2026 Veterans Day Free Activities, Events and Attractions
Each Veterans Day, thousands of locations celebrate our nation's current and former servicemembers with special ceremonies, parades, and events. Many locations also offer free or discounted admission.
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Veterans Day is a great day to remember and celebrate those who have served our nation in our armed forces. There are many ways to show our appreciation to those who have served.
Many cities, towns, and municipalities have an annual Veterans Day ceremony or parade to honor those who have served. I highly recommend attending one of these events if you have the opportunity.
They can be a fun way to meet other veterans, and the experience of being thanked by people you have never met can be humbling.
Update 10/23/26: We are currently updating our list of free Veterans Day activities, events, and attractions for 2026. Each listing is verified before being published below. Please check back as we’ll keep adding events as 11/11 draws near!
This page lists a variety of Veterans Day events and attractions for our nation’s servicemembers – past and present. We can’t list every local event. The best place for that information is your local city website or your local media. Instead, we have focused on locations that offer free admission to a larger population.
How To Get Veterans Day Discounts
In addition to offering discounted or free attractions and special events, organizations and companies may honor veterans by offering free meals, Veterans Day discounts, or free or discounted admission to museums.
Proof of service is recommended! This may include one of the following forms of ID or proof of service:
- Current military or retired military ID card,
- Veterans ID Card, or VA Health Care ID card,
- DD Form 214,
- or a driver’s license with a veterans designation.
- Some locations may also accept a membership card for a Veterans Service Organization (e.g. DAV, VFW, AMVETS, American Legion, etc.), a picture of you in uniform, or some other proof of military service.
If you know of any events you’d like to see added here, please use our Contact Page. Priority will be given to those events that have the largest reach. In the meantime, take a look at all of the attractions and events available to you this Veterans Day.
2026 Veterans Day Free & Discounted Activities and Events
Adventure Aquarium extends special one-day admission rates to active or retired military, disabled veterans, and military reservists. However, advance booking might fetch cheaper General Admission tickets due to their fluctuating Plan-Ahead-Pricing. Validate your credentials through ID.me to benefit from this respectful gesture.
Aerospace Museum of California
Aerospace Museum of California offers several military discounts. Free admission for active military with ID. Veteran admission priced at $15 (adults $18).
The Akron Zoo offers free entry to veterans on Veterans Day with a valid military ID. Their immediate family members also receive a 50% admission discount. The zoo houses over 1,000 animals across more than 100 species.
Alabama State Parks offers several military discounts. 15% daily discount on overnight accommodations managed and operated by the State Park System, applied to the day rate for the selected amenity as determined by the reservation system. 15% off nightly camping rates.
America's Birthday Parade, a premier event in St. Louis, honors veterans on their special day, Veterans Day. This grand display features stunning floats, dynamic bands, and vibrant performances. The event details are available on their website.
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage offers veterans and active military members admission tickets at $26.95, compared with $29.95 for adults. The ticket includes the film, museum exhibits, a guided Mansion tour and access to the grounds.
Aquarium of the Pacific offers veterans and active military personnel free admission on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm PT with service ID. Advance reservations are required and capacity is limited.
Armed Forces Vacation Club welcomes active and retired military personnel with a free membership. This offer allows them access to vacations at various resorts starting at $349 per week. Eligible members will need proof of service.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Army & Air Force Exchange Service offers honorably discharged Veterans of all U.S. Armed Forces branches, including Reserve and National Guard, a lifelong online shopping benefit with exclusive military pricing and tax-free shopping at ShopMyExchange.com. It does not grant installation access.
ASCM offers a discount to active-duty military members and veterans of the US Armed Forces. The discounted rate of $120 per year includes membership and a certificate upgrade add-on. Valid proof of military service, through a military ID, is required to access this deal.
Atlanta History Center offers military personnel and one guest $6 off admission with a valid military ID at its Buckhead campus.
Atlanta History Center invites active-duty service members, veterans, their families and the community to its free Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony on November 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. in Veterans Park, with first-come seating and daytime programming from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
City of Austin lists the Austin Veterans Parade on November 7, 2026, honoring those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The parade runs 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Congress Avenue, with a resource fair at 10:00 AM and a Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:11 AM at the Texas Capitol.
