Live music, cash prizes and cowboy costumes: What to do Thanksgiving week in Merced County
Whether you’re alone or gathering with friends and family this holiday season, there is plenty to experience in Merced County.
Even children who are off from school this week are included. From completing a morning boot camp session on Thanksgiving Day to participating in a chance to win $500 by supporting small businesses in Merced, here are 11 events nearby that could help foster your festive spirit.
1. Drinksgiving hosted by Third Hour Collective
When: Wednesday Nov. 27 from 7-11 p.m.
Where: Tioga-Sequoia Merced Taproom (1707 N St., Merced)
If you enjoy drinking beer, eating pie, and dancing to house music, then you should visit the Tioga-Sequoia Merced Taproom tonight. Third Hour Collective, a group of creative locals, is hosting the event and they guarantee an active lineup. Starting at 7 p.m. and going on until 11 p.m., there will be opportunities to win prizes for participating in raffles and in a pie-eating contest. Special holiday drinks will be available for purchase. Learn more here.
2. Thanksgiving Eve Bash with Rob Tracy Band hosted by Out of Bounds Sports Bar
When: Wednesday Nov. 27 at 9 p.m.
Where: 575 Bellevue Rd., Atwater
This is another chance to appreciate local music by a live band for free! The owner of Out of Bounds Sports Bar is inviting local residents to hear The Rob Tracy Band, a band mixing country, rock, and blues sounds.
3. Huffin and Puffin for that Turkey and Stuffin hosted by the Power House DP
When: Thursday Nov. 28 at 7 a.m.
Where: Dos Palos High School (1701 E Blossom St., Dos Palos)
You should not pass up this event if you are competitive, passionate about fitness or enjoy waking up early. The Power House DP gym is hosting a 7 a.m. boot camp session for individuals who want to train for their Thanksgiving feast later in the day. Join them at the Dos Palos High School’s football stadium bright and early. An annual event, the host encourages you to bring a friend! Learn more here.
4. Thanksgiving with Veterans hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars (Winton VFW Post 7792)
When: Thursday Nov. 28 at 2 p.m.
Where: 7093 W Walnut Ave., Winton
If you are a veteran or the loved one of a veteran, the Veterans of Foreign Wars are inviting you to share a Thanksgiving meal this Thursday afternoon. This is a free community event; however, donations are appreciated and will go toward a fund to support veterans. Learn more here.
5. Small Business Weekend hosted by small businesses in Merced
When: Nov. 29- Dec. 1
Where: participating local businesses
Starting this Friday, several local businesses in Merced will team up to offer customers a chance to win a $500 Visa gift card. Participants can pick up a “Shop & Stamp” map at any participating location and shop at eight locations to be entered into the competition. This is a great opportunity to purchase holiday gifts, support small businesses and try your luck to win $500 all at once. Winners will be chosen by Dec. 2. At least 20 shops are participating including The Sensory Lab, Plantology Merced and Luna Luna which sell coffee, plants, and vintage wear respectively. Learn more here.
6. Small Business Saturday hosted by the Tioga-Sequoia Merced Taproom
When: Saturday Nov. 30 from 5-10 p.m.
Where: Tioga-Sequoia Merced Taproom (1707 N St., Merced)
The Tioga-Sequoia Merced Taproom is kicking off Small Business Saturday in Merced from 5-10 p.m. Local residents can shop for gifts and try the brewery’s specialty beers in between breaks. Small Business Saturday is a federally recognized business initiative to shop locally during the holiday season. Learn more here.
7. Breakfast with Santa hosted by City of Merced Parks and Recreation
When: Saturday Dec. 14 from 8-10:45 a.m.
Where: the Merced Senior Community Center (755 W 15th St., Merced)
Space is limited, and preregistration required for this event. Hosted by the City of Merced Parks & Community Services at the Merced Senior Community Center, individuals and families can meet and take photo portraits with Santa Claus. Children ages 5 and under don’t have to pay for entry, but everyone else will need to purchase $15 tickets. The first session is from 8-9:15 a.m., and the second session goes from 9:30-10:45 a.m. There will be opportunities to create holiday crafts and decorate holiday cookies. Learn more here.
8. Holiday Pops hosted by The Merced Symphony Association
When: Sunday Dec. 1 at 4 p.m.
Where: The Merced Theatre (301 West Main St., Merced)
Celebrating 67 years of orchestral music, the Merced Symphony Association is hosting concert performances by the Merced Children’s Holiday Choir, the Merced College Community Chorus and other special guests. This concert marks the third annual Holiday Pops event. Tickets are still available at $40. Purchase tickets here.
9. Annual MERCO Credit Union Community Christmas Tree Lighting hosted by MERCO Credit Union
When: Sunday Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.
Where: Bob Hart Square (510 W Main St., Merced)
After listening to an ensemble of wind, brass and percussion instruments, Merced locals can stay for the annual tree lighting ceremony at Bob Hart Square sponsored by MERCO Credit Union. Learn more here.
10. Cowboy Christmas Parade hosted by The City of Merced and Merced Main Street Association
When: Saturday Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
Where: Main Street (between G and O streets)
Giddy up for this annual gem. Featuring this year’s cowboy theme, the parade will include marching bands, dancers, floats and costumes. A total of $500 in cash prizes will be awarded to the most creative cowboy costume, float and performance. Come dressed to have fun! Register your float or performance in the parade with a $65 entry fee. Register to participate.
11. Not So Silent Night hosted by Merced Firefighters Association
When: Saturday Dec. 7 from 1-8 p.m.
Where: N Street (between 18th and Main streets)
Representing area code 209, Rear View Mirror and Four Fifteen have you covered at this city block party with an afternoon of live music. From Merced, Four Fifteen promises to deliver classic rock hits by AC/DC, Metallica and others. “We got it covered,” the group boasts on their Instagram page. Grunge music and 90s era fans will appreciate performances by Rear View Mirror, a Pearl Jam cover band from Atwater. After working out an appetite from joining in any mosh pits, try the food trucks and beer stands available to satiate your thirst. This party is an opportunity to contribute funds to the Merced Firefighter’s Scholars Foundation and the Random Acts of Kindness Program. Do you want to extend your support? You can sponsor the event by contacting Ryan Pasking at (209) 769-9387. Learn more here.
This story was originally published November 27, 2024 at 5:23 PM.