Veterans Day is a time to celebrate the soldiers of our country, past and present. Here are family-friendly Veteran Day events happening around the Seattle area.
Veterans Day Events in the Seattle area
Annual Veterans Parade & Observance – Auburn
Saturday, November 9. 2024. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Main Street, Auburn, WA 98002
Cost: Free event
Auburn hosts one of the largest Veterans Day Parades west of the Mississippi. The parade typically boasts over 200 units and nearly 5,000 parade participants, including 20+ marching bands, military vehicles, veterans’ units, honor guards and more. Spectators will enjoy the military entries and the antique military vehicles and equipment. A variety of veterans units are always crowd pleasers. The day kicks off with a Community Breakfast ($10 per person), followed by a Remembrance Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.
Poulsbo’s Annual Veterans Day Parade
Saturday, November 9. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Historic Downtown Poulsbo, 19531 Front St NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370
Cost: Free
Join the Poulsbo’s 2nd Veterans Day Parade on Front Street to commemorate this day. There will be live music, including NW Navy Band at Caffe Cocina (12 p.m.), South Mash Blues Band at Western Red Brewing (2 p.m. – 5 p.m.) and Hot Spring Water at Slippery Pig Brewing (2 p.m.) The Parade starts at 11 a.m., followed by live music at different locations.
Veterans Day Powwow at Daybreak Star Cultural Center
Veterans Powwow will be held at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center from 12 to 6 p.m. to honor the Native veterans and there will be lunch provided. There will be a resource fair on the lower level for everyone to join and browse at the grand entry at 12 p.m. All dancers and drummers are welcome.
Saturday, November 9. 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle, WA 98199
Cost: Free
All ages
Veterans Appreciation Days at Point Defiance Zoo
November 9-11. 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
Cost: Free for U.S. military veterans and active duty members. Immediate family members receive half-off general admission.
Join the Point Defiance Zoo where U.S. military veterans and active duty members can enjoy the wonder of the Zoo for FREE during Veterans’ Appreciation Days. Immediate family members receive half-off general admission. Offer valid at Zoo admission window. Offer is not valid on online purchases. Proof of military service is required. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park will also be offering this Veterans Appreciation Day the same weekend.
Free entrance to State Parks AND National Parks
Monday, November 11. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
In honor of Veterans nationwide, State Parks and National Parks Service has made November 11 a free day to get into the parks. Enjoy the great outdoors with your loved ones as you reflect on the Veterans who serve our country, past and present.
In honor of those who offer service to their community and country, the zoo extends free admission to all active, retired, reserve, and veteran U.S. military personnel and one guest on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11. In addition, up to six family members accompanying heroes with valid ID will receive $3 off admission on Veterans Day.
Veterans Day Ceremony – SeaTac
Monday, November 11. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: SeaTac Community Center, 13735 24th Ave. South, SeaTac, WA
Cost: Free
The SeaTac Veterans Memorial pays tribute to men and women military veterans of the past and present for their service. The memorial incorporates engraved paver tiles as a lasting way to remember the loved ones who have served.
Veterans Day Celebration at Museum of Flight
Monday, November 11. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Museum of Flight, 9404 East Marginal Way South Seattle, WA 98108
Cost: $26 for online adult, $22 for online senior, $18 for online youth admission. Free for Veterans. Buy tickets here.
The Museum of Flight’s Veterans Day celebration includes a host of Veteran Resource groups, two performances of this historically engaging “27 Flags”, (at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.). There will be the Concert by Art Veterans Choir in partnership with the Seattle Opera (12:30 p.m.) and the Boeing Employee Concert Band (2:15 p.m.). The a screening of a story of WWII history and reconciliation, “The MetallDetektor.” will be at 12 p.m.
Veterans Day Parade – Mill Creek
Monday, November 11. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: La Fitness, 15024 Main St, Mill Creek, WA 98012
Cost: Free
Join Mill Creek for their Veteran’s Day Parade. The parade begins at 11 a.m. making its way through Mill Creek Town Center from L.A. Fitness (15024 Main Street) south to City Hall (15728 Main Street) and will last approximately one hour. The parade will feature military and high school bands, color guards, vintage & military vehicles, and community organizations, including Veterans and their families. There will be a ceremony at 9 a.m. before the parade at Liberty Park.
Gig Harbor Veterans Day Celebration
Monday, November 11. 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum, 1108 26th Avenue Northwest Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Cost: Free for Veterans, $15 for General admission. Buy tickets here.
Ages: 5+ recommended; the program is long and some of the material might make them anxious.
Veterans, active duty, family members and the community are invited to this event. This year, they are honoring D-Day in its 80th Year of Remembrance. Join this event filled with military pagentry, music, guest speakers.
Heroes Among Us Veterans Day Tribute – Lynnwoood
Monday, November 11. 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Lynnwood Event Center, 3711 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036
Cost: Free event, RSVP here.
Join Lynnwood on Veterans Day for a free event, Heroes Among Us. This day promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the brave heroes and a celebration of their remarkable stories. They will serve 500 complimentary lunches in appreciation of the Veterans and their families. The event will feature a Veterans Resource Fair, a luncheon, special speakers, and more.
