Veterans Day 2026 Events in Texas: Find Events Near You
Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 11. Communities across Texas are hosting parades, ceremonies, and free meals to honor those who served. Major events include the Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration with a parade starting at 11:30 a.m. on November 11 , the Grapevine Veterans Day Parade & Fair on Saturday, November 7 at 10 a.m. , and the San Marcos Veterans Day Parade also on November 7 starting at 10 a.m. . Many restaurants, including Texas Roadhouse and Chili’s, offer free meals to veterans and active-duty service members on November 11 . This guide covers major events by region plus ways to find more local celebrations.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Veterans Day 2026 | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 |
| Federal Holiday | Yes (observed November 11) |
| Typical Event Dates | November 7, 2026 (Saturday parades) and November 11, 2026 (official day) |
| Major Texas Cities | Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin |
| Key Ceremony Time | 11:00 a.m. (Moment of Silence for Armistice signing) |
| Free Meals | Texas Roadhouse, Chili’s, and many local restaurants |
| Updated For | 2026 |
Major Veterans Day Events in Texas
Houston – “Houston Salutes American Heroes”
Houston hosts one of the largest Veterans Day celebrations in the state, organized by the City of Houston and held downtown. Texas has the largest veteran population in the nation, with over 250,000 veterans residing in Houston alone .
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. at City Hall / Hermann Square
Moment of Silence: 11:00 a.m. (marking the 1918 Armistice signing)
Parade: 11:30 a.m. starting at Dallas and Bagby
Parade Route:
Starts at Dallas and Bagby
East on Dallas Street
North on Louisiana Street
West on Walker Street
South on Smith Street
West on Lamar Street
Ends at Lamar and Bagby
Street Closures:
9:00 a.m.: Allen Parkway (inbound/outbound) between Taft and Bagby
9:45 a.m.: Bagby between Clay and McKinney
What to expect: Local veteran organizations, ROTC units, high school bands, and community supporters march in the parade. The event is free and open to the public . This is a powerful way to show support for local veterans.
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
The DFW area offers multiple events across several cities.
Grapevine Veterans Day Parade & Fair
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityDate: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Historic Main Street, Grapevine, TX
Parade Details:
Starts at Main and West Hudgins Streets
Travels north on Main Street
Ends at East Wall Street
Grand Marshal: Lieutenant Colonel A. Bruce Stacy, USA, Retired
Veterans Fair:
Hosted by VFW Post 10454 Grapevine and the City of Grapevine, the fair takes place in the large public parking lot behind the Town Square Gazebo (115 E. Worth St.) with:
Over 15 organizations providing veteran services, programs, and benefits
Live music performed by Guitars for Heroes (an all-veteran band part of the Wounded Warrior Project)
Military vehicle displays
Food vendors (AMBUCS and Elks Lodge)
Free parking is available throughout Grapevine’s Historic Main Street .
Veterans Day Freedom Run (Fort Worth)
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Location: Trinity River Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Event Options:
5K run/walk
10K run
Half-Marathon (13.1 miles)
Wave Times:
Wave A: 7:30 a.m.
Wave B: 8:00 a.m.
Wave C: 8:30 a.m.
What you get:
Running T-shirt (shipped to your address)
Finisher’s medal
Finisher’s towel or giveaway
Digital training pack
Online results and certificate
This is a smaller, private group run with a cap per wave. All paces and ages (under 18 with a guardian) are welcome. You can run or walk. No timing chips are used—it is a stress-free event. Late runners can start upon arrival; coordinators stay 3 hours after the first wave .
San Antonio Events
8th Annual Veterans Day Tourney of Heroes
Dates: November 7-8, 2026
Location: Alamo City All-Stars Sportsplex, 11471 E Loop 1604 N, San Antonio / Universal City, TX 78148
This is a 3-game-in-1-day basketball tournament for boys and girls in grades 2 through varsity. Entry fee is $210 per team with a 3-game guarantee. Some divisions play on Saturday and others on Sunday .
