If you're looking for a nontraditional way to spend your Thanksgiving this year, or you just want to make post-pumpkin-pie plans, San Francisco has a lot to offer in terms of alternative engagements. From a sunrise festival to a wee-hour dance party, here are a few turkey-free fetes happening in SF on Thanksgiving day.
Occupy Alcatraz

On Thanksgiving day in 1969, Alcatraz Island was the scene of another "Occupy" sit-in: a troop of Native Americans gained control of the island and demanded the land be returned to them, proclaiming that it belonged to their tribes, according to the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. The event, which lasted 19 months, brought attention to American Indian civil rights issues. This Thanksgiving, you can head to the island for the Indigenous People’s Sunrise Gathering and enjoy percussion, traditional dance, costumes, and speeches from Native leaders in tribute of America's native ancestors. Boats will depart from Pier 33 every 15 minutes between 4:45 and 6 a.m., and the last return boat leaves at 8:45 a.m.

Turkeytopia!

Bernal Heights dive The Knockout (3223 Mission St., 415-550-6994) is giving its weekly Thursday night Bingo party, Bingotopia, a holiday overhaul in the name of the bird. Turkeytopia kicks off at 9 p.m. and will go wild with bingo, karaoke, and lots of drinks. If the five-letter game seems too senior citizen for you, remember you're playing for free drinks and goofy prizes, including, in this week's case, turkey basters! Ain't that somethin'?


Meat Market

Nothing screams "gobble, gobble," like industrial music and BBQ, does it? MEAT, "a nightclub dedicated to playing hard, danceable industrial, and EBM," is hosting a Thanksgiving day dance party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at DNA Lounge (375 Eleventh St., 415-626-1409). Expect slaughterhouse-themed decor, blood-spattered go-go dancers, video installations, free and fresh BBQ (including three turkeys), and tunes from DJs Devon, Netik, Lexor, and Unit777. Channel your inner Lady Gaga and get over there in your meatiest attire after you've swallowed your last serving of pumpkin pie.

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