Active military can explore the historic B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore for free. Veterans with a valid military ID receive a $3 discount on admission.
Baton Rouge Zoo offers former and current members of the military admission for $8.50 plus tax on any day other than its observed Veterans Day in November, when admission is free.
On November 7, 2025, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo provides complimentary entry for current and previous military and first responders plus five guests when showing valid service ID.
Battleship Cove offers active duty and veterans with ID free admission on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 5 Water St, Fall River, Massachusetts.
Battleship Missouri Memorial offers military personnel in uniform complimentary admission on military group tours. Group inquiries go to [email protected] or 808-455-1600 x233.
Battleship Missouri Memorial holds its Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony, 'America at 250 - Honoring Generations of Service', on November 11, 2026, 4:30-5:30 PM HST on the ship's fantail. It honors all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and is free and open to the public, with no ticket required.
Battleship New Jersey Museum offers veterans a $10 discount on general admission tickets throughout the year.
Battleship New Jersey holds a free Veterans Day ceremony open to the public on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. on the ship's fantail in Camden, NJ, honoring those who served. Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays gives the keynote and a 100-year-old WWII Marine veteran casts the wreath.
Beaches Resorts offers an additional 10% off to all military personnel year-round. This discount is applicable on top of existing promotions.
Berklee Online offers a 30% tuition reduction for veterans, reservists, and active-duty military students. This discount applies to their online degrees, certificate programs, and music courses. To take advantage of this offer, a valid military ID or proof of service is required.
Birmingham Zoo offers active, retired, veteran and reserve military, including spouses and dependents, $20 admission instead of the $24 adult price. Guests must show a military ID and/or spouse or dependent ID and buy tickets onsite. It cannot be combined with other offers.
Blue Star Museums offer free entry to a variety of learning venues for active-duty military personnel, National Guard, Reserves, and their families, including over 2,000 museums, nature centers, and zoos annually between Armed Forces Day and Labor Day. Visitors must present a valid Military ID for admission. This special offer is also available on Veterans Day.
During Veterans Day week, Boston Duck Tours provides free rides for veterans and active-duty military, with ongoing discounts available year-round.
Brentwood Golf Club offers military discounts at participating locations. Brentwood, CA: Weekday veteran prices: replay $25 for 18 holes or $15 for 9; rider fee $20 or $10; club rental $20 or $10. Grafton, OH: Veteran rates apply all the time with proof of military ID; Veterans Membership is $850 for Unlimited and $525 for Unlimited Walking. Grafton, OH: Veteran green-fee rates apply at all times, including weekends, with proof of military ID. Grafton, OH: Veterans Membership: Unlimited $850 and Unlimited Walking $525, with proof of military ID required.
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens offers veterans free admission with ID on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Veterans, active duty and reserve military get free day-use admission at 145 participating California state parks on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Bring a valid military ID or proof of discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct.
Calvert Marine Museum offers military members and veterans admission for $9 instead of the $11 adult rate, with valid ID. The rate applies to museum admission at its Solomons, Maryland location.
Calvert Marine Museum offers active-duty military members and veterans free museum admission all day on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in Solomons, Maryland. Veterans Day tours are included with admission and need no reservations.
Children's Fairyland offers active duty military, veterans and military spouses a $3 discount on every ticket purchased, up to 6 tickets, with a valid military ID.
Chimney Rock State Park offers current and former service members $2 off adult and $1 off youth (ages 5-15) admission for up to 6 total guests including the military member, with proof of service or a current military photo ID at the Ticket Plaza. Not valid on winter rates.
Chimney Rock State Park offers free admission to veterans, reservists, retired and active military with military ID or proof of service from November 10 to 15, 2026. Tickets are picked up in person at the Ticket Plaza; family members pay standard discount rates.
Churchill Downs offers military members, veterans, military families, first responders, government employees and educators special ticket pricing on select racedays at its Louisville racetrack. Guests verify eligibility through GOVX and complete the purchase on Ticketmaster.
The City of Jacksonville holds its free Veterans Day Parade honoring service members and veterans on November 11, 2026, at 11:01 a.m. in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. The route runs along Bay Street and ends at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena; the parade is open to the public.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Active-duty and retired armed services members get free admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, plus free admission for up to three immediate family members. They also get 10% off at the Museum Store and Hatch Show Print retail store.
