Events

Veterans Day events and deals in San Diego

Honor local veterans at community ceremonies and parades, and find local businesses that are showing thanks with specials and freebies.

November 3, 2023 • 
Michael Beausoleil
The Mount Soledad Cross and sunset at Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial

The sunset and Mount Soledad Cross.

Photo via @oscarlopez.ig

Table of Contents
Community events
More ways to thank veterans

This Saturday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, and San Diego is saluting US military service members. We’ve rounded up events hosted by local communities, organizations, and businesses that honor and thank our veterans.

Community events

Veterans Day Ceremony, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial | Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
This service pays tribute to veterans and their families and commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.

Escondido VetFest, Grand and East Park avenues | Saturday, Nov. 11, 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
American Legion JB Clark Post 149 hosts this festival with a parade that starts marching down Grand Avenue at 9:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony with music and lunch.

Veterans Day Ceremony, Veterans Park, Poway | Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.
VFW Post 7907 will honor vets with speeches and remembrance ceremonies.

Fleet Week, USS Midway Museum | Through Sunday, Nov. 12
This series of events includes Military Family Day on Saturday, Nov. 11, and the Veterans Day Boat Parade on Sunday, Nov. 12, that can be viewed along San Diego Bay.

Veterans line up in front of the County Admin building

Veterans begin the parade by the County Administration Building.

Photo via San Diego Veterans Day Parade

Veterans Day Parade, Harbor Drive | Sunday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Pay tribute to American heroes with displays and appearances by veterans, community organizations, and local leaders. The route starts at the County Administration Building and ends near Seaport Village.

East Village SALUTES!,100 Park Plaza | Sunday, Nov. 12, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
The East Village Association’s inaugural festival will feature veteran-owned vendors, activities for kids, and live music — including a performance by the Marine Band San Diego.

More ways to thank veterans

  • SeaWorld San Diego’s Waves of Honor offers one free admission for veterans and a guest, valid through the end of the year.
  • Local nonprofit Foundation for Women Warriors will host a free, virtual screening of “Unsung Heroes: The Story of America’s Female Patriots” on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 4 p.m.
  • Protector Brewery is hosting the Beer, Dogs & Veterans Charity Concert, on Saturday, Nov. 11, 4-9 p.m., a dog-friendly event with music, beer, country line dancing, raffles, and auctions to support Dogs on Deployment.
  • The San Diego Gulls will host Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, Nov. 11, at their game against the Colorado Eagles that includes a Gulls Hat giveaway.
  • The San Diego Automotive Museum is offering free entry all November to veterans and up to four family members.
  • On Veterans Day, Soapy Joe’s Car Wash will offer free washes for veterans, active duty servicemembers, and their spouses at all 21 San Diego County locations.
  • Mezé Greek Fusion in the Gaslamp Quarter will offer veterans one free meal and apply a 20% discount to the table’s bill on Veterans Day.
  • Show your military ID at Flagship Cruises for a free ride on the San Diego Harbor Tour on Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11 — plus accompanying family members can save 20%.
  • Havana 1920 will offer vets a complimentary Café Moto Havana Blend drip coffee on Veterans Day.