Find winter holiday events in Illinois and Iowa that reach out to marginalized identities like LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, represent alternative or ancient faith traditions, or are off the beaten path in some way. Click ‘Future’ to see events in December.
November
Nov 22 (1 event)
12:00 pm • MLK Center Thanksgiving Dinner • Rock Island–
Nov 22This is the 35th year for this annual tradition of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center offering a free Thanksgiving dinner for anyone in the Quad Cities. Friday is drive-through only, and also only until supplies last. For bulk orders, order here by Nov. 15. The center is also seeking volunteers; sign up here.
Nov 23 (3 events)
9:00 am • Tree Decorating at Oak Park Avenue • Oak Park–
Nov 23PFLAG Tinley Park leads this drag-themed tree decorating party, featuring hot chocolate and cookies from the Oak Park/River Forest Chamber of Commerce. Email pflagtinleypark@gmail.com for more information.
11:00 am • MLK Center Thanksgiving Dinner • Rock Island–
Nov 23This is the 35th year for this annual tradition of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center offering a free Thanksgiving dinner for anyone in the Quad Cities. Saturday is drive-through only, and also only until supplies last. For bulk orders, order here by Nov. 15. Delivery available for orders of 25 or more. The center is also seeking volunteers; sign up here.
1:00 pm • LGBTQIA+ Pizza Feast & Community Gathering • Cedar RapidsNov 24 (2 events)
12:00 pm • MLK Center Thanksgiving Dinner • Rock Island–
Nov 24This is the 35th year for this annual tradition of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center offering a free Thanksgiving dinner for anyone in the Quad Cities. Dine-in orders only for Sunday! For bulk orders, order here by Nov. 15. Delivery available for orders of 25 or more. The center is also seeking volunteers; sign up here.
5:00 pm • Friendsgiving at Noble House • Fairfield–
Nov 24Celebrate the holiday in a sustainable, socially conscious, vegan way. Please be sure to label your shared dish with ingredients!Nov 28 (1 event)
12:00 pm • Clock's Thanksgiving • Rock Island–
Nov 28Clock Inc. LGBT+ Community Center hosts its annual Thanksgiving Day celebration for those who don't have a welcoming or supportive family holiday option. (image by Clock)
Nov 29 (1 event)
6:00 pm • MCC Thanksgiving Leftovers and Game Night • Davenport–
Nov 29This is the sixth year MCCQC has held this celebration of leftovers from Clock Inc. Clocksgiving. Wtih questions, call Jennifer at 563-324-8281.