Crayola Experience Mall of America gives military, law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs a free ticket, available on-site only at the admissions counter with photo ID and a valid employee identification card. Not valid on previous purchases or with other offers.
Dave & Buster's offers military members and first responders with a valid Military/First Responder ID 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages for the ID holder and up to 4 guests. ID is presented in store at participating locations. Game play, gift cards and alcohol are excluded.
Denver Veterans Day, hosted by Colorado Veterans Project, holds its 17th annual Run, Festival and Parade honoring veterans on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at City Park in Denver. Tentatively, the run and ruck start at 8:30 AM, the festival opens at 9:30 AM and the parade starts at 10:30 AM.
Active-duty military and veterans get free admission and free parking, plus one guest, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No ticket or reservation is needed; bring proof of military service.
Ernest Warther Museum offers free admission to veterans, active military service members and first responders on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 9 AM to 5 PM in Dover, Ohio. Proof of service or employment is required at entry.
First Division Museum offers veterans who attend Brew it Forward complimentary beer tastings in the Tank Park on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11 am to 3 pm. Parking is $16 per car. The event benefits the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.
Flagler County Veterans Day Parade
Flagler County Veterans Day Parade organizers offer all veterans a complimentary lunch following the Veterans Day ceremony in Bunnell, which begins at about 11 a.m. on November 11, 2026.
Current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces get free admission to Georgia Aquarium on Military Appreciation Days, including Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 (Veterans Day), and family members get 30% off general admission. Present a valid military ID or verify through ID.me.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
On November 11, military, veterans, ER professionals and first responders get free admission with valid ID or proof of service. Up to six family members or friends can come for $40 each. Available at the front gate only.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers active and retired veterans complimentary general admission on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 9 am to 4 pm at 909 Robert D. Ray Drive in Des Moines.
On November 11, 2026, the Harley-Davidson Museum gives veterans and active-duty military free admission for themselves, one adult guest, and up to four children, plus 10% off at the Harley-Davidson® Shop, 10% off food, and $2 off draft beers at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant.
The Holocaust Museum of Houston offers free admission to active servicemen and veterans on November 11th.
City of Houston holds its Veterans Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. on November 11, 2026, honoring veterans, service members and military families, with a Moment of Silence at the 11th hour. The American Heroes Parade begins at 11:30 a.m. at Dallas and Bagby and is open to the public.
The Indianapolis Zoo offers free entry to all current and former military members on Veterans Day. Family members will also benefit with a $2 discount on admission year-round. A valid military ID is required for these savings.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Intrepid Museum holds its annual Veterans' Day ceremony on November 11, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm EST, paying tribute to U.S. service members with remarks and a commemorative wreath laid in the Hudson River. It is free with museum admission and live-streamed.
Veterans, active duty, reservists, and retired military members received free entry to Jamestown Settlement. Up to three family members also receive this benefit with a military ID.
Jellystone Park Waller offers veterans and active military 50% off a campsite or cabin for stays November 6-12 with code HERO. Valid for new online bookings only, with ID required at check-in. Group lodges are excluded.
John Wayne: An American Experience
John Wayne: An American Experience in Fort Worth offers all veterans and active-duty military free admission to the exhibit from November 7 to November 11, 2026, with event hours of 9a to 6p daily.
Active, veteran, and retired military and first responders get 10% off Kalahari’s Best Available Rate using promo code HEROES on November 11th, when showing valid ID.
Active and retired military personnel, along with veterans, can enjoy discounted tickets at Kings Dominion & Soak City for themselves and up to six family members. Available online only, this offer is valid on all public operating days, with seasonal variations in discount rates.
Knott's Berry Farm offers active, retired and veteran U.S. military personnel $29 admission tickets for themselves and up to 5 guests on select Monday-Thursday dates from Nov. 2 to Dec. 17, 2026. Purchase through ID.me online or at park ticket booths; spouses and children need the military member present.
Little Rock Zoo offers veterans and active-duty military free admission on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, with a valid military ID. Family members visiting with them receive reduced admission with the zoo's Military Discount.
The Louisville Zoo grants free admission, 10% off gift shop purchases and 50% off food and drink to active and retired military members and their families. Please bring military ID or proof of service.
