KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Communities across East Tennessee are preparing to honor the nation’s veterans with parades, ceremonies and tributes on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The largest event in Knoxville will be the 101st Annual Veterans Day Parade, organized by American Legion Post 2. The parade will begin at 10:45 a.m. and travel down Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. The event is free and open to the public.
Knoxville’s Veterans Day Parade is one of the longest-running veterans parades in Tennessee and will feature veterans organizations, military groups, marching bands and community participants. The parade is scheduled to continue until approximately noon.
Veterans Day Events at a Glance
Knoxville Veterans Day Parade
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Time: 10:45 a.m. to approximately noon
- Where: Gay Street, Downtown Knoxville
- Cost: Free
Residents are encouraged to arrive early for the best viewing locations along the parade route.
In addition to the Knoxville parade, other communities across East Tennessee are hosting events recognizing veterans and active-duty service members.
Among them is a Veterans Day tribute in the Johnson City area, where veterans and community members continue annual observances honoring military service and sacrifice. The region’s longstanding military connection through Mountain Home and the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center makes Veterans Day a significant event across Northeast Tennessee.
In the Smokies, communities such as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville traditionally host patriotic observances recognizing veterans and military families, drawing residents and visitors alike to ceremonies focused on honoring service and sacrifice.
Veterans Day Deals, Free Meals and Discounts Available Across Knoxville and East Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Veterans and active-duty military members will find numerous free meals, discounts and special offers available across Knoxville and East Tennessee on Veterans Day Wednesday.
National restaurant chains and Tennessee-based businesses are once again recognizing military service members with complimentary meals and discounts. Most offers require proof of military service or a valid military ID.
- Applebee’s is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu.
- Chili’s is providing a free meal from a select menu at participating locations.
- Denny’s is offering a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast.
- IHOP is serving veterans a free stack of Red, White & Blue Pancakes.
- Shoney’s is offering veterans and active-duty military a free all-you-care-to-eat breakfast bar until 11 a.m. at participating Tennessee locations.
- Bob Evans is providing a complimentary meal from a select menu.
- Buffalo Wild Wings is offering 10 free boneless wings and fries.
- Blaze Pizza is offering a free one-topping pizza.
- Bonefish Grill is providing free Bang Bang Shrimp and a nonalcoholic beverage for veterans and active-duty personnel.
- 7 Brew is offering 50% off drink purchases for veterans.
In addition to restaurant deals, many retailers and businesses are offering discounts to veterans, military families and active-duty personnel throughout Veterans Day week. The Department of Veterans Affairs advises veterans to confirm participation with individual locations because offers may vary by franchise. Please go to https://news.va.gov/150505/2026-veterans-day-discounts-free-meals-offers/ to find out what discounts are available for Veterans.
Veterans Day is observed annually on Nov. 11 to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Many East Tennessee communities will also host parades, ceremonies and recognition events throughout the day.
What’s Open and Closed on Veterans Day in East Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Veterans Day is Wednesday, and while many businesses will operate as usual, several government offices and services will be closed in observance of the federal holiday.
Veterans Day honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and is recognized as a federal holiday nationwide.
Closed on Veterans Day
U.S. Post Offices All United States Postal Service locations will be closed Wednesday, and regular mail delivery will not run.
Federal Government Offices Federal offices will be closed, including Social Security Administration offices and many federal courthouses.
Most Banks Most major banks, including Bank of America, First Horizon, Regions Bank and Truist, will be closed. Customers can still access ATMs and online banking services.
Many County and City Government Offices Local government offices across East Tennessee may be closed or operating on modified schedules. Residents are encouraged to check with their local municipality or county government before visiting.
Open on Veterans Day
Retail Stores Most major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Kroger, Food City and Publix, are expected to operate under normal business hours.
Restaurants Most restaurants and fast-food locations will remain open. Several chains may also offer special discounts or free meals to veterans.
Gas Stations and Convenience Stores Most convenience stores and fuel stations will remain open.
Schools and Services
School schedules vary by district. Some East Tennessee districts may close for Veterans Day, while others will operate on a normal schedule or hold special recognition programs. Families should check directly with their local school system.
Public transit services, waste collection schedules and other local services may vary depending on the community.
Officials recommend checking with local governments, schools and businesses for any holiday schedule changes before making plans.
Knox County Schools to Remain Open on Veterans Day
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Students in Knox County Schools will attend classes as scheduled on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, according to the district’s official academic calendar.
While Veterans Day is recognized as a federal holiday across the United States, Knox County Schools has not designated the holiday as a day off for students or staff during the 2026-27 school year. The district calendar lists Nov. 11 as a regular instructional day.
The district’s November schedule includes a student holiday for a systemwide in-service day on Nov. 3 and Thanksgiving break from Nov. 25 through Nov. 27, but no school closure is scheduled for Veterans Day.
Although classes will be in session, many schools are expected to recognize veterans through classroom activities, ceremonies and special programs honoring military service members and veterans. Such events are common across East Tennessee during Veterans Day week.
Veterans Day is observed annually on Nov. 11 and honors all men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Parents and students can find the full district calendar on the Knox County Schools website https://www.knoxschools.org/.
