Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and communities across Central Florida are finding ways to recognize the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. From local parades and patriotic ceremonies to special celebrations and restaurant offers, there are several ways to honor veterans and active-duty military members this November.
Whether you’re looking for a community event to attend or a special deal to enjoy with a veteran in your life, here’s a guide to Veterans Day events, freebies, and discounts happening around Central Florida in 2026.
Veterans Day Events in Central Florida
Orlando Veterans Day Parade
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Lake Nona Town Center, Orlando
Admission: Free
The City of Orlando will host its 27th annual Veterans Day Parade in Lake Nona on Saturday, Nov. 7. This year’s theme, “Veterans Helping Veterans and Their Families,” recognizes the contributions of veterans, military families, and organizations that support those who have served.
The parade will feature more than 75 Central Florida veteran organizations, active-duty military members, high school JROTC groups, UCF Army ROTC, youth bands, and other community organizations.
The parade will begin and end at Lake Nona Town Center, with an opening ceremony at 10:45 a.m. Spectators can stay afterward for the official ceremony and vendor exhibits near Boxi Park.
Kissimmee Veterans Day Festival
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
Location: Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Kissimmee
The City of Kissimmee, in partnership with the Osceola County Veterans Council and American Legion Post 10, will host its first Veterans Day Festival at Lakefront Park.
The community celebration will recognize local veterans, military members, and the families who have supported them. Attendees can gather on the Veterans Lawn for an afternoon dedicated to honoring those who have served.
Dinner with a Veteran in Kissimmee
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: Chambers Park Community Center, 2380 Smith St., Kissimmee
Admission: Free
The City of Kissimmee will also host Dinner with a Veteran, bringing veterans and their families together for an evening of appreciation and connection.
The program will include dinner, special recognition, awards, and presentations celebrating the service and sacrifices of local veterans.
Seminole Patriot Fest
Date: Friday, Nov. 6
Location: Seminole City Center, 11201 Park Blvd., Seminole
The Florida Veterans Coalition will host its signature Veterans Day celebration at Seminole City Center. Patriot Fest will bring the community together with live music, food vendors, ceremonies, and an e-bike raffle.
The event celebrates the men and women who have served in the armed forces while supporting the local veteran community.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Veterans Day Celebration
Dates: Friday, Nov. 6–Wednesday, Nov. 11
Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will recognize veterans, active-duty military members, retirees, and their families during its Veterans Day celebration, sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union.
Guests can visit the park’s Waves of Honor table in Gwazi Plaza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for special recognition and information about the park’s military appreciation program.
Clermont Veterans Day Ceremony
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Clermont Arts & Recreation Center, 3700 S. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont
The City of Clermont will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, bringing the community together to recognize those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Veterans interested in sharing their stories as part of the community tribute can contact the city for more information.
Sanford Veterans Day Ceremony
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, Sanford
The City of Sanford will host a Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park to honor the men and women who have served the country. Community members are invited to attend the observance and recognize local veterans.
Apopka Veterans Day Program
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Kit Land Nelson Park, Apopka
Hosted by VFW Post 10147, Apopka’s Veterans Day program will bring community members together to recognize veterans and their service.
A gathering with food and beverages will follow at the Apopka Community Center.
Oviedo Veterans Day Observance
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Oviedo Veterans Tribute at Center Lake Park, 299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo
Admission: Free
The City of Oviedo and Oviedo Memorial Post 243 will recognize veterans and active-duty service members during an evening observance at Center Lake Park.
The ceremony will include the unveiling of the year’s new plaque on the Wall of Honor. The event is open to the community.
SeaWorld Orlando Veterans Day Weekend Celebration
Dates: Friday, Nov. 13–Sunday, Nov. 15
Location: SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is partnering with Navy Federal Credit Union to recognize veterans and military families with a weekend of patriotic tributes and special experiences.
Throughout the weekend, guests can visit an Honor Wall photo opportunity near the park entrance and a Field of Honor flag display outside Orca Stadium. The celebration will also feature patriotic tributes, military salutes, and a fireworks spectacular honoring those who have served.
On Sunday, Nov. 15, from noon to 4 p.m., pass members, active-duty military members, veterans, and their guests can attend a patriotic picnic at Ports of Call. Tickets cost $10 when purchased online in advance or $15 on the day of the event, subject to availability. Park admission is required and sold separately.
Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies in Central Florida
Several restaurants and attractions are offering special deals on Wednesday, Nov. 11, to thank veterans and active-duty military members for their service. Here are some offers to know about.
Fat Rosie’s: 50% Off Entrées
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11
Veterans dining at Fat Rosie’s can receive 50% off entrées on Veterans Day. Guests must present a valid Veterans ID to redeem the offer.
Visit Fat Rosie’s website for restaurant locations and additional information.
Ford’s Garage: Free Burger or Up to $16 Off an Entrée
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11
Ford’s Garage is offering U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members a complimentary American Standard Burger entrée or up to $16 off another entrée at participating locations nationwide.
The offer is available for dine-in only. Guests must present valid state or federal service identification. Limit one offer per eligible veteran or active-duty service member.
Visit Ford’s Garage to find a participating location.
Applebee’s: Free Veterans Day Entrée
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11
Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a complimentary entrée from a special Veterans Day menu at participating Applebee’s restaurants.
The offer is dine-in only, and guests must provide proof of military service. Beverages and gratuity are not included.
Visit Applebee’s for participating locations and offer details.
Starbucks: Complimentary Brewed Coffee
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11
Starbucks is offering veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses a complimentary tall brewed coffee on Veterans Day at participating locations.
Visit Starbucks for additional information and participating locations.
SeaWorld Orlando: Discounted Admission and Annual Passes
Dates: Ongoing through the Waves of Honor program
In addition to its Veterans Day weekend celebration, SeaWorld Orlando offers military appreciation pricing through its Waves of Honor program.
Veterans can purchase up to six single-day tickets at 50% off. Eligible veterans and active-duty military members can also purchase a Military Silver Annual Pass for $169, regularly $279.
The annual pass includes 12 months of unlimited admission with no blockout dates, three complimentary guest tickets, and in-park discounts of up to 20%. The pass also includes admission to seasonal events such as SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and the Seven Seas Food Festival.
Military status must be verified through ID.me. Visit Waves of Honor for eligibility requirements and ticket information.
Merlin Entertainments: Free Admission for Military, Veterans and First Responders
Dates: October 1 through Nov. 30
Eligible military members, veterans, and first responders can receive complimentary admission to participating Merlin Entertainments attractions in Florida, including LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, and Madame Tussauds Orlando.
The offer also includes 50% off tickets for up to six guests. Eligible visitors must verify their status and obtain tickets in advance through ID.me or a participating military ticket office. Tickets must be redeemed by Nov. 30, 2026.
Visit the attractions’ official websites for eligibility requirements and ticket details.
Veterans Day offers and event schedules can change, so check with individual organizers and participating businesses before making plans. Bring a valid military ID, Veterans ID, or other required proof of service when redeeming discounts.
Thank you to all the veterans, active-duty service members, and military families who have served and continue to serve our country.
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