Thanksgiving 2026 in Apex: Turkey Trot 5K Nov. 21, town offices closed Nov. 26-27, Thursday and Friday trash pickup one day late, Jazz and Jive Nov. 20.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Facts come from the Town of Apex Turkey Trot page and the town’s Thanksgiving holiday notice. Check the organizer’s page before you go.

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. In Apex the week starts with the town’s Turkey Trot on the Saturday before, town offices close Thursday and Friday, and trash pickup slides a day for the end of the week. Questions about town services go to Ask Apex at 919-249-3311; questions about the race go to Apex Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources at 919-249-3402.

Thanksgiving week at a glance

Date What happens
Friday, Nov. 20, 5 to 8 p.m. Jazz and Jive Night, The Depot parking lot, 220 N. Salem St. (free)
Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. Turkey Trot 5K, Apex Community Park
Sunday, Nov. 22, 3 p.m. JazzLive at The Halle
Thursday, Nov. 26 Thanksgiving; town offices closed; Thursday trash moves to Friday
Friday, Nov. 27 Town offices closed; Friday trash moves to Saturday, Nov. 28
Sunday, Nov. 29, 2:30 to 5 p.m. Kid’s Holiday Craft Fair at The Halle (free)

Turkey Trot 5K: Saturday, Nov. 21

The town’s 28th annual Turkey Trot starts at 10 a.m. at Apex Community Park, 2200 Laura Duncan Road, on a course through the park and around the lake, according to the race page. Registration is limited to the first 600 people, and the town says the race has filled about a month ahead the last few years.

  • Competitive runners get a timing chip and are eligible for awards: the top man and woman overall and the top three in each age group, from 12 and under to 70 and up.
  • Recreational runners are not timed but get the same race T-shirt.
  • Fees: $30 competitive, $25 recreational; for ages 12 and under, $15 competitive or $12 recreational.
  • Register through the town’s PeakConnect registration site.
  • Parking: check the event parking map (PDF). The Lake Pine lot is closed on race morning.

What is open and closed

  • Town of Apex offices and facilities: closed Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, according to the town’s holiday notice.
  • The American Tobacco Trail in Wake County is closed on Thanksgiving Day, according to Wake County.
  • Apex greenways and town parks keep their posted hours; greenways are open from sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. See our parks and trails guide.
  • Stores and restaurants set their own holiday hours. Check each business directly; our Black Friday and holiday shopping page covers the weekend after.

Trash, recycling and yard waste

From the town’s holiday notice:

  • Trash and recycling run on the normal schedule Monday through Wednesday.
  • Thursday routes are collected Friday, Nov. 27, and Friday routes on Saturday, Nov. 28.
  • Yard waste crews collect as many homes as possible Monday through Wednesday; anything left is picked up the following week.
  • Pumpkins go in the trash cart, or to the Public Works facility, 105 Upchurch St., the week after Thanksgiving. See our trash and recycling guide.

Sign up for collection reminders to get schedule changes by text or email.

Community meals and giving

As of Oct. 11, no public community Thanksgiving dinner in Apex had posted 2026 details on its organizer’s own page. Churches, nonprofits and restaurants that host a free or public meal can send the date, time and place to hello@peakcitynews.com and we will add it here.

The rest of the long weekend

  • Jazz and Jive Night, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at The Depot parking lot: Peter Lamb and the Wolves, jazz ensembles, the Poetry Fox and a dance area, with jazz-themed specials from downtown businesses (Love Local).
  • JazzLive with Lenore Raphael and Friends, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at The Halle, featuring Dexter Moses. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $12 for students 16 and under (details).
  • Kid’s Holiday Craft Fair, 2:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at The Halle. Free to attend; vendors pay a $10 fee.
  • Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28: see our holiday shopping page.

Related: Halloween events, holiday lights and Christmas events and the Christmas parade and tree lighting.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Apex Turkey Trot in 2026?

The 28th annual Turkey Trot 5K starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Apex Community Park. It is capped at 600 runners and has filled about a month early in recent years.

Is trash pickup delayed for Thanksgiving in Apex?

Yes. Monday through Wednesday routes run as normal. Thursday routes are collected Friday and Friday routes on Saturday, Nov. 28.

Are Apex town offices open the day after Thanksgiving?

No. All Town of Apex facilities and offices are closed Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, 2026.

How much does the Apex Turkey Trot cost?

Competitive entry is $30 and recreational $25. Runners 12 and under pay $15 competitive or $12 recreational.