Looking for a Veterans Day parade today? Wednesday, November 11, 2026, brings marching bands, military units and flag-waving crowds to cities from New York to Alabama. Most step-off times fall between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., so timing matters. This guide covers the major parades, including routes, road closures and viewing tips.
Is There a Veterans Day Parade in NYC?
Yes. The New York City Veterans Day Parade marches up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan today, and it is widely billed as the nation’s largest. It is the 107th edition.
The parade steps off at 12:30 p.m. from Fifth Avenue near 26th Street, beside Madison Square Park. Marchers head north through Midtown. Published routes differ at the northern end. Some listings stop at 45th Street, while city notices extend the route to about 48th Street. A wreath-laying ceremony at Madison Square Park begins at 10:55 a.m.
Last year, about 20,000 people marched, with more than 150 vehicles and 25 floats. Navy veteran Suni Williams serves as this year’s grand marshal. WABC broadcasts the parade live in the New York area, and an online stream is available.
The NYPD closes streets along the route at its discretion. Fifth Avenue between 23rd and 45th Streets is affected, along with side streets around Madison Square Park. Subway service is the smartest way in, since buses that use Fifth Avenue may be rerouted. Visit the official NYC Veterans Day Parade website for broadcast and participant details.
Nashville Veterans Day Parade
The Nashville Veterans Day parade rolls down Broadway in the heart of downtown. Festivities begin around 9 a.m., and the parade itself starts at 11:11 a.m. Central. That timing nods to the end of World War I, when the guns fell silent on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Some listings show an 11 a.m. start, so plan to arrive early. Coverage describes the route as running along Broadway toward First Avenue. Expect marching bands, military vehicles and public officials. Watching is free.
Nashville is also just one stop in Middle Tennessee. Franklin and Goodlettsville hold their own parades today. Other counties scheduled theirs for different days. Hendersonville held its parade on Sunday, November 8, and Rutherford County’s parade is set for Saturday, November 14.
Birmingham Veterans Day Parade in Alabama
The Veterans Day parade in Birmingham, AL carries real historical weight. Birmingham hosted what is recognized as the first national Veterans Day celebration in 1947, thanks to World War II veteran Raymond Weeks. He later pushed President Dwight Eisenhower to support a national day honoring all veterans. In 1954, Eisenhower signed the law establishing November 11 as Veterans Day.
This year’s 79th National Veterans Day Parade begins at 1 p.m. Central at 18th Street North and 9th Avenue North in downtown Birmingham. It is scheduled to run until about 4:30 p.m. and goes on rain or shine. The theme is “Salute to the First 250 Years of Veterans,” tying into America’s 250th anniversary.
Alabama Public Television is airing live coverage starting at 1:30 p.m., which helps anyone who cannot make it downtown. A National Veterans Day Awards Dinner was held Tuesday, November 10, at Boutwell Auditorium. Find more on the National Veterans Day Foundation website.
Sarasota Veterans Day Parade
The Sarasota Veterans Day parade begins at 10 a.m. at Main Street and Orange Avenue in downtown Sarasota. It finishes at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park, at Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue. A ceremony follows at about 11 a.m.
Retired four-star Army Gen. William “Scott” Wallace is the featured speaker. Sarasota Military Academy and other local high school bands perform. First responders, color guards and veterans’ groups also march.
Road closures took effect at 3 a.m. and last until 1 p.m. Main Street is closed from Links Avenue to Bayfront Drive. Osprey Avenue is closed from Ringling Boulevard to Second Street. Vehicles left in the zones face towing. Parade rules bar commercial vehicles and prohibit handing out items to spectators. City administrative offices are closed today, though garbage collection runs as usual. The city’s Veterans Day parade page has the full details.
Leonardtown Veterans Day Parade in Maryland
The Leonardtown Veterans Day parade celebrates its 51st year today. The first parade stepped off in 1976, the nation’s bicentennial year. It starts at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Ryken High School, travels roughly a mile along Fenwick Street, and ends in Leonardtown Square. A memorial wreath-laying ceremony follows right away.
Washington Street and Fenwick Street are closed to traffic from 8 a.m. until noon. Spectators should park at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, the St. Mary’s County Governmental Center or the College of Southern Maryland lots.
Weather is the key variable here. If conditions are bad, organizers cancel the parade and move the ceremony indoors to Leonardtown Town Hall, 22670 Washington Street. That decision came by 8 a.m. today, and notices appear on the town’s official parade page and Facebook. For questions, call 301-475-9791.
Columbia Veterans Day Parade: South Carolina and Tennessee
“Columbia” points to more than one parade, so check which city you mean.
In Columbia, South Carolina, the city holds its 48th annual Veterans Day Parade. Coverage calls it one of the largest Veterans Day celebrations in the Southeast. The parade is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and begins at Sumter Street and Laurel Street. One city schedule lists 10:40 a.m. as the kickoff, so arrive a bit early. Local reports expect more than 60 units.
The 371st Infantry Regiment Association, honoring Black soldiers who fought in World War I, serves as grand marshal. Spectators should bring lawn chairs and watch from the sidewalks along Sumter Street between Laurel and Gervais Streets. Closures began at 7 a.m. and rolled forward through the morning. Sumter Street from Blanding to Gervais Street closed at 10:30 a.m. WIS is streaming live coverage online. For questions, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.
In Columbia, Tennessee, Maury County Veteran Services is hosting a parade at 11 a.m. in downtown Columbia.
Tips for Watching a Veterans Day Parade
A few simple steps make the day easier, whichever city you choose.
- Arrive early. Prime curb space fills up well before step-off in larger cities.
- Use public transit or shuttles where offered. Parking near routes is limited.
- Dress for the weather. Most parades run outdoors and rain or shine.
- Check official pages the morning of the event. Times, routes and weather plans can shift.
- Bring a chair in smaller cities where sidewalks allow it.
Remember that Veterans Day honors all who served in the U.S. armed forces, living and deceased. It began as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, and Congress renamed it in 1954.
What to Watch Next
Many cities pair parades with ceremonies, free admission offers and community meals. If you miss today’s event, some regional parades land on other dates, such as Rutherford County, Tennessee, on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Next year’s Veterans Day falls on Thursday, November 11, 2027, and organizers usually post updated routes and registration details in the fall.
Which Veterans Day parade are you watching today, and who are you honoring? Share your thoughts in the comments.