Veterans Day events
Annual Salute Our Heroes Event
What: American Legion presents their 2024-25 award to the City of Fort Myers, Mayor Kevin B. Anderson and City Counsil featuring entertainment and a dinner for $20 per person. When: Nov. 8, 6 p.m. Where: American Legion Post 38, 1857 Jackson St., Fort Myers More info: post38-swfl.org
Veterans Day with Bob Hope and the Andrew Sisters
What: At the core of this tribute to courageous veterans lies a deep sense of patriotism and love for the country. Bill Johnson makes his return from Las Vegas as Bob Hope, accompanied by the Victory Dolls, whose beautiful harmonies and uniforms will remind you of the Andrews Sisters. 30% off tickets for all veterans. When: Nov. 8, 7 p.m. Where: Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum, 900 West Marion Ave., Punta Gorda More info: gulftheater.org
Healing Field of Honor
What: At Laishley Park, the Healing Field of Honor features 1,000 American flags displayed in ceremonial formation throughout the long Veterans Day weekend. When: Nov. 8-11 Where: Laishley Park, 100 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda More info: ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/about/ city-facilities/laishley-park
Veterans Day Celebration
What: The Village of Estero hosts a celebration of Veterans Day. Enjoy performances by Spotlight Entertainment of SWFL and New Horizons Group. There will be face painting, American classic and muscle car displays and food. When: Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Boulevard, Estero More info: estero-fl.gov/esteros-veterans day-event-will-celebrate-ourveterans with-music-tributes-onnovember 9/.
A Salute to Our Veterans
What: Mercato hosts a Veterans Day event celebrating and honoring those who have served. A day of live music, performances by local JROTC Color Guard and speakers. Veterans receive discount at select retailers. When: Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Mercato, 9110 Strada Place, Naples More info: experiencemercato.com .
Veterans Day Parade
What: Honor American Heroes at this Veterans Day Celebration, recognizing those who sacrificed their lives, served honorably and continue to serve. This event is a collaborative effort by the City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation and local volunteers. When: Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Cape Coral Parkway, south side heading west from Cape Coral St. to Chester St. More info: capecoral.gov/department/ parks_ and_ recreationhome/special_ events/veterans_ day_ parade.php
Vets in Venice
What: Centennial Park hosts a vibrant celebration honoring veterans, first responders and local heroes. Enjoy a day of live music featuring veteran performers, including headliner FM Station FLA, along with booths showcasing veteran businesses and support organizations—all in a spirit of unity and gratitude. When: Nov. 9, 12-9 p.m. Where: Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice More info: northportareachamber.com
Veterans Day Tribute Pickleball Tournament
What: The Naples Pickleball center hosts a charity tournament benefitting Home Base Florida. Two days of competition raising funds for the essentials for Florida veterans. Entry fee is $85. When: Nov. 9-10, all day Where: Naples Pickleball Center, 3500 Thomasson Drive, Naples More info: homebase.org
Veterans Day Appreciation Weekend
What: Military personnel, both active and retired, will receive free admission when visiting the Naples Botanical Garden. When: Nov. 9-11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. More info: naplesgarden.org
Free Car Wash
What: As a thank you to brave men and women who have served and continue to protect America, Waters Car- Wash is offering free carwashes to all veterans and active-duty military personnel. When: Nov. 9-11, 2024. Where: Any Waters CarWash Locations More info: waterscarwash.com
Run 4 Our Veterans
What: The Run 4 Our Vets event is a 5K-only at South County Regional Park in Punta Gorda. Proceeds benefit Bert's Salute to America and Girls on the Run SWFL, and participants can honor a veteran by adding their name to the Memorial Wall. When: Nov. 10, 8 a.m. Where: South County Regional Park, 670 Cooper St., Punta Gorda More info: runsignup.com/Race/FL/ PuntaGorda/VeteransDayMemorial5k10k? aflt_ token=GXnZyRPOxQa- Yu2xZzovTHAZdrcyRYAmv
Spirit of America
What: Celebrate America and our Veterans with Naples Concert Band performance of Spirit of America. Bring a chair and enjoy an afternoon of concert band music. When: Nov. 11, 2-4 p.m. Where: Cambier Park, 755 8th Avenue, Naples More info: naplesconcertband.org
Veterans Day Celebration Concert
What: The city of Marco Island's Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a free concert featuring the Dave Bray Band to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces. They encourage the public to bring lawn chairs, but coolers are not allowed. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. When: Nov. 10, 6-8 p.m. Where: Veterans Community Park, 901 Park Ave., Marco Island More info: cityofmarcoisland.com/ parksrec/page/veterans-day-celebration concert-vcp.
An American Salute
What: Gulf Coast Symphony presents a Veterans Day celebration honoring our troops, featuring Peter Boyer's "ELLIS ISLAND," a multimedia tribute that combines historical images, letters from immigrants and a captivating musical score to celebrate the American Dream. Tickets are $30-$100. When: Nov. 10, 7 p.m. Where: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers More info: bbmannpah.com
Vietnam Memorial Wall of Southwest Florida
What: Typically, a ceremony is held at the Vietnam Memorial Wall of Southwest Florida, featuring a Color Guard, music, food and more. A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated, with proceeds going directly to support veterans. When: Nov. 11 Where: 100 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda More info: vietnamwallofsouthwestflorida.org
Free Round of Golf
What: The Park offers a free round of golf on The Lit 9, Par-3 Course to veterans and active military personnel. When: Nov. 11, All Day Where: The Park, 7301 Georgia Avenue, West Palm Beach. More info: theparkwestpalm.com .
Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony
What: Join the Village of Wellington for a Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. Honor those who have served and are still serving for a morning of celebration. When: Nov. 11, 8:15 a.m. Where: Wellington Veterans Memorial, 12300 Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington More info: wellingtonfl.gov/
Veterans Day Tribute Ceremony
What: A dedication to the men and women who served our country with the Presentation of Colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and more. Pay tribute to the community's veterans. When: Nov. 11, 9-10 a.m. Where: Greenacres City Hall, 5800 Melaleuca Lane, Greenacres More info: greenacresfl.gov
Veterans Day Celebration
What: The Military Heritage Museum hosts a Veterans Day Celebration to thank all who have served. Attend a ceremony, helicopter tours, a hot dog lunch, film viewings and special exhibits. There is no cost to attend the ceremony. Admission to the museum is $12 for veterans, $14 for adults, and $5 for kids. When: Nov. 11, 11 a.m. Where: Military Heritage Museum, 900 West Marion Ave., Punta Gorda More info: militaryheritagemuseum.org
Veterans Salute Celebration
What: Show your thanks to veterans with a Veterans Salute Celebration. Live music by the 13th Army Band and speakers will be there to show off the Red, White and Blue. When: Nov. 11, 11 a.m. Where: Veterans Plaza Amphitheater, 10500 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens More info: pbgfl.gov
Red, White, & Boca: A Veterans Day Celebration
What: A celebration of veterans and their bravery to protect America. Enjoy a classic car show, live performances, guest speakers and more. When: Nov. 11, 4 to 8 p.m. Where: Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton More info: myboca.us
Veterans Day Celebration
What: The Naples Italian American Foundation hosts a Veterans Day celebration. Enjoy a play reading from Peter Defresco and dinner catered by Mission BBQ. Donations will be collected, benefiting Collier County homeless veterans. $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers. When: Nov. 11, 4:30-9 p.m. Where: Naples Italian American Foundation, 7035 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples More info: niafoundation.org
Midpoint Madness
What: The Fort Myers YMCA holds the 25th Anniversary Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk. The 3.1-mile race starts and ends at the Midpoint, with festivities at the nearby YMCA, and proceeds benefiting its financial assistance program. Participate in preand post-race activities at Royal Palm Square. When: Nov. 11, 6 p.m. Where: Midpoint Bridge, 1400 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers More info: ymcaswfl.org
Veterans Day Concert
What: The Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation hosts a Veterans Day Benefit Concert featuring the Florida Bee Gees. A salute to veterans with live music and a "Party in a Box" auction at intermission. Tickets are $60. When: Nov. 11, 5 p.m. Where: Shadow Wood Country Club, 22801 Oakwilde Boulevard, Bonita Springs More info: shadowwoodcharitablefoundation.org
Veterans Day Benefit Concert
What: The Nauti Parrot Oasis presents the Ben Allen Band for an evening celebrating, remembering and honoring those who have served our country. This event will benefit the Miles of Smiles Foundation. Enjoy live music, silent auctions, food and drinks and more. Tickets are $25. When: Nov. 11, 6-9 p.m. Where: Nauti Parrot Oasis, 17200 South Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers More info: nautiparrot.com
"A Salute to Veterans"
What: Watch the Naples Brass Concert band perform "A Salute to Veterans." Sign up soon to participate in singing in the choir during the concert. When: Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Where: North Naples Church, 6000 Goodlette Road, Naples More info: nnchurch.org
Veterans Day Ceremony
What: The city of Bonita Springs and Veterans Advisory Committee host a Veterans Day celebration. Enjoy a morning of traditional commemorations and guest speaker U.S. Army Lt. General (ret) Steven Blum. Honor those who have served this country by joining in this celebration. When: Nov. 11, 9 a.m. Where: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs More info: cityofbonitasprings.org
Veterans Special Fundraiser
What: One Man One Mic Foundation presents Story Lab – A Veterans Day Special Fundraiser. Veterans share the story of their experiences, unscripted. Proceeds benefit One Man One Mic Foundation and their mission to give veterans a tool in processing PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Tickets are $68. When: Nov. 12, 7 p.m. Where: Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Suite #10, Boca Raton More info: bocablackbox.com
Airmen of Note Concert
What: The Airmen of Note from the United States Air Force Band perform a free concert sponsored by the Charlotte Harbor Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America and the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center as part of their outreach program for the community. When: Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Where: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda More info: charlotteharborecc.com
Southwest Florida Honor Flight
What: Heroes are flown to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in honor of those who have served and continue to serve. The public is welcome to wait at Punta Gorda Airport to give these veterans the welcome home they deserve. When: Nov. 13, 8:30 p.m. Where: Punta Gorda Airport, 28000 A-1 Airport Road, Punta Gorda More info: swflhonorflight.org
Sculpture In Motion
What: Ann Norton Sculpture Garden hosts 8th Annual Sculpture in Motion The Art of Pre- and Post-War Automobiles. Enjoy a community exhibition, a tribute to Gold Star families and veterans and Friends of Fisher House, and end the day with a parade. When: Nov. 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach More info: ansg.org
Warriors At Ease
What: Join The Yoga Sanctuary for a sound healing event featuring Himalayan Singing Bowls, aimed at promoting relaxation and well-being while honoring veterans and active military. Proceeds will support Warriors At Ease, an organization dedicated to providing yoga to veterans and the military community. When: Nov. 16, 4-5:15 p.m. Where: The Yoga Sanctuary, 112 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda More info: theyogasanctuary.biz , warriorsatease.org
American Salute
What: The Southwest Florida Concert Band performs an American Salute to honor veterans for their first performance of the season. When: Nov. 17, 2 p.m. Where: South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd., Fort Myers More info: southwestfloridaconcertband.org
Vet Fest
