TAMPA, Fla. — Once known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day is observed every year on Nov. 11 to honor current and former members of the U.S. military. Here's how the Tampa Bay area will be honoring those who are serving and have served the country. All events are free to attend unless otherwise stated.

What You Need To Know

Citrus County

  • The 31st Annual Veterans Day Parade and 11th Hour Service
    Nov. 11, 10 a.m. | Citrus High School
    The parade will proceed from the Citrus High School parking lot along West Main Street (S.R. 44) to North Pine Avenue to Courthouse Square. An 11th Hour Service honoring the nation's veterans will be held at the north side of the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum following completion of the parade.

  • Salute to Service
    Now - Nov. 27 | Citrus County Public Libraries
    Citrus Libraries invites the community to honor the veterans in their life by participating in our “Salute to Service” displays at each library. Community members can place the name of a veteran to be honored on a placard displaying that veteran’s branch of service, as well as their years served. 

Hernando County

Hillsborough County

  • Pirate Water Taxi Free Rides
    Nov. 10 - 12 | Pirate Water Taxi
    Pirate Water Taxi celebrates Veterans' Day with free admission for veterans on Nov. 10 – 12. Veterans will receive a complimentary all-day pass and can board the taxi at any stop with valid identification and proof of service. The offer valid on a first-come, first-served basis with limited capacity.

  • Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony
    Nov. 10, 11 a.m. | MacDill Park on the Riverwalk
    Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, along with Green Beret and current State Senator Jay Collins, will join the community for a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony hosted by the CRISP organization. 

  • Veterans Day Parade
    Nov. 11, 9 a.m. | James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital
    This year's parade participants include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Street Team, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, veteran service organization groups and more. The public is invited to attend a barbeque lunch afterward.

  • 59th Annual Veterans Day Tribute
    Nov. 11, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Veterans Memorial Park and Museum
    Consumer and Veterans Services, in conjunction with Veterans Council of Hillsborough County will host the county's 59th annual Veterans Day Tribute to include guest speakers, color guard, patriotic music, and more. Casual refreshments in the park with community members and military partners will follow the ceremony.

  • Tampa Bay 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation
    Nov. 11, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Oaks at Riverview Senior Center
    This event is designed to provide veterans with free access to health and financial planning help, opportunities to meet and connect, and other useful benefits. Food and refreshments will be served.

Manatee County

Pasco County

  • WW2 Armor
    Nov. 10 - 12, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Zephyrhills Museum of Military History
    Learn about the armor used in World War II at this history-based event. There will be a troop and vehicle parade, and WWII battle re-enactment focusing on late war armor tactics and weapons demonstrations.

  • Veterans Day: Family Fun Day
    Nov. 11, 1 - 4 p.m. | Veterans Memorial Park
    Veterans and their families can enjoy an afternoon with inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses, yard games and food trucks.

  • Van Vet Day 5K Trail Run
    Nov. 11, 8 - 11 a.m. | Anclote Gulf Park
    This 5K trail run begins and ends in Anclote Gulf Park. Participants will travel the Coastal Anclote Trail, through the trails in Key Vista Nature Park, and over boardwalks with views of the Gulf. All participants will receive a custom participation medal and commemorative event T-shirt.

Pinellas County

  • Veterans Day Weekend
    Nov. 9 - 14 | Clearwater/Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday
    This weekend-long celebration includes a hot dog barbeque, patriotic craft classes and a movie showing of "Top Gun: Maverick."

  • Veterans Day Ceremony
    Nov. 11 | Veterans Memorial Marina Park
    The City of Safety Harbor, American Legion Post 238, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10093 will present a salute to all of those who have served. 

  • Veterans Day Food Drop
    Nov. 11 | Taziki’s Mediterranean Café
    Taziki’s Mediterranean Café is offering free grilled chicken gyros with choice of side and chips for all veterans with a military ID. The offer is valid only when customers dine-in with no substitutions.

  • 6th Annual Veterans Day Bike Ride
    Nov. 11 | Fort DeSoto Park
    The event starts and ends in Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg and offers three different distance options of 10, 32 and 55 miles. Attendees can enjoy a steak lunch with a 50/50 raffle.

  • Imagine Museum Free Admission
    All Month | Imagine Museum
    Throughout November, all veterans, along with three guests, will receive complimentary admission in recognition of National Veterans and Military Families Month. Veterans, active-duty military, and first responders must present a military ID or a valid driver’s license with a veteran, military or first responder designation. This offer is in-person only.

Polk County