Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26. Gulf Coast State College's Turkey Trot starts at 8 a.m., city offices close two days and there is no trash pickup.
Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: the City of Panama City’s holiday calendar entry and solid waste holiday schedule, Bayway’s holiday service list, the Bay District Schools academic calendar, the Turkey Trot registration page and Destination Panama City’s events calendar. City Hall: 850-872-3000.
Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. In Panama City the day starts with runners heading from Gulf Coast State College up onto the Hathaway Bridge. City offices close Thursday and Friday, trash trucks skip the holiday, Bayway buses stay off the road, and Bay District Schools students have the whole week off.
What this means for you
- Trash: no garbage or yard trash on Thursday, Nov. 26; garbage runs Friday, yard trash does not.
- City offices: closed Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27.
- Buses: no Bayway service on Thanksgiving; reduced fixed-route service Friday.
- School: out Nov. 23-27.
- Run: Turkey Trot 5K, 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Gulf Coast State College.
Trash and yard waste
The city’s holiday collection schedule says customers whose pickup falls on a holiday are served on their next scheduled day, unless the city says otherwise.
| Day | Garbage | Yard trash |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving) | No collection | No collection |
| Friday, Nov. 27 | Normal | No collection |
To hear about changes, text PCgarbage to 38276. Homes outside the city limits follow Bay County’s schedule instead. Our full guide: trash and recycling in Panama City.
What is open and closed
- City of Panama City offices: closed Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, on the city’s calendar.
- Bayway: no fixed-route or demand-response service on Thanksgiving Day. On Friday, Nov. 27, fixed routes run a reduced service and demand-response is closed, according to Bayway’s holiday list. Bayway: 850-769-0557. See our getting around guide.
- Bay District Schools: students are off Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27, on the district’s 2026-27 calendar. See our schools guide.
- Stores: for Black Friday hours and Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28, see Black Friday and holiday shopping.
The Turkey Trot
Gulf Coast State College Athletics holds its 4th annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on Thanksgiving morning at the college, 5230 W. U.S. Highway 98.
- 5K: 8 a.m. The out-and-back course starts at Frazier Field on campus and climbs onto the Hathaway Bridge.
- 1-mile fun run: 9 a.m., all ages.
- Entry: $25 before Nov. 16, then $30 for the 5K; the fun run is $25 for ages 17 and up and $20 for 16 and under. Online registration closes at 11:59 a.m. Nov. 24.
- Packet pickup: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, in the Wellness Building lobby, or at check-in on race morning.
- Shirts: guaranteed to the first 300 who register online.
The race is held rain or shine; in bad weather the start is delayed in 15-minute steps. Proceeds support the college’s student-athletes. Expect runners on the Hathaway Bridge and U.S. 98 early that morning; any traffic notice goes on our road construction and closures page.
Community dinners
SHOP The Closet, 318 Luverne Ave., is hosting its first Community Thanksgiving Dinner at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, for anyone without plans. Guests who can are asked to bring a dish to share, but it is not required; the hosts ask for an RSVP so they have a headcount. Listing and RSVP.
Churches and nonprofits serving a free meal can send us the details and we will add them here with a link.
Restaurants
Two restaurants list Thanksgiving hours on their own websites:
- Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar, 5 Harrison Ave.: open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Phone: 850-979-5550.
- Bayou Joe’s, 112A E. Third Ct.: closed on Thanksgiving and closing at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Phone: 850-763-6442.
No restaurant had posted a 2026 Thanksgiving menu when we checked. We will add others as they announce them; see also our brunch guide.
The weekend after
- Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28: shops downtown and in St. Andrews; see Black Friday and holiday shopping.
- Christmas parade: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, on Harrison Avenue; see Christmas parade and tree lighting.
- More December events: holiday lights and Christmas events.
Frequently asked questions
Is there trash pickup in Panama City on Thanksgiving 2026?
No. The city collects no garbage or yard trash on Thursday, Nov. 26. Garbage runs as normal on Friday, Nov. 27, but yard trash does not; homes are served on their next scheduled day.
Is there a turkey trot in Panama City?
Yes. Gulf Coast State College Athletics holds its fourth annual Turkey Trot 5K at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, from Frazier Field on the college campus, with a 1-mile fun run at 9 a.m.
Are Panama City offices open the day after Thanksgiving?
No. The city’s calendar lists all city offices closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27.
Does the Bayway bus run on Thanksgiving?
No. Bayway runs no fixed-route or demand-response service on Thanksgiving Day. On Friday, Nov. 27, fixed routes run a reduced service and demand-response is closed.
When is Thanksgiving break for Bay District Schools in 2026?
Students are off the whole week, Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27, on the district’s 2026-27 calendar.
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