Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Veterans Day 2026: 3 FREE events for veterans in Birmingham
Reading time: 3 minutes
Veterans Day is today, Nov. 11, 2026, and there are several ways for veterans to celebrate and be celebrated across Greater Birmingham. Read on for three events where veterans can enjoy the day while taking advantage of local offerings.
Check out our guide to discounts + freebies for veterans + active military.
1. Birmingham’s 79th National Veterans Day Parade 2026
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.”
P.S. 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
2. America the Beautiful: Our Natural Wonders at McWane’s IMAX Dome Theater
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a breathtaking journey across the country’s natural wonders. “America the Beautiful” takes audiences from sea to shining sea, showcasing the diverse landscapes and conservation efforts that have helped protect them. Catch this giant-screen experience at the IMAX Theatre at McWane Science Center Nov. 11-25.
- When: Nov. 11- Nov. 25
- Where: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost:
- Veterans + Active-Duty Military: FREE admission
- General admission (IMAX only): Adult (Ages 13-64): $9.95 | Kids (Ages 2-12): $8.95 | Senior (Ages 65+): $8.95
- More showtimes + tickets
3. Mamma Mia! at BJCC Concert Hall
Broadway is giving back to those who served! In honor of Veterans Day, The American Theatre Guild is donating 1,100 Broadway tickets across five markets through Vet Tix, including tickets for Birmingham-area military members and veterans to see Mamma Mia!
The beloved musical featuring ABBA hits will take the BJCC Concert Hall stage for eight performances Nov. 17-22 as part of the Broadway in Birmingham series.
- When: Nov. 17-Nov. 22
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost:
- FREE tickets are available for veterans and active military. For more information, please contact Cathy Long at 515.778.2564 or cathy.long@atguild.org.