Contact: Michael J. Daniel Jr. at (210) 845-8061 or mike@victory1sports.com
6th Annual Veterans Day Golf Clinic
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (CST)
Location: Mac Wylie Golf Center, San Antonio, TX
The clinic is free and includes golf instruction, lunch, raffle, contests, vendor exhibits, and camaraderie. All proceeds raised benefit programming for veterans .
Austin Area
National Vietnam War Veterans Day (Note: This is for March 2026)
Note: This event was for March 2026, but organizers may host similar events for Veterans Day.
Past Event: March 27, 2026, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Armed Forces Reserve Center, 5102 Emma Browning Ave, Austin, TX 78719 .
For Veterans Day 2026 events in Austin, check the Texas Veterans Commission event calendar for updates. The Austin Vet Center is a key organizer for veteran events in the area.
San Marcos Veterans Day Parade
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Downtown San Marcos, starting on Hopkins Street at CM Allen Parkway
Parade Route:
Begins on Hopkins Street at CM Allen Parkway
Travels toward the Hays County Courthouse
Turns left onto Guadalupe Street
Turns left onto San Antonio Street
Turns left onto CM Allen Parkway
Turns right onto Hopkins Street to the line-up area
Pre-Parade Activities:
9:00 a.m. on the Hays County Courthouse lawn
Kiwanis Club Kids Bicycle Brigade: Kids ages 5+ can decorate bikes, trikes, and scooters from 9-10 a.m. Free flags, streamers, and sign materials provided. Participants are entered into a drawing for a free bicycle .
Parking:
City Park (free all day for registered residents; free for non-residents until noon)
Old Fish Hatchery Building
Rio Vista Park
Handicap parking at Veramendi Plaza Park
Theme: “Honoring All Who Served the United States of America”
New Braunfels Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Main Plaza, 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Schedule:
Parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m.
Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at Prince Solms Park Veterans Monument (100 Liebscher Drive)
What to expect: The parade features local veterans’ organizations, community floats, and non-profit groups. The ceremony honors veterans and includes a keynote speaker . Admission is free.
Free Meals for Veterans on Veterans Day
Several national restaurant chains offer free meals to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse will continue its annual tradition of distributing free meal vouchers to veterans and active-duty military members.
Date: November 11, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Proof Required: Military ID, VA card, or discharge papers (DD-214)
Voucher Details:
Redeemable through May 31, 2026
Choose from 10 entrees, including 6-ounce sirloin with two sides
Includes beverage (Coca-Cola product, iced tea, sweet tea, or coffee)
Important: Offers may vary by location
Recommended: Call ahead to your local Texas Roadhouse to confirm participation.
Chili’s
Chili’s offers a free Veterans Day meal to veterans and active-duty military members.
Date: November 11, 2026
Only available: In-restaurant, from a limited menu
Details:
Dine-in only
No substitutions
Cannot be combined with other offers
Beverages and gratuity not included
Tip: Call ahead to your local Chili’s to confirm participation. Some locations may be participating in-store only.
How to Find More Local Events
Since many local events are organized by cities, VFW posts, and American Legion chapters, here is how to find Veterans Day events near you.
1. Check City and County Websites
Most Texas cities post Veterans Day event information on their official .gov websites. Look for “Special Events,” “Parks and Recreation,” or “Veterans Affairs” pages.
Example: City of Houston, City of San Marcos, City of New Braunfels
2. Texas Veterans Commission (TVC)
The Texas Veterans Commission maintains an events calendar covering VA benefits claims clinics, ceremonies, and other veteran-focused events. Check tvc.texas.gov for updates near your area .
3. VFW and American Legion Posts
Local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and American Legion posts often host or participate in Veterans Day ceremonies and parades. Contact your nearest post for details.
Example: VFW Post 10454 Grapevine co-hosts the Grapevine Veterans Fair .
4. Social Media and Local News
Facebook events, Nextdoor, and local TV station websites often list community Veterans Day events not published elsewhere.
