27 calendar.

How much does the Gobble Wobble cost?

The 5K was $45 on Oct. 4, with a price increase after Oct. 18. The Kids Fun Run was $25 and the virtual 5K $40. There is no race-day packet pickup.

When is the Alpharetta tree lighting?

The city’s Season of Celebration tree lighting is the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 21. Details are on our parade and tree lighting page.