Support Us Button Widget

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
Learn what Lakelanders could expect in terms of the cuisine, experience, and opening timeline should the plan get approved.
Add some Lakeland flair to your Thanksgiving spread with classic dishes from these Swan City restaurants.
It’s not such a small town anymore — check out how Lakeland’s growth is reflected in rankings from the past year.
This list of volunteer opportunities in Lakeland includes everything from packing food for children in need to fostering pets.
Find a unique gift by local vendors, artists, and makers at these holiday-themed markets in and around Lakeland.
Where can we find the best lights this season?
Here’s how you can help the family of restaurant owner Jeannie Weaver-Lopez.
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Lakeland?
Wellness
According to Soliant Health, Lakeland ranks low on its list of cities most likely to get sick, and there are precautions you can take this flu season.
The LEDC has been a major driver in Lakeland’s economy since 1984 — but what is it, and how does it affect daily life?