Fall is a season of quiet wonder and, as Albert Camus once put it, “a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” Is it any wonder that these few majestic months are home to some of the year’s most beloved holidays?
Now that we’ve finished crossing between worlds with Halloween and Día de los Muertos, late November’s traditions let us celebrate togetherness, the warmth of our homes, and delicious food. Thanksgiving, of course, is the main attraction, but recently Friendsgiving has developed from an unofficial sideshow into a major holiday in its own right. In fact, one study reported on by the New York Post showed that 70% of young Americans prefer Friendsgiving over a conventional Thanksgiving.
Whether you’re a turkey and stuffing traditionalist, a bring-whatever-you-like potlucker, or you’re looking for ways to celebrate the autumn season outside of holiday festivities, Meetup has a full harvest of events that can help you capture that fall magic.
Prep your meal, your mind, and your body for Thanksgiving
Before you don that apron on Thanksgiving day, Meetup cooking events can help you brush up on your chef skills. If it’s your first time preparing traditional dishes, have no fear! The North Jersey Friends Group (6000+ Members) is hosting a free online cooking class that promises to teach you “Thanksgiving In One Hour!” This can be helpful even for confident kitchen masters who haven’t hosted a Thanksgiving feast since before the pandemic.
Meetup also has lots of resources for those preparing alternative menus: before the big day arrives, you can learn how to make your Thanksgiving gluten-free or design an entirely plant-based Thanksgiving dinner.
Whether you want to make some room for all of those rich foods you’re about to eat, or you’re just looking to clear your head before a big social gathering, why not start your Thanksgiving morning with some exercise? Join a group like the Waltham Trail Runners as they kick off Thanksgiving day with a casual and spirited jog through town. Or, if you’re feeling truly adventurous, you can take part in something like this 10k Turkey Trot.
Find a Friendsgiving that fits with your schedule
There are endless ways for friends to enjoy some convivial pre-Thanksgiving vibes, from taking a walk through the buzzing Bryant Park holiday market to attending a Thanksgiving Eve Singles Party at a swanky bistro in the Flatiron District.
Friendsgiving often takes place on the days surrounding Thanksgiving, when people have fewer family obligations and more free time to hang. However, some groups like the Vegan Foodies of New Jersey will go out for a special meal together on Thanksgiving day, which is a great benefit to folks who may not be able to travel home to celebrate with their families.
Friendsgiving comes in many shapes and sizes—it can even be as informal as post-Thanksgiving drinks at a Shakespeare-themed pub.
Discover your own unique way to appreciate autumn
You don’t have to label it: embracing the fall spirit just for the sake of it is part of what makes this season so special. There are Meetup groups all over the map taking advantage of this ideal weather with events as varied as a festive fall wine tasting social, a fall hike on the Breakheart Reservation, a leaf-peeping walk through Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, a “Fall Ball” salsa and bachata dance night at a ballroom in Philly, and so much more!
Give thanks and pay it forward this fall by volunteering
As we cherish the beautiful things we’re fortunate enough to have in our lives, we can turn those feelings of gratitude into positive change in our local communities by taking simple actions.
For example, Meetup groups in Arlington and Chicago are continuing their routine volunteer events by preparing sandwiches and bagged lunches for the unhoused and food-insecure populations in their cities. You can also participate in Thanksgiving-specific volunteer events, such as making “Baskets for Good” in Dallas or helping feed hundreds of families Thanksgiving meals in New York City.
Although it’s the season of feasts, your contribution to the community doesn’t necessarily have to revolve around food. You could join a group like Detrash Portland and make a difference in the health and cleanliness of the city by picking up litter.
Fall is for family, friends, and feeling united
Whether you’re spending quality time with family, catching up with old friends, making new connections, or all of the above this holiday season, what matters is that you’re together. There is no right way to celebrate the fall—your way is best. If you’re still looking for inspiration, you can easily search for Thanksgiving events taking place near you or online. Plus, if you’ve got a great idea for a Friendsgiving or volunteer event, it’s simple to create your own Meetup group and invite others to join.
Last modified on August 30, 2023
