Veterans Day
About
November 11 honours all US military veterans. DC's observance centres on Arlington National Cemetery, where the President or a senior official lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11 AM.
Highlights
- Federal holiday honouring all US military veterans
- Wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington (11 AM)
- Ceremonies at the Vietnam, Korean and WWII Memorials
Practical tips
- Government offices and banks close; many shops stay open
- Attend the 11 AM Arlington ceremony for the main observance
- The war memorials on the Mall host smaller tributes
Sources
Other upcoming events
Jazz in the Garden 2026
On summer Friday evenings the National Gallery of Art turns its Sculpture Garden into a free open-air jazz venue. The 2026 'American Sounds' season nods to the nation's 250th, with passes given out by weekly lottery.
Wawa Welcome America 2026 (Philadelphia Semiquincentennial)
Philadelphia's free Wawa Welcome America festival expands for the US 250th, running from Juneteenth through July 4 with concerts, museum days and a grand finale concert and fireworks over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Art Museum.
Great American State Fair on the National Mall 2026
A centerpiece of the US 250th, the Great American State Fair lines the National Mall for over two weeks with pavilions representing all 50 states, territories and federal entities — food, culture and exhibits ahead of the July 4 capstone.