This year, the ongoing government shutdown has canceled some Veterans Day events in San Diego County.

SAN DIEGO — Communities across San Diego County are preparing to gather and honor those who have served in the military on Veterans Day, which falls on a Tuesday.

This year, the ongoing government shutdown has canceled some Veterans Day events in San Diego County, including Fleet Week events and the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation’s Veterans Day ceremonies. Despite these cancellations, there are various activities that people can attend to honor and appreciate those who have made contributions to the nation’s security. 


Central San Diego

San Diego Veterans Day Parade (Downtown San Diego)- On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m., the USS Midway Museum will host the San Diego Veterans Day Parade, an annual event that will attract thousands of residents and community leaders to pay their tributes to the veterans of the Armed Forces. The event will be held at Downtown San Diego, Harbor Drive (in front of the County Admin Building).

Appreciation Dance 2025- Veterans Day Celebration (Balboa Park)- On Nov. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Balboa Park Club Ballroom (2150 Pan American Rd. West, San Diego, CA 92101), City of San Diego’s AgeWell Services will host an annual Veterans Appreciation Dance. The first 200 participants will be guaranteed lunch. Admissions are free for veterans, but will cost $5 for others. 


North County

North County VetFest and Parade (Escondido)- American Legion JB Clark Post 149 and the Brothers of 6 Charities are hosting their 6th annual VetFest and Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11, at 230 E Park Avenue in Escondido. The celebration begins at 11 a.m. with a lunch and a band. Active duty military can get a free lunch at the Post.

Poway Veterans Day Ceremony– On Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., the Poway Veterans Park Committee and VFW Post 7907 are hosting a free Veterans Day ceremony at 14134 Midland Road, Poway, CA 92064. 

Salute to Service: Vista Veterans Day Ceremony– On Nov. 11 at 9 a.m., guests are invited to a Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park (267 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Vista) to honor the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans. Vista City officials, including Mayor John Franklin, Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez and Councilmembers Corinna Contreras, Dan O’Donnell and Jeff Fox, are expected to be in attendance.


East County

Fallbrook Veterans Day Parade– On Nov. 11, the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Veterans Day Parade, honoring all those who have served. The event begins at 10 a.m., and the parade will start at the Corner of Fallbrook Street and Main Avenue. It will end at Alvarado Street.

El Cajon Veterans Day Ceremony– The City of El Cajon Veterans Coalition will honor veterans on Nov. 11 in Centennial Plaza at 11 a.m. The annual event is hosted by the American Legion Post 303, with representatives from the City of El Cajon and the Veterans Coalition. In addition to the ceremony, the Veterans Coalition will also recognize the Veteran of the Year.

In addition to events across San Diego County, California State Parks is offering a free day-use admission to armed forces veterans, active duty and reserve military personnel on Nov. 11. According to the agency, free admissions in the San Diego Coast District include: Cardiff State Beach, Carlsbad State Beach, Silver Strand State Beach, Torrey Pines State Beach. To receive free admission, a valid military ID or proof of discharge  (under conditions other than dishonorable or bad conduct) is required. Click here to learn more.