Veterans Day 2026: Key Dates to Remember
| Event | Date | Location Type |
|---|---|---|
| Grapevine Veterans Day Parade | November 7, 2026 | Dallas-Fort Worth |
| San Marcos Veterans Day Parade | November 7, 2026 | Austin area |
| New Braunfels Veterans Day Parade | November 7, 2026 | San Antonio area |
| Tourney of Heroes Basketball | November 7-8, 2026 | San Antonio |
| Veterans Day (Official) | November 11, 2026 | Nationwide |
| Houston Veterans Day Parade | November 11, 2026 | Houston |
| Dallas Kindness Week (includes Veterans Day) | November 7-14, 2026 | Dallas |
| Veterans Day Freedom Run | November 14, 2026 | Dallas-Fort Worth |
| Veterans Day Golf Clinic | November 14, 2026 | San Antonio |
Common Questions
1. When is Veterans Day 2026?
Veterans Day 2026 is Wednesday, November 11, 2026. It is a federal holiday observed on November 11 each year.
2. Where is the Houston Veterans Day parade in 2026?
The parade is in downtown Houston on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. It starts at 11:30 a.m. at Dallas and Bagby and proceeds east on Dallas, north on Louisiana, west on Walker, south on Smith, west on Lamar, and ends at Lamar and Bagby .
3. Are there Veterans Day parades in Texas on November 7, 2026?
Yes. Many cities hold parades on the Saturday before Veterans Day. The Grapevine Veterans Day Parade, San Marcos Veterans Day Parade, and New Braunfels Veterans Day Parade are all scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026 .
4. What free meals are available for veterans on Veterans Day 2026?
Texas Roadhouse offers free meal vouchers on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with proof of service . Chili’s offers a free Veterans Day meal for veterans and active-duty military members . Check with local restaurants for additional offers.
5. What should I bring to get a free Veterans Day meal?
Bring your military ID, VA card, or DD-214 (discharge papers) as proof of service. Most restaurants require one of these to receive a free meal .
6. Does Texas Roadhouse offer free meals for veterans and active military?
Yes. Texas Roadhouse distributes free meal vouchers at all locations on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The vouchers are redeemable for a choice of 10 entrees through May 31, 2026 .
7. Is the San Marcos Veterans Day parade free to attend?
Yes. The San Marcos Veterans Day Parade is free and open to the public. There is no fee to participate in the parade either .
8. What is the Grand Marshal for the Grapevine Veterans Day parade?
The Grand Marshal for the 2026 Grapevine Veterans Day Parade is Lieutenant Colonel A. Bruce Stacy, USA, Retired .
9. What time does the Houston Veterans Day ceremony start?
The Houston Veterans Day ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall / Hermann Square. A Moment of Silence occurs at 11:00 a.m. .
10. Where can I find local Veterans Day events near me?
Check your city or county government website, the Texas Veterans Commission events calendar, local VFW or American Legion posts, and local news stations for Veterans Day event listings.
Key Takeaways
Veterans Day 2026 is Wednesday, November 11, with major events in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin .
Saturday, November 7, 2026, hosts several early parades, including Grapevine, San Marcos, and New Braunfels .
Houston hosts a city-sponsored ceremony at 10 a.m. followed by a parade at 11:30 a.m. on November 11 .
Free meals are available at Texas Roadhouse (vouchers on Nov 11) and Chili’s (Nov 11) for veterans and active-duty military with proof of service .
Athletic events include the Veterans Day Freedom Run in Fort Worth on Nov 14, the Tourney of Heroes basketball tournament in San Antonio on Nov 7-8, and a free golf clinic in San Antonio on Nov 14 .
For local events, check city websites, the Texas Veterans Commission, and local VFW/American Legion posts.
Veterans Day is an official federal holiday—many government offices, banks, and schools will be closed.
Official Resources
Texas Veterans Commission: tvc.texas.gov
City of Houston Veterans Day Info: houstontx.gov/nov11
City of San Marcos Veterans Day Info: sanmarcostx.gov/1615/Veterans-Day-Parade
City of New Braunfels Veterans Day Info: newbraunfels.gov/Calendar
Texas Roadhouse Veterans Day Info: texasroadhouse.com
VA Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1
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