Orlando is gearing up to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11 with lots of activities and special offers to honor the bravery and sacrifice of veterans and active-duty military members. From ceremonies and parades to discounts at popular attractions and local restaurants, here’s a look at what’s happening around Central Florida on Veterans Day this year.
Veterans Day in Orlando
Free entry to Florida’s National Parks on Veterans Day.
Veterans Day Events Around Orlando
Ocoee’s 22nd Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
November 7 at 11 a.m.
Ocoee Lakeshore Center
- The Ocoee Veterans Day Ceremony keynote speaker is retired Marine Corps Maj. Barron Mills. Resident Sherri Gladney will sing the National Anthem at the event while the Ocoee Middle School Wind Ensemble will play a medley of songs.
- The Ocoee Police and Fire Departments’ Honor Guards will present the colors and a wreath will be displayed at the city’s Memorial Wall. Finally, an Ocoee High School band member will play “Taps.”
Sanford Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11 at 11 a.m.
Fort Mellon Park, downtown Sanford
- Join the City of Sanford for a ceremony featuring veterans who are also current staff members and a keynote speech by Tony Raimondo, a decorated Marine Corps veteran.
Winter Springs Veterans Day Tribute
November 11 at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Winter Springs Town Center Veteran’s Memorial
- This Winter Springs Veterans Day Tribute offers a time to honor the 2024 Hometown Hero and remember veterans and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
- In the event of inclement weather, this event will be moved to the City Hall Chambers.
Veterans Day Celebration Honoring Winter Park Heroes
November 8 at 10 a.m.
Hannibal Square, Winter Park
- All veterans who have served in any military campaign or branch in honor of our nation’s freedom are invited to attend Honoring Winter Park Heroes.
- At 9:30 a.m., the public is invited to visit with organizations that offer resources specifically for veteran needs. At 10 a.m., the official program will begin with musical tributes, anecdotal speakers, presentations of Quilts of Valor, and recognition of veterans according to the various military branches served.
Veterans play for FREE at the Winter Park Golf Course.
Veterans Golf Play Day
November 8 at 12:30 p.m.
Winter Park Golf Course (WP9) at 761 Old England Ave.
Winter Park Pines Golf Club (WP18) at 950 S. Ranger Blvd.
- The Winter Park Veterans Day Celebration continues with a Veterans Golf Play Day offered at the Winter Park Golf Course and the Winter Park Pines Golf Club.
- Tee times begin at 12:30 p.m., and veterans play for FREE. Reserve your tee time for a patriotic round of golf by Friday, November 1, at 407-599-3419 (WP9) or 407-671-3172 (WP18).
Veterans Day Parade with the City of Orlando.
City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade
November 9 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Downtown Orlando
- Parade route begins at Robinson Street and Orange Avenue.
- The Veterans Day Parade is one of Mayor Dyer’s Signature Events and this will be the 25th anniversary. This year’s theme is “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service.”
Lake Nona’s Veterans Celebration: Home of the Brave
November 11 at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Lake Nona Town Center, Orlando
- FREE event to celebrate our community veterans.
- Home of the Brave returns to honor local veterans and active military personnel. Kick off the special night of honor, remembrance, and gratitude with the Honors Ceremony featuring an Honor Guard presentation, singers and musicians, special guests and local elected officials, followed by the Patriotic Parachute Team, illuminated by red and blue flares, descending from the sky.
Veterans Day Discounts at Local Attractions
Free Entry Day at National Parks
- National Park Service sites in Florida that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on Veterans Day.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
- FREE admission on Veterans Day for all veterans and current military.
The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford.
The Central Florida Zoo
- FREE zoo admission for active and retired military members on Saturday, November 9, Sunday, November 10, and Monday, November 11.
- Veterans and active military members can also purchase buy-one-get-one tickets for up to 6 total tickets (buy 3, get 3). Offer is only available in person.
Orlando Science Center.
Orlando Science Center
- November 6-19, active military and veterans are honored with FREE admission and 50% off for family.
The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida.
The Wheel at ICON Park
- November 11-14, all active duty and retired military personnel will receive FREE admission to The Wheel to show appreciation for their service. Families of these honored guests will receive a 50% discount to ride The Wheel.
- The 400-foot observation wheel will be lit up in the pattern of the American flag all weekend, with its 64,000 LED lights glowing in red, white and blue.
SeaWorld Orlando.
SeaWorld Orlando
- Military veterans and active duty personnel can receive discounts through the Waves of Honor program. Tickets must be obtained through the Waves of Honor website, as this offer is not available at the gate.
- Starting Friday, November 8 and running through Monday, November 11, the park will be hosting special events to recognize veterans and their service, including a “Hero’s Salute” during select animal presentations, live bands, and a special patriotic fireworks display on Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10.
Crayola Experience Orlando.
Crayola Experience
- The True Blue Heroes Annual Pass Program offers active, retired, and veteran military personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians a FREE Bronze level annual pass.
- This pass comes with all Passholder Perks, including unlimited visits for 1 year; 20% OFF on-site purchases (food, merchandise, & tickets); quarterly bring a friend FREE days, and more.
