Turkey Trot Los Angeles: Thanksgiving Run Downtown

Thanksgiving morning in downtown Los Angeles usually means empty streets and a quiet skyline. On November 26, 2026, the 14th Annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles fills those streets with runners and walkers instead. It is one of the more distinctive things happening in Los Angeles on the holiday, and it is done before most people have put the turkey in the oven.

When: Thursday, November 26, 2026, 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM Where: Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Price: $23-$69

What to expect

The pitch from the organizers is simple: see downtown like you have never seen it before. With no morning traffic, you get the sunrise over the Civic Center and a route that passes historic buildings, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The run starts at Los Angeles City Hall and the day wraps up at Grand Park, where a post-event festival keeps the crowd around once the finish line is behind you.

The event poster shows an orange turkey mascot in running shoes, and that sets the tone. This is a holiday morning with a crowd in good spirits, not a race that demands a personal best. The poster lists The Midnight Mission as the benefiting partner, so part of the draw is that the morning supports a local organization.

Planning your morning

The price range of $23 to $69 reflects the different ticket options on offer, so check the event listing for what each one includes before you register. Since the start is at 7:30 AM, plan to arrive early enough to park or ride in and find your way to the start area. Streets around the Civic Center are busy on event mornings, so transit or a rideshare drop-off is usually easier than driving to City Hall.

If you are looking for LA events this weekend, note that this one falls on a Thursday, the holiday itself, so it works well as a way to get moving before a family dinner. Dress in layers: a late-November sunrise downtown can be cool, and it warms up quickly once the sun clears the buildings.

Getting there

City Hall sits steps from the Civic Center and Grand Park, and several Metro lines serve the area. The Discover Los Angeles listing for the event links to Metro trip planning, which is worth a look if you want to skip parking altogether. Afterward, the Grand Park festival is a natural place to linger, take photos and meet friends before heading home.

Anyone browsing upcoming events in Los Angeles for the holiday week will find that the Turkey Trot is among the most accessible ways to spend Thanksgiving morning outdoors. Check the official event page linked from the Discover Los Angeles listing for registration, route details and any day-of instructions before you go.