The annual Veterans Day Parade is returning to NYC this Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The largest event of its kind in the entire country, more than 20,000 people will march down Fifth Avenue in what has become a defining moment in the nation’s commitment to honoring veterans.
Originating in 1919 from the United War Veterans Council (UWVC), 2026 marks the parade’s 107th year. Here’s everything you need to know about the NYC Veterans Day Parade.
When is the 2026 NYC Veterans Day Parade?
The parade will take place on Wednesday, November 11th.
The Wreath-Laying Ceremony begins at 10:55 am at Madison Square Park, followed by Parade Step-Off at 12:30 pm.
What is the Parade route?
The Parade will run along Fifth Avenue between 25th Street and 48th Street.
Dispersal will be on East/West 45th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue.
Who is this year’s Grand Marshal?
This year’s Grand Marshal is NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy veteran Sunita “Suni” L. Williams.
U.S. Navy veteran and Theatre Development Fund (TDF) manager, Vicki Bello, is this year’s honorary marshal.
Where can I watch the Veterans Day Parade?
New Yorkers can of course watch the parade in person along Fifth Avenue, but if you can’t make it, it will also be broadcasted live starting at 12:30 pm on WABC-TV (Channel 7) and streamed on ABC 7 New York platforms.
NYC street closures for the Veterans Day Parade
The following streets will be closed for the Parade:
- West 24th Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue
- West 25th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- East/West 26th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
- East/West 27th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
- East/West 28th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
- Broadway between West 23rd Street and West 29th Street
- Broadway between 5th Avenue and East 23rd Street
- 5th Avenue between West 23rd Street and West 26th Street
Veterans Day 2026: what’s open and closed in NYC
In observance of the federal holiday, some businesses and services won’t be available on Veterans Day. Here’s what’s open and what’s closed in NYC:
- Government Offices: All government offices will be closed, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), City and State Courts, and Social Security offices
- Post Office: The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is closed with no regular mail or package delivery. Privately owned delivery services like UPS and FedEx will be open, but consumers should visit their websites to check their hours
- Parking Regulations and Meters: Alternate Side Parking (street cleaning) rules are suspended. All other parking regulations, including parking meters, remain in effect
- Banks: Major commercial and federal banks are generally closed, though ATMs and online banking remain available
- NYC Public Schools: All NYC Public Schools are closed
- Trash, Recycling, and Compost Collection: There will be no trash, recycling, or compost collection. If Wednesday is your regular collection day, place your items at the curb Wednesday evening for collection beginning Thursday, November 12
- Public Libraries: All branches of the City’s Public Library systems are closed
- Public Transit: MTA subways, buses, and the Staten Island Ferry run on regular weekday schedules
- Retail and Dining: The vast majority of grocery stores, supermarkets (such as Trader Joe’s and Costco), major retailers (such as Walmart, Target, and Home Depot), pharmacies, and restaurants are open
Don’t miss out! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and now on WhatsApp, too!