Veterans Day is almost here: Where to celebrate across Florida, from Jacksonville to Miami

FLORIDA — November 9, 2026 — Veterans Day is approaching, and communities across Florida are preparing to honor the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.

On Wednesday, November 11, residents and visitors can attend parades, remembrance ceremonies, community gatherings, and special celebrations throughout the Sunshine State.

From a major downtown parade in Jacksonville to a patriotic procession along Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive, here are some of the events scheduled across Florida.

Jacksonville: One of Florida’s Largest Veterans Day Parades

Jacksonville will hold its annual Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, beginning at 11:01 a.m.

The parade will start on Water Street near the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts before traveling along Hogan Street, Bay Street, and A. Philip Randolph Boulevard toward VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

Participants will include military personnel, veterans’ organizations, school groups, decorated floats, and community representatives.

Mayor Donna Deegan and Vietnam veteran Dr. John F. Lovejoy, the honorary grand marshal, are expected to participate.

Admission is free.

Important traffic alert: Several downtown roads will close beginning at 7 a.m., with additional closures starting at 10 a.m. Drivers should allow extra travel time.

Miami Beach: Veterans Day Parade Along Ocean Drive

Miami Beach will commemorate Veterans Day with a parade beginning at 11:11 a.m. on November 11.

The procession will travel along Ocean Drive between Fifth and 15th streets.

Residents and visitors can gather along the route to recognize veterans and military families while enjoying one of South Florida’s most recognizable waterfront neighborhoods.

Homestead: Parade, Picnic, and Concert

Homestead is planning a full day of Veterans Day activities on Wednesday, November 11.

The celebration will begin with a ceremony at 11 a.m., followed by a parade from noon until 2 p.m.

A community picnic will take place from 2 to 5 p.m., while a concert is scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m.

Activities will be held at Losner Park, 104 N. Krome Avenue, and near the Seminole Theatre.

Admission is free.

Coral Gables: A Special Salute to Veterans

Coral Gables will host its inaugural Salute to Veterans celebration at Giralda Plaza on November 11, from 9 to 11 a.m.

The gathering will recognize local veterans and their contributions to the community.

The University of Miami will also hold a Veterans Appreciation Day at The Rock Plaza on its Coral Gables campus from 10 a.m. to noon.

Orlando: Veterans Day Celebrations Started Early

Orlando held its 27th annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 7, in Lake Nona.

The event honored veterans and military families under the theme “Veterans Helping Veterans and Their Families.”

Although the city’s main parade has already taken place, residents looking for additional opportunities to commemorate Veterans Day can consult the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs event calendar for activities scheduled on November 11.

Tampa Bay: Veterans Ceremony at Bay Pines

In the Tampa Bay region, the Bay Pines VA Medical Center has listed a Veterans Day ceremony for Wednesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to noon.

The event is expected to take place in the Veterans Courtyard at Building 37 or at the cemetery, with the final location to be confirmed.

Residents should verify the location before traveling.

Broward County: Several Communities Plan Ceremonies

South Florida residents will have multiple opportunities to participate in Veterans Day observances.

Coral Springs will hold a ceremony at Veterans Park, 8601 Royal Palm Boulevard, beginning at 10:45 a.m.

Sunrise will host its ceremony at the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre at 10:30 a.m.

Pembroke Pines will gather at Charles F. Dodge City Center Memorial Park at noon.

Tamarac will hold a free ceremony at Veterans’ Park, 7825 Southgate Boulevard, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

These events provide opportunities for families to recognize veterans close to home.

Volusia County: Ponce Inlet Ceremony

Ponce Inlet will hold a Veterans Day ceremony at Kay & Ayres Davies Lighthouse Park on Wednesday, November 11, from 10 to 11 a.m.

The event is included in the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs statewide calendar.

Free Meals and Special Offers for Veterans

In addition to ceremonies and parades, businesses across Florida are offering special Veterans Day deals.

Applebee’s is advertising a complimentary meal from a selected menu for veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11 at participating restaurants.

Other restaurants and attractions are offering discounts or special admission arrangements.

Eligibility requirements vary, and proof of military service may be required.

Veterans should confirm offers directly with participating businesses before visiting.

What Families Should Know Before Attending

Most public Veterans Day ceremonies are free, but schedules, parking arrangements, and road closures vary by location.

Families attending outdoor events should check local weather forecasts and official announcements before leaving home.

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11 to recognize Americans who served in the military, both during wartime and peacetime.