Thanksgiving in Eugene 2026 and the Ducks vs Washington Game
Thanksgiving week in Eugene packs a lot into five days. There is a Turkey Trot along the river on Thursday morning, the Holiday Market all weekend and the Oregon Ducks hosting Washington at Autzen Stadium on Saturday. If your family is coming together in Eugene this year, here is how to plan the long weekend and where to stay.
The dates at a glance
- Thursday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Day and the Turkey Trot Eugene 5K and 10K at Alton Baker Park.
- Friday, Nov. 27 to Sunday, Nov. 29: Eugene Saturday Market's Holiday Market at the Lane Events Center.
- Saturday, Nov. 28: Oregon vs. Washington at Autzen Stadium, the regular season home finale.
The University of Oregon is closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday, so campus is quiet until the game crowd arrives on Saturday.
Thursday: Turkey Trot and a slow Thanksgiving
Turkey Trot Eugene at Alton Baker Park
Start the day with a run or walk before the big meal. Turkey Trot Eugene is on Thanksgiving morning at Alton Baker Park, 200 Day Island Road. The 10K starts at 9 a.m. and the 5K run and walk starts at 9:10 a.m.
The course follows the Ruth Bascom Trail network along the Willamette River, crosses the river twice and has very little elevation gain. Strollers are welcome near the back of the start, but dogs are not allowed on this course.
The race supports Food for Lane County, and you can bring canned or dry food to donate on race day. Organizers strongly recommend registering early and picking up your packet the day before. Details and registration are on the Turkey Trot Eugene page.
Cook the big meal in a real kitchen
Thanksgiving is the one meal of the year that needs a full kitchen, a big table and room for everyone. That is the main reason families pick a whole home over hotel rooms for this trip. Shop for groceries Wednesday, cook together Thursday and leave the dishes to the dishwasher.
Friday to Sunday: the Holiday Market
Eugene Saturday Market moves indoors for the season and opens its Holiday Market at the Lane Events Center, 796 W. 13th Avenue. Thanksgiving weekend is one of its busiest stretches, with the market open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 27 to 29.
You will find local art, handmade gifts, food and live music. Admission and parking are free. The market lists Saturday hours as 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday hours as 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., so check the Holiday Market page for Friday's hours before you go.
Tips for a crowded weekend
- Go right at opening for the quietest aisles.
- Bring a reusable bag and a gift list.
- On Saturday, plan your market visit well before kickoff, since game traffic builds across town.
Can't make it this weekend? The market also opens Nov. 21 and 22 and on weekends through December 24.
Saturday: Ducks vs. Washington at Autzen
Oregon hosts Washington on Saturday, Nov. 28, at Autzen Stadium. It is the last home game of the regular season and one of the most anticipated rivalry games on the schedule. As of this week, the official Oregon Athletics schedule still lists the kickoff time as TBD, so watch goducks.com for the final time.
Plan around a holiday game
- Buy tickets early. A rivalry game on a holiday weekend draws alumni and families from all over the Northwest.
- Pack for late November weather: a rain layer, warm layers and a hat.
- Leave extra time to get to the stadium. Plan your ride or parking once the kickoff time is set.
- Thanksgiving leftovers make great tailgate sandwiches.
For more on game day logistics, see our guide on where to stay for Ducks game weekends.
Book Thanksgiving week early
Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest weeks of the fall in Eugene. Families are home for the holiday, and the Washington game brings in another wave of visitors on Saturday. If your dates are set, booking soon gives you the best choice of homes. Many families stay Wednesday through Sunday to cover the whole holiday and the game.
Two Moxie homes for a family Thanksgiving
Both of these homes are three bedroom houses near the University of Oregon with a full kitchen, a fenced backyard and free parking. Each sleeps up to six guests.
Moxie Kincaid House
Eugene 3BR Retreat w/ Backyard near U of O Campus has three king bedrooms and two baths. The brand new kitchen has modern appliances and a dining table that fits the whole group. After dinner, relax by the propane fireplace in the living room or gather around the fire pit in the private backyard. A washer and dryer make a five night holiday stay easy.
Moxie Harris House
Backyard Oasis: 3BR Home w Firepit, Patio, BBQ is a renovated three bedroom home about half a mile from campus. The remodeled kitchen has granite counters and stainless appliances, which is just right for a big holiday meal. Out back there is a gas BBQ, a propane fire pit, a deck and outdoor dining. Inside, a cozy propane fireplace sets the mood for pie and football on TV.
Both homes book directly at moxievacationrentals.com.
Our cancellation policy, in plain terms
Cancel 60 or more days before check-in for a full refund. Inside 60 days, the stay is non-refundable, but you can make one move to a similar-rate date within 12 months, subject to availability and blackout dates. Host may approve certain dates case by case.
Your Thanksgiving week checklist
- Wednesday, Nov. 25: arrive, shop for groceries and pick up your Turkey Trot packet.
- Thursday, Nov. 26: Turkey Trot at 9 a.m., then Thanksgiving dinner at home.
- Friday, Nov. 27: Holiday Market at the Lane Events Center.
- Saturday, Nov. 28: Ducks vs. Washington at Autzen (kickoff TBD).
- Sunday, Nov. 29: one more market visit, then head home.
Happy Thanksgiving, and we look forward to hosting your family in Eugene.
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