Veterans Day 2026 in Birmingham: 79th National Parade, deals + more events

Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, and there are plenty of ways around the Greater Birmingham area for you to show some love to those who have served our country. From a patriotic parade and a pancake breakfast to special deals for veterans, here’s a look at what you can add to your calendar.

Veterans Day 2026 events in Birmingham

Birmingham’s 79th National Veterans Day Parade 2026

Don’t miss the 2026 National Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Birmingham. (Bham Now)

• What: DYK Birmingham is home to the first Veterans Day celebration? In 1947, local veteran Raymond Weeks organized a day to honor all veterans, a tradition that eventually became the national holiday we know today. Now, the 79th Annual National Veterans Day Parade returns for another celebratory event on Nov. 11, 2026 with military units, marching bands, JROTC groups, color guards and historical floats. This year’s theme: “Salute to the First 250 Years of Veterans.”
  • Can’t make it to the parade? Catch it live on Alabama Public Television.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | 1PM–4:30PM
• Parade Route:
  • Starts on 18th St + 9th Ave N
  • South on 18th St to 4th Ave N
  • East on 4th Ave N to 22nd St
  • North on 22nd St to 6th Ave N
  • West on 6th Ave N to 19th St
  • North on 19th St in front of City Hall
  • Ends at 19th St + 10th Ave N
• Cost: FREE
• More parade info

4th Annual UAB Veterans Day 5K

• What: Lace up your running shoes for the 4th Annual UAB Veterans Day 5K. This special event brings the Birmingham community together at Railroad Park to honor those who have served and support military-connected students. Run, walk, ruck or roll your way to the finish line knowing your participation helps provide emergency funding to local students. Can’t make it in person? There’s a virtual option, too!
• When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 | 8AM
• Where: Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham | See the race route
• Cost: $20–$40
• More info + sign up

The City of Vestavia Hills’ Salute to Veterans

• What: Join the City of Vestavia Hills for their Salute to Veterans event honoring those who have served. Taking part in the event is guest speaker Major General P. Burford, U.S. Army Retired.
• When: Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 | 9AM–10AM
• Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 1090 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills
• Cost: FREE
• More info

4th Annual City of Valor Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast & Cruise-In

• What: Kick off Veterans Day 2026 with a stack of fresh pancakes, a cup of coffee, live music and a patriotic cruise-in! There will classic cars, Bloody Mary + mimosa samples and the chance to show our local veterans some love.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | 10AM–12PM
• Where: Rails & Ales, 1210 6th St NE, Leeds
• Cost: Breakfast is free | Donations benefit American Legion Post 107
• More info

America the Beautiful: Our Natural Wonders at McWane’s IMAX Dome Theater

• What: This Veterans Day, head to McWane Science Center’s IMAX Dome Theater in Downtown Birmingham for a big-screen road trip across America. From towering mountains to wide-open plains and beautiful coastlines, this film shows off our country’s incredible landscapes and the people who helped protect them.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | Showtimes: 10:30AM, 12:45PM, 3:30PM
  • See the film in IMAX until Nov. 26, 2026 | Showtimes vary
• Where: McWane Science Center’s IMAX Dome Theater, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost:
  • Veterans + Active-Duty Military: FREE admission
  • General admission: Adult (Ages 13-64): $9.95 | Kids (Ages 2-12): $8.95 | Senior (Ages 65+): $8.95
• More showtimes + tickets

Cracker Barrel Celebrates Birmingham Veteran + Employee with Special Rocking Chair Art Unveiling

• What: A Birmingham veteran is getting a pretty unique thank-you! Local artist Emma Gilbert will surprise a local veteran with a custom-painted rocking chair inspired by their military service. The celebration is part of Cracker Barrel’s Rockers Across America campaign and will include a presentation of colors, an artist Q&A, light bites + more.
• When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 | 1:30PM–4PM
• Where: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, 3415 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35243
• Cost: FREE

Veterans Day 2026 food deals in Birmingham

Shake Shack

• The deal: Active-duty military and veterans get a free ShackBurger at participating Shacks on Veterans Day 2026. Order in person and show a military ID or proof of service.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | 10AM–10PM
• Where: The Summit Birmingham, 200 Summit Blvd, #100, Birmingham

Cracker Barrel

• The Deal: Veterans and active-duty military who dine-in can receive a FREE Sunrise Pancake Special.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | Hours vary by location
• Where: See Birmingham-area locations

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

• The deal: Veterans and active-duty military can get a FREE meal on Veterans Day with proof of a valid military ID.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | 11AM–10PM
• Where: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, 191 Main St, Hoover

7 Brew

• The Deal: Veterans can enjoy 50% off their drink order at participating 7 Brew stands in and around Birmingham.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | Hours vary by location
• Where: See Birmingham-area locations

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

• The deal: Veterans and active military who visit on Veterans Day 2026 get a free Freddy’s Combo meal card. No purchase necessary; the card can be redeemed through Nov. 25, 2026.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | Hours vary by location
• Where: See locations

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

• The deal: Veterans can enjoy two special dining offers: a complimentary 32 oz. Dinner-Cut Pork Chop with the purchase of a full-priced dinner entrée by a guest, or a 3-course Military Menu for $39. *Offer available for dine-in only.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | 4PM–Close
• Where: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, 4 Perimeter Park S, Birmingham
• Reservation required

Veterans Day 2026 entertainment deals in Birmingham

Alabama State Parks

• The deal: Veterans + active-duty military receive FREE admission to state parks that charge entrance fees.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
• Where: Deal applies to Alabama State Parks like:
  • Oak Mountain State Park: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124 | Hours: 7AM–Sunset | More info
  • Rickwood Caverns State Park: 370 Rickwood Park Rd Warrior, AL 35180 | More info
  • Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park: 12632 Jim Bennett Pkwy, McCalla | Hours: Daily, 7AM–7PM | More info

Birmingham Zoo

• The deal: Veterans, active service members and five family members get free admission. All other visitors get $5 off admission.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | 9AM–4PM
• Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham
• Cost: General Admission $19–$24
• Tickets

McWane Science Center

• The deal: Veterans + active-duty military receive FREE admission to the McWane Science Center.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | 9AM–5PM
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• General admission: Adult (Ages 13-64): $9.95 | Kids (Ages 2-12): $8.95 | Senior (Ages 65+): $8.95
• More showtimes + tickets

Vulcan Park & Museum

• The deal: Veterans and their families receive free admission.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | 10AM–8PM
• Where: Vulcan Park & Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham
• General admission: $4–$8
• Tickets

Spare Time Trussville

• The deal: All veterans can receive a FREE $20 Game Zone play card on Veterans Day.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | 10AM–11PM
• Where: Spare Time Trussville, 3600 Roosevelt Blvd, Birmingham
• More info