Monday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a federal holiday that commemorates those who have served in the US military. Check out these upcoming events happening in and around Lakeland that honor the 60,000+ veterans who call Polk County home.

Saturday, Nov. 9

Veterans Day Parade and Celebration

Honor our veterans with a 10 a.m. ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, followed by a parade through downtown and market in Munn Park featuring veteran-focused vendors + non-profits. The day of free happenings will conclude at 2 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 10

Patriotic Concert

Join the Lakeland Concert Band at the Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College for an afternoon of free patriotic music + pre-show performance by the Ultimate Dance Center. Doors will open at 1:15 p.m., with performances kicking off at 1:45 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 11

Veterans' Hometown Heroes

Veterans + their guests are invited to a luncheon at the Bartow Civic Center beginning at 11:10 a.m. hosted by the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post 3, and Summerlin Military Academy.

Micah Shane + Tito’s Latin Cuisine at Swan Brewing

Veterans will get BOGO brews with military ID while enjoying food truck bites all day + tunes from a local artist at 2 p.m.

Veterans Day Celebration at Z's Teas

This veteran-owned biz will be slinging out free hamburgers + hot dogs beginning at 5 p.m. along with drink specials for fellow vets.

Thursday, Nov. 14

Veterans & Community Job Fair

Polk residents can connect with employers from a variety of industries at the Bartow Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with veterans receiving early access at 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 16

Vet Fest

Veterans can connect with services ranging from mental health counseling to housing + transportation at this annual resource fair on Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

Additionally, applications are open for Flight to Honor 10, which will take place in April 2025. You can also support Lakeland’s vets year-round by shopping at one of these veteran-owned businesses.

Did we miss any upcoming Veterans Day events? Drop us a line so we can add them to our free community calendar, or submit them yourself.