After the Turkey and Stuffing, Get Out This Thanksgiving

Whether you're looking to spend a wholesome holiday with the family, or hideout in your local watering hole, we've got some ideas for you. This holiday weekend doesn't have to be spent washing pepper spray off your face in the Target restroom. Grab your loved ones or head out by your lonesone to some of the seasons most enticing and outragous gatherings.

San Francisco

‘Bound and Stuffed’ underwear party at the Powerhouse: The second2nd part of the Thanksgiving history we fail to tell our kids -- the amazing gay underwear party the Pilgrims and Indians held in the wee hours after the great meal. Pop some tryptofan and head down to SoMa Thursday night to help benefit the SF AIDS Foundation. Click here for more info.

Or

49th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Ghirardelli Square: Like it or not, the holidays are here, so why not officially welcome all the madness and stress with some good friends and a great big tree. The annual ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 29. Click here for more info.

New York

Thanksgiving Nite Live - Exclusive Women's Event at 49 Grove:  Not just for the Pilgrims and the Indians, this party is strictly for the ladies. Get your keisters down to 49 Grove Street (at the Corner of Grove and Bleecker Streets, Off Seventh Avenue South) if you’re looking for someone new to be thankful for this winter. Girls, rub your wishbones together Thusday; the party starts at 11 p.m. Click here for more info.

Or

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: For the 87th year, the parade will usher in the holiday season with giant balloons and even bigger festivites. If you don’t mind the crowd or the cold, this is definitely your day. The star-studded, celebrity event begins at W. 77th Street and Central Park West on Thanksgiving, and heads all the way down to 34th with 2.5 miles of public viewing. Click here for more info. 

Philadelphia

Pink Pub Crawl: You’ll probably be crawling around on Thursday night, why night get some practice on the day before. Philadelphia's premier gay pub crawl returns on Thanksgiving Eve,  beginning at Stir Lounge- 1705 Chancellor Street, at 9 p.m. Click here for more info.

Or

Elton John at Wells Fargo Center. If you’re looking for something American to do on Thanksgiving, then Sir Elton John probably isn’t your best bet. But, oh well, it's Elton. Wednesday November 27 at 8 p.m. Click here for more info.

Denver

Ominous: Denver adds a whole new meaning to Black Friday as they invite you to pay tribute to one of scariest horror movies ever made: Hellraiser. With costumes ranging from disturbing to terrifying, you’re encouraged to join the party dressed as a “pain or pleasure victim.” Sounds enjoyable? The pleasure/pain starts at 9 p.m. at Tracks on Walnut Street. Click here for more info.

Or

40th Annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot: Registration and festivities begin at 8 a.m. in Washington Park, and a four-mile family run will raise money to advance the common good in the Denver area by supporting programs and services. Don’t forget to enjoy some post-race yoga or find yourself in the beer garden, thankful that your in-laws couldn’t make it this year. Visit www.unitedwaydenver.org for more info.

Chicago

Christmas Dearest by David Cerda: November 29 thorugh December 29, 2013. Hell in a Handbag has produced a new holiday musical, for those feeling a little more feisty than festive. Christmas Dearest is a provocative take on A Christmas Carol as told by Hell in a Handbag’s David Cerda. Tickets can be purchased here or at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark Street.

Or

Ice Skating at Lincoln Park Zoo: This Chicago winter tradition finally returns on Friday November 29 for the winter season. Warm up in the Main Barn and enjoy refreshments if you'd rather just watch and laugh. Open daily (except December 24 and 25) from 12 noon -  9 p.m. ($5 skate rental, $5 admission). Click here for more info.