Louisville Zoo Veterans Day offers several Veterans Day deals. 10% off purchases at the Zoo gift shop on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026. 50% off food and drink at Zoo concessions on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026.
To honor our armed forces, Medieval Times offers discounted tickets for military personnel and their families. Buy tickets on base to receive a free Royalty upgrade, or access special rates for all Castle locations through ID.me.
Mount Vernon admits active duty, former and retired military personnel free on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2026, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at its Virginia estate. Tickets are picked up on arrival and do not extend to family members or guests.
Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia provides free admission to active military personnel, veterans, and Blue Star Families during the Veterans Day weekend.
On Veterans Day, Naples Botanical Garden offers free admission to active or retired service members the weekend before Veterans Day, Nov. 6-8, as well as on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The garden is a nature haven, offering conservation programs, guided tours, and lively events. Service members can enjoy the diverse plant life from Southwest Florida and around the world at no cost.
The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, offers free admission to active military members with valid ID. Proof of service is required to receive this discount.
National Peanut Festival offers veterans, active military and their immediate family members free admission on November 11, 2026, with a valid ID and tickets from the box office. The festival opens at 2 p.m. at 5622 US Hwy 231 South in Dothan, AL; admission is also covered for the first 10,000 guests.
National Veterans Day Ceremony
National Veterans Day Ceremony honors and thanks all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces on November 11, 2026, at Arlington National Cemetery. It starts at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and is open to the public.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
National WWI Museum and Memorial offers veterans and active-duty military free admission during its 2026 Centennial Veterans Day Weekend, Nov. 6-9 and Nov. 11, in Kansas City. The museum is closed Nov. 10. The public gets half-price general admission.
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans offers free admission to veterans of all conflicts on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026.
New Hope Valley Railway welcomes Veterans and Active Duty Military aboard for a complimentary train ride on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026. American Legion Post 116 will present the colors at 10:00am before the train departs.
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial & Museum
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial & Museum holds its public Veterans Day ceremony on November 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at 1 Memorial Lane in Holmdel, NJ, with distinguished speakers and the ceremonial laying of wreaths at the memorial.
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island offers U.S. military veterans and their dependents free entry on Nov. 11. Just present valid military identification or proof of service. They also provide military personnel a $1 discount on general admission all year round.
North Carolina Zoo offers free admission to active duty, reserve, retired military, veterans and military spouses, plus up to three guests, Nov. 7-13, 2026. Accepted military or veteran ID is required, with a maximum of four entries per ID, and the offer is only available on-site.
Northwest Trek offers free admission to honorably serving and past U.S. armed forces members from November 11 to 15, 2026, from 9:30am to 3:00pm.
United War Veterans Council holds the NYC Veterans Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York City on November 11, 2026, bringing together veterans, military families, service organizations, community groups and supporters from across the country.
Honoring America's Veterans presents the 30th anniversary Phoenix Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, honoring United States veterans. It begins at 11 a.m. on a new route, north on Third Street from McDowell Road to Indian School Road.
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium offers active duty, reservists and veterans free admission with proper identification on select 2026 days: May 16-25, July 4 and Veterans Day, November 11. It does not apply to family members, dependents or special ticketed events, and is redeemed at the admission gates.
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers veterans and active duty members free admission, and immediate family half off general admission, November 11-15, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Proof of military service is required; valid at the zoo admission window only, not online.
Potter Park Zoo welcomes veterans, military members and their families free of charge on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the zoo in Lansing, Michigan.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame offers a $5 discount on admission to all active and retired US military members, first responders, and their families. Valid military ID must be shown at purchase. Enjoy football history and legendary players any time of year with this deal.
Putnam Museum and Science Center
Putnam Museum and Science Center invites all current and retired U.S. Armed Services members to a day of exploration. This Veterans Day, enjoy free admission to interactive exhibits, immersive film experiences, and special events celebrating world cultures, natural wonders, and scientific discoveries. Take advantage of this one-day offer to satisfy your lifelong curiosity. Additionally, military members receive a $2 discount on their general admission tickets year-round.
Rail Trail Flatbread Co. offers veterans one free entrée when dining in on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at its Hudson and Milford, Massachusetts restaurants. The offer is limited to one free entrée per veteran.
