Tallahassee's Veterans Day Parade steps off about 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, on Monroe Street, pausing at 11 a.m. at the Vietnam Memorial. Route, 5K, trash.
Yes, Tallahassee’s Veterans Day Parade is on for 2026. It is Wednesday, Nov. 11, downtown. The parade steps off at about 10:40 a.m. on Monroe Street and stops at 11 a.m. for the 11th Hour Ceremony at the Florida Vietnam Memorial.
Last checked Oct. 14, 2026, against the schedule published by Veteran Events in Tallahassee Inc., the volunteer nonprofit that has run the parade since 2010. We will update this page when the city publishes road closures.
What this means for you
- Get downtown early: the 5K starts at 8 a.m. and parade entries stage from 8:30 a.m.
- Expect Monroe, Madison and Duval streets to be busy all morning. Road closures and detours had not been published when we checked; see road construction and closures.
- Trash pickup runs one day late for the rest of the week of Nov. 8.
The 2026 schedule
From the organizer’s parade schedule:
| When | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 | Start of the 24-Hour Watch, by Florida State University ROTC | Florida Vietnam Memorial, 463 S. Monroe St. |
| 8 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 | 5K and 1-mile fun run | Downtown |
| 10:40 a.m. | Parade starts | Monroe Street |
| 10:45 a.m. | Parade stops | Along the route |
| 11 a.m. | 11th Hour Ceremony and end of the 24-Hour Watch | Florida Vietnam Memorial |
| After the parade | Veterans Day Festival in the Park | Downtown |
| 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 | Salute to Veterans Poker Run | Details from the organizer |
The organizer’s home page gives the start as 10:50 a.m.; the schedule page says 10:40 a.m. Arrive by 10:30 a.m. to be safe.
The 11th Hour Ceremony
The parade pauses at 11 a.m., with the FSU Army ROTC, to close the 24-Hour Watch at the Vietnam Memorial. The organizer asks the crowd for silence until Taps ends; a 21-gun salute closes the ceremony, according to its 11th Hour Ceremony page.
Route and where to watch
The organizer lists the viewing area as Monroe Street from the Tennessee Street intersection, then a right on Madison Street, ending at Duval Street. Monroe Street between Tennessee and Madison streets is the main viewing stretch, and the Vietnam Memorial is the place for the ceremony.
Parking
Downtown meters and city parking decks are the closest options; StarMetro buses also serve downtown. Rates, hours and deck locations are on our getting around Tallahassee page. Arrive early.
Theme and entries
This year’s theme is “Never Forgetting,” chosen to mark the 25th anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom. The parade also recognizes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Groups that want to march must register by 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6; the organizer says it will still make exceptions for veterans who want to take part (registration page).
What is open and closed
- Trash and recycling: Veterans Day is one of the city holidays that move pickup. Collection slides one day later for the rest of the week of Nov. 8. See trash and recycling.
- North Florida Fair: open from noon on Veterans Day, per the fair’s hours page. See our North Florida Fair page.
- Veterans Day is a federal holiday, so post offices and federal offices are closed.
Related: things to do this month and Thanksgiving in Tallahassee.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Tallahassee Veterans Day Parade in 2026?
Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day itself. The organizer’s schedule has the parade starting at 10:40 a.m. and pausing for the 11th Hour Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Florida Vietnam Memorial.
What is the Veterans Day Parade route in Tallahassee?
Veteran Events in Tallahassee Inc. lists the viewing area as Monroe Street from the Tennessee Street intersection, then a right on Madison Street, ending at Duval Street.
What is the theme of the 2026 parade?
Never Forgetting, marking the 25th anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom. The parade also recognizes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Is trash pickup delayed for Veterans Day in Tallahassee?
Yes. Veterans Day is a city holiday that affects pickup, so collection slides one day for the rest of the week of Nov. 8, according to the city’s collection guide.
Is there a Veterans Day 5K in Tallahassee?
Yes. The organizer’s schedule lists a 5K and 1-mile fun run from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on parade day, before the parade.
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