Your guide to Veterans Day in Birmingham, including the Veterans Day parade

Veterans Day is on November 11, but there are deals for veterans and active duty military personnel starting on November 4 and going until November 12. Find out what they are below, and learn about the Veterans Day parade and its Birmingham roots. 

The Veterans Day Parade: A Birmingham Original

Did you know that Birmingham is the home of the first Veterans Day parade? It is known as one of the biggest Veterans Day events in the country, and this is its 71st year! The parade draws a large number of guests annually, usually in numbers around 80,000 people. 

So Monday, November 12, join your neighbors, find your favorite parade spot.  Cheer on our veterans, and our current armed forces. Watch local civic groups, veterans organizations, school bands and many more march through the Magic City. The parade officially begins at 1:30 pm.

Parade Route:

• Parade Start: Richard Arrington Blvd. & 1st Ave S.
• Turn Right on 3rd Ave S.
• Turn Right on 14th St. S.
• Turn Right on 1st Ave S.
• Parade End: 1st Ave S. & 20th St. S.
  

Meals and Deals 

Bham MAX Transit

Need a ride? Whether to a Veteran’s Day event or other destination, the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) is offering free rides to all veterans. To board buses, present an active military ID card, Veterans Affairs health card or a retired military ID card.

Birmingham Zoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/BppHeedAuYV/

Family, friends, animals and a train ride or two. The Birmingham Zoo thanks all active and retired military personnel and their dependents for their service all weekend long with free admission.

Location: 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham 35223

Chicken Salad Chick

For a delicious lunch on Monday, November 12, Chicken Salad Chick is offering all veterans a free Chick Meal and Drink.

Location: 2118 7th Ave S, Birmingham 35233; 210 Doug Baker Blvd #200, Birmingham 35242; 1830 29th Ave S, Homewood 35209

Melt

Melted cheese sandwiches, fries and local brews. What could be better on Veteran’s Day? This Veteran’s Day (and every day!), all active duty and military veterans receive 25% off.

Location: 4105 4^th Ave South, Birmingham 35222

Target

From groceries and clothes to home essentials and more, Target is the place to go this Veteran’s Day. From November 4-12, troops, veterans and military family members can save 10% on a purchase, in store and online.

Location: 4616 US-280, Birmingham 35242; 5561 Grove Blvd., Hoover 35226; 531 Brookwood Village, Homewood 35209

Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille:

Head over to Perry’s on Sunday, November 11 for a complimentary 3-course pork chop dinner.

Red Lobster 

In honor of Veterans Day, Red Lobster will be offering a free appetizer or dessert to veterans, active-duty military and reservists with a valid military ID on Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12.

Guests may choose an item from the following special menu:

• Appetizers
  • Sweet Chili Shrimp
  • Mozzarella Cheesesticks
  • Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp
  • Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Lobster and Langostino Pizza
  • Signature Shrimp Cocktail
• Desserts 
  • Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
  • Key Lime Pie
  • Warm Apple Crostada 
  • Chocolate Wave
  • Brownie Overboard

Location: 4 Perimeter Park South, Birmingham, AL 35243

We thank all those who serve our country and fight for our rights!