Reagan Library hosts its annual Veterans Day commemoration on November 11, 2026 in Simi Valley, with a 10:30 a.m. flyover and an 11:00 a.m. program honoring all branches. Outdoor events and the program are free; veterans with valid ID get free museum admission.
U.S. Military Veterans Parade Association
U.S. Military Veterans Parade Association presents the San Antonio Veterans Day Parade, presented by USAA, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, bringing together veterans, active-duty military and families. It kicks off at noon at Milam Park and travels down Houston Street.
Active military and reservists receive free admission to San Diego Bayfair with valid identification. Plus, spouses attending alongside their service member enjoy 50% off their ticket.
Active-duty military personnel can enjoy complimentary entry at San Diego Zoo, while their spouses and dependents receive a 10% discount on their 1-Day Pass as a token of appreciation.
Sesame Place Philadelphia thanks active-duty military members with a free single-day admission for themselves and up to three dependents through Waves of Honor. A valid military ID is required, and tickets must be reserved in advance for this offer.
Tarrant County Veterans Council
Tarrant County Veterans Council holds the Tarrant County Veterans Day Parade, themed "Saluting Our Nation," on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. It steps off at 11 a.m., circles the Tarrant County Courthouse and returns to the assembly area in the Panther Island Pavilion parking lot.
Tellus Science Museum offers veterans free admission on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM at its Cartersville, Georgia location. Visitors should bring proof of ID.
The American Civil War Museum offers active military personnel 25% off memberships, making it easy to explore history with discounted Individual, Family, and other membership options.
The Florida Aquarium offers complimentary general admission on November 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM to active duty, veteran, retired or drilling reservist, National Guard and honorably or medically discharged service members with valid U.S. Military ID or DD Form 214. Tickets are non-refundable.
The Henry Ford offers active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families free admission to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation on November 11, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Military ID is required at a ticketing counter, and parties are limited to six guests.
Two Mississippi Museums offers free admission and free garage parking on November 10, 2026, to those currently serving in the military, veterans and a family member of a veteran, with a Veterans Day Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Entergy Plaza in Jackson.
United Skates is offering all active and retired service members free skating with valid proof of military ID. Admission for regular skate rentals is $12. If you wear red, white, or blue, you may receive a $2 discount on admission.
Utah's Hogle Zoo offers active service members, veterans, military benefitted family members and immediate family free general admission on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Tickets are available only at the zoo ticket window with a valid military ID.
Throughout November, veterans can enjoy a complimentary Community Membership at Venture X with full access to shared workspaces, networking events, and amenities for new members only.
VetTix rewards veterans and active military members with free tickets to concerts, shows, and sporting events. As a charitable organization, VetTix aims to build community engagement and strong family relationships. No specific time-frame or eligibility requirements are disclosed.
Virginia State Parks waives the parking fee for veterans on Nov. 11, 2026, Veterans Day. The waiver covers parking only and does not apply at parks that charge admission unless specified.
Waimea Valley offers free admission to active and retired military personnel on Veterans Day 2026. A valid ID must be presented at the ticket booth at the Haleiwa, Hawaii location.
On Veterans Day, Washington State Parks waives the Discover Pass parking requirement on all DNR‑managed lands.
WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort
Military members receive 20% off individual Waterpark Admission Passes and 25% off the full bill at Sliders Bar & Grill (excluding alcoholic drinks) at WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort. Bring proof of service to KoKo’s Arcade to access these savings. Offers cannot be combined with other discounts, and management reserves all rights.
In gratitude for their service, Zoo Atlanta provides 10% off admission to active-duty, reserve, veteran, and retired military personnel with a valid military ID. Family members and guests pay regular admission rates, and no reservation is needed for military members.
Even More Veterans Day Savings
More Veterans Day Discounts! Please click through to 2026 Veterans Day Free Meals & Restaurant Discounts, and 2026 Veterans Day Freebies, Retail Discounts, and Special Offers.
To all who served – a simple “thank you” is never enough. But I’ll say it anyway. Thank you for your service.
Note: We continually update this article each year and republish it with current information. Please contact us if you have any additions or corrections. We have done our best to verify each offer, and we have provided a link to the company website when possible. Please note that some locations may have restrictions on offers. It is always recommended to call ahead to verify participation and to verify details.
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