We owe our thanks to the thousands of men and women in our communities who serve or have served our country in the military. In honor of Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, we’ve rounded up local and national events — mostly in-real-life and a few virtual — during which families can pay tribute to our veterans. Most events and deals take place during Nov. 5–13, 2022.
From Naval Air Station Whidbey to Joint Base Lewis–McChord and all around the world, thank you to all of our U.S. service members, past and present!
Ceremonies and events
The City of Auburn hosts a Veterans Day Parade and Observance, one of the largest in the western United States, honoring military and veterans. It’s also an opportunity for families to see honor guards, military vehicles, veterans’ units and high school marching bands (Saturday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m.; free).
Hear the stories of veterans who have shaped the history of diversity and inclusion in the military at the Washington State History Museum (Sunday, Nov. 6, 1 p.m.; included with admission; $11–$14; 5 and younger free).
The City of Mill Creek hosts two events to honor and recognize those who have served. The day starts off with a solemn commemorative ceremony held at Library Park at 9 a.m., followed at 11 a.m. by a parade through Town Center that will feature high school bands, a color guard and vintage military vehicles (Friday, Nov. 11; free).
Pay tribute to veterans past and present at SeaTac’s Veterans Memorial, located adjacent to the community center. Names of those added to the memorial since last year’s ceremony will be read aloud (Friday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.; free).
Travel virtually to the Wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., to pay tribute to our veterans via a livestreamed ceremony (Friday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. PST; free).
The City of Arlington invites the community to line its downtown parade route in honor of active and former military service members (Friday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.; free).
Join The Museum of Flight in honoring military and veterans in a ceremony that includes a keynote speaker and more. Active and retired military receive free museum admission (Friday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.; included with admission; $17–$25 for general public; ages 4 and younger free).
All are welcome to show support for those who serve and have served at a commemorative ceremony in Covington Community Park this Veterans Day (Friday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.; free).
The City of Shoreline will observe the holiday at City Hall this year with a short program honoring military service. (Friday, Nov. 11; 2 p.m.; free).
Discounts and deals for all
Everyone can enjoy free access to our country’s amazing national parks on Veterans Day (Friday, Nov. 11; free).
Our fantastic state parks honor the military, too, with free access for everyone on Veterans Day; no Discover Pass is required to park (Friday, Nov. 11; free).
Discounts and deals for veterans and military
Veterans and one guest are invited to visit Woodland Park Zoo for free on Veterans Day. Additional family members (up to five) get $3 off regular admission (Friday, Nov. 11).
Veterans and active military receive free admission to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, and immediate family members pay half-price admission (Friday–Sunday, Nov. 11–13).
Veterans and active military receive free admission to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville, and their immediate family members pay half-price admission (Friday–Sunday, Nov. 11–13).
Veterans and active service members get a free haircut at Great Clips, or a free haircut coupon for a future visit (Friday, Nov. 11).
Veteran and military families receive half-off admission at Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia all weekend (Friday–Sunday, Nov. 11–13).
Veterans can enjoy a burger and fries on the house when they dine in at participating Red Robin restaurants (Friday, Nov. 11).
Veterans and current service members can pull up to one of Brown Bear Car Wash’s tunnel locations and get a free car wash on Veterans Day; for others who get their car washed, Brown Bear will donate $1 to Puget Sound Honor Flight (Friday, Nov. 11).
We are still verifying this deal for this year, but last year Starbucks Coffee offered veterans and service members a free coffee on Veterans Day (Friday, Nov. 11).
