Observe Veterans Day at these Lakeland events

Keep reading for events that honor Lakeland’s veteran community.

Children running towards a flagpole; an American flag waves in the wind

Honor veterans at one of these local events.

Photo by @namzug66

Monday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a federal holiday that commemorates those who have served in the US military. Check out these upcoming events happening in and around Lakeland that honor the 60,000+ veterans who call Polk County home.

Saturday, Nov. 9

Veterans Day Parade and Celebration

  • Honor our veterans with a 10 a.m. ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, followed by a parade through downtown and market in Munn Park featuring veteran-focused vendors + non-profits. The day of free happenings will conclude at 2 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 10

Patriotic Concert

  • Join the Lakeland Concert Band at the Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College for an afternoon of free patriotic music + pre-show performance by the Ultimate Dance Center. Doors will open at 1:15 p.m., with performances kicking off at 1:45 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 11

Veterans’ Hometown Heroes

  • Veterans + their guests are invited to a luncheon at the Bartow Civic Center beginning at 11:10 a.m. hosted by the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post 3, and Summerlin Military Academy.

Micah Shane + Tito’s Latin Cuisine at Swan Brewing

  • Veterans will get BOGO brews with military ID while enjoying food truck bites all day + tunes from a local artist at 2 p.m.

Veterans Day Celebration at Z’s Teas

  • This veteran-owned biz will be slinging out free hamburgers + hot dogs beginning at 5 p.m. along with drink specials for fellow vets.

Thursday, Nov. 14

Veterans & Community Job Fair

  • Polk residents can connect with employers from a variety of industries at the Bartow Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with veterans receiving early access at 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 16

Vet Fest

  • Veterans can connect with services ranging from mental health counseling to housing + transportation at this annual resource fair on Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

Additionally, applications are open for Flight to Honor 10, which will take place in April 2025. You can also support Lakeland’s vets year-round by shopping at one of these veteran-owned businesses.

Did we miss any upcoming Veterans Day events? Drop us a line so we can add them to our free community calendar, or submit them yourself.

More from LALtoday
This listing on New Jersey Road shows that your bathroom truly can be an oasis at home.
Get to know the all-star NFL athletes who once called Lakeland home.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
Whether you’re hosting at home or bringing your team to a sports bar, we’ve got a game plan that will have your guests naming you the MVP.
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these Valentine’s Day events around Swan City.
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive winter memories from years gone by.
Several familiar names were nominated for Catapult’s biggest night of the year. See who won big at the Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Did you get your hands on the popular Strawberry Season Passports before they sold out? If not, no worries — just follow along with our editor’s tasty travels.