St. Cloud & Lake Nona Veterans Day Parades 2026: Times, Routes & Free Events
On Saturday, November 7, 2026, you can catch two free Veterans Day parades in our backyard. St. Cloud’s starts at 10 AM on the Lakefront, and Orlando’s 27th annual parade starts at 11 AM at Lake Nona Town Center. My dad was a veteran, so this weekend means a lot to our family, and it’s one of my favorite reasons to love living here.
St. Cloud Veterans Day Parade
The parade steps off at 10 AM from Pennsylvania Avenue and Lakeshore Boulevard, St. Cloud, FL 34769. It heads past City Hall and loops back to the Lakefront. The VFW Veterans Day Ruck kicks things off ($25, with proceeds going to local veterans).
Afterward, head to the free Veterans Resource Fair, 11 AM–2 PM at Veterans Park, 1200 14th Street, St. Cloud, FL 34769. You’ll find benefits help, job leads, free services, food trucks and entertainment. The night before, Friday, Nov. 6, the Soldier City Veterans Salute Dinner is on the St. Cloud Chamber calendar.
Lake Nona Veterans Day Parade (City of Orlando)
The City of Orlando’s 27th annual parade starts with an opening ceremony at 10:45 AM. The parade runs 11 AM–1 PM at Lake Nona Town Center, with 75+ veteran groups taking part. Roads close from 10 AM to 1 PM, so park in the Town Center garage at 6955 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827.
Veterans Day Deals in Lake Nona (Wed, Nov. 11)
On Veterans Day itself, veterans and active-duty military get 20% off dine-in at Before It Melts, Canvas, Chroma, Park Pizza and Canonita. Just show a military ID or wear your uniform.
Why St. Cloud Is Called “Soldier City”
St. Cloud was founded in 1909 as a colony for Union Civil War veterans, which earned it the nickname “Soldier City.” Veterans Day here carries over a century of history.
FAQ
When is the St. Cloud Veterans Day parade in 2026? It’s Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at 10 AM on the St. Cloud Lakefront, and it’s free to watch.
Where does it start? It starts at Pennsylvania Ave and Lakeshore Blvd in St. Cloud, then passes City Hall and returns to the Lakefront. Watching is free.
What time is the Lake Nona Veterans Day parade? The opening ceremony is at 10:45 AM and the free parade runs 11 AM–1 PM at Lake Nona Town Center.
Is the Orlando Veterans Day parade free? Yes, the City of Orlando’s parade at Lake Nona Town Center is free. It runs 11 AM–1 PM on Sat, Nov. 7.
What is the Veterans Resource Fair in St. Cloud? It’s a free fair from 11 AM to 2 PM on Nov. 7 at Veterans Park, 1200 14th St, with benefits, jobs, services and food trucks.
Why is St. Cloud called Soldier City? St. Cloud was founded in 1909 as a free-standing colony for Union Civil War veterans.
Which Lake Nona restaurants offer Veterans Day discounts? On Nov. 11, Before It Melts, Canvas, Chroma, Park Pizza and Canonita give 20% off dine-in to veterans and active duty with ID.
Want more local happenings? See what’s new in St. Cloud and Orlando, and come say hi on Instagram.