Veterans Day Discounts and Deals at Local Restaurants
Ford’s Garage
Multiple locations including:
4971 International Dr Suite 3D.09 Orlando, FL 32819
8201 Vineland Ave., Suite 1801, Orlando, FL 32821
- In honor of Veterans Day, Ford’s Garage is giving a choice of one free American Standard Burger or one entrée up to $15 per U.S. veteran and active-duty military on Nov. 11. The offer is valid for dine-in at participating locations with proof of service (valid ID).
Brother Jimmy’s
8441 International Dr #290, Orlando, FL 32819
- On November 11 at noon, veterans can enjoy a free meal at Brother Jimmy’s.
- Guests can dine with the veteran for $15 or donate a meal to a veteran. All proceeds will pay for veterans’ meals and Publix Gift Cards for veterans.
- Registration is required. Tickets can be purchased online, here.
Applebee’s
On Nov. 11, 2024, veterans and active service members can enjoy a FREE meal from a select menu at Applebee’s.
Choose from one of the following entrées: Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platters, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad or Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.
Not only do Veterans eat FREE, they will also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card for a future visit within a 3-week redemption window.
Arby’s
Arby’s has a meaty offer on Veterans Day. On Nov. 11, 2024, the fast-food restaurant is giving veterans and active-duty military a FREE Classic Roast Beef Sandwich.
Veterans Day in Orlando is a time for remembrance and celebration, with events and discounts across the city that honor the service of our military heroes. Whether you’re planning to attend a parade, spend the day at one of Orlando’s renowned attractions, or enjoy a meal with friends and family, take advantage of the discounts and experiences offered as a token of appreciation for your service.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
Veterans enjoy a FREE BYOB and Fries at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
On Nov. 11, 2024, current and former military who dine-in at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse will receive a FREE Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with no minimum food purchase. Plus, they will receive a FREE appetizer coupon for their next visit — dine-in only. The offer is valid with no minimum food purchase — from Nov. 12 to Dec. 31, 2024.
Bob Evans
Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a homestyle meal at Bob Evans on Nov. 11, 2024. The restaurant is offering them a FREE meal on Veterans Day.
The select Veterans Day menu includes one of the following: Country Biscuit Breakfast, The Classic Breakfast, Brioche French Toast, The Mini Sampler, Buttermilk Hotcakes, Cup of Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Banana Berry Oatmeal, Sunrise, Down-Home Country Fried Steak or Bowl of Rolled-Oat Oatmeal. A beverage is not included.
The Brass Tap
Veterans enjoy a FREE Pub Burger and Fries at The Brass Tap on Nov. 11, 2024.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Vets can just “wing it” on Veterans Day at Buffalo Wild Wings. On Nov. 11, 2024, the restaurant is offering all past and present armed services members a FREE order of 10 boneless wings and fries. If ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, the deal is only available for walk-in/orders placed at the counter.
California Pizza Kitchen
Vets can grab a slice of this Veterans Day offer from California Pizza Kitchen. On Nov. 11, 2023, veterans and active military enjoy a FREE entrée and drink from a prix fixed menu.
Plus, veterans will receive a buy-one-get-one FREE pizza, pasta or salad coupon — valid for dine-in only from Nov. 12 to 25, 2024.
Chili’s
Vets and active military members can heat up Veterans Day at Chili’s. Vets enjoy a FREE entrée from a select menu on Nov. 11, 2024.
Dave & Buster’s
Play on Veterans Day! Dave & Buster’s is offering veterans a FREE entrée (up to $20) and FREE $10 Power Card on Nov. 11, 2024.
Dunkin’
Take a sweet break on Veterans Day at Dunkin’. On Nov. 11, 2024, veterans and active military enjoy a FREE donut at the popular donut shop.
Famous Dave’s
Famous Dave’s is serving veterans a FREE lunch on Nov. 11, 2024 — a Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and choice of side. The giveaway is available for dine-in, to-go and online ordering.
Golden Corral
Veterans and active military can satisfy their hunger at Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night. On Nov. 11, 2024, the popular buffet restaurant is serving a FREE “Thank You” Meal from 4 p.m. to close.
The offer is open to any person who has served in the U.S. Military, including retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves. Any other guests and family members pay regular price.
Great Clips
Vets can cut their grooming costs on Veterans Day at Great Clips. The popular salon is offering a FREE haircut to veterans and active military on Nov. 11, 2024.
Hooters
All active-duty and retired military enjoy a FREE entrée at Hooters on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024. The offer requires the purchase of a beverage.
The select Veterans Day menu includes one of the following: Buffalo Chicken Salad, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Hooters Burger or 10-Piece Boneless Wings.
IHOP
All military veterans can hop over to IHOP on Veterans Day for a patriotic dish. On Nov. 11, 2024, the popular diner is serving them a FREE stack of Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes — from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Johnny Rockets
To salute veterans and those serving in the military, Johnny Rockets is offering them a FREE Single Burger with the purchase of any drink or shake on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024. There are 90 locations nationwide.
