Parade day basics

The Texas Veterans Day Parade steps off in Arlington’s Entertainment District on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The parade’s official website confirms the date, the start time and the Entertainment District setting, and says the event is 100% free and open to the public. The National Medal of Honor Museum and the city call it the City of Arlington Veterans Day Parade. Arlington Network’s preview, published November 2, places the procession in the sports and entertainment corridor around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field.

What to expect

According to Arlington Network, a Bell Helicopter flyover kicks off the procession at 5:30 p.m., followed by a patriotic drone show. The organizers’ drone show page says it comes immediately after the parade, and the Medal of Honor Museum lists it at about 7 p.m. over Mark Holtz Lake. Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Campbell is named as grand marshal.

The lineup is expected to include military units, veterans’ organizations, drill teams, marching bands, community groups, and a military vehicle showcase. Parade Coordinator Kevin Donovan is named as the organizer’s lead. Sponsors listed include the City of Arlington, Bell Helicopter, the Texas Rangers, REV Entertainment, Walmart, Six Flags, In-Telecom, and NBC 5 and Telemundo 39.

Route and parking map

The organizers have posted a downloadable route and parking map on the parade’s route map page. The map is marked as subject to change. Its labels point to the parade’s start and end, a staging area, spectator and accessible parking lots, and restrooms, so open it before you go. The organizers’ pages do not list road closure times or an end time.

Road closures and parking

The National Medal of Honor Museum, which is hosting its own Veterans Day programs, says on its Veterans Day page that parade-related road closures are expected to affect the Entertainment District beginning around 2 p.m. It says an exit through Lot F to Copeland Road should remain open, parking is next to the museum off AT&T Way with overflow in Lot N, and routes may change before and during the parade. The museum adds that it does not manage the parade route, road closures or traffic flow, so treat the parade’s own map as the main guide.

A free veteran resource area

The parade’s Veteran Resource Area is a free on-site space for veterans and their families, run with veteran service partners. The page lists it as open from 2 to 7 p.m., ahead of the 5:30 p.m. step-off and through the drone show. Its partner list still says “Coming Soon” and the page does not give a location, so check the map or ask organizers where to find it.

Joining in

Parade entry registration for 2026 is closed, according to the organizers’ registration page, which invites groups to join in 2027. Volunteers can still sign up through the SignUpGenius and JustServe links on the parade site. Questions can go to the organizers at 817-247-0800 or info@arlingtonvetdp.org, and the parade keeps a Facebook page where updates may appear.

Giving back with Toys for Tots

The parade’s Toys for Tots page asks spectators to bring a new, unwrapped toy, with Marines staffing collection stations at the announcer stands along the route. Arlington Network describes uniformed Marines collecting donations from attendees along the route.

Plan your evening

Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday this year, and the parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Road closures are expected from around 2 p.m., so leave extra time to reach the district, check the map for parking, and confirm any changes on the parade website before November 11.