Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, and communities across the Triad are marking it with parades, ceremonies and cookouts. Most are free, and most are better with a folding chair and a few extra people. Here is where to go, and why this day matters to us.
Why this day matters to us at Mantle
Veterans are our neighbors, our coworkers and our family. Nicholas, part of our Mantle team, enlisted in the U.S. Army at 19, served in Germany, and deployed to Afghanistan. Military service runs through the families around our team, too. Parents and stepparents of people we work with served, and someone we love is serving right now. We are not writing this to sell anything. This is a day about the people who served, and we wanted to help you find a place to thank them in person.
Saturday, November 7
Greensboro Annual Veterans Day Parade
12:00 PM, downtown. The parade begins at N. Elm St and E. Lindsay St. Expect area high school marching bands, Guilford County JROTC units, military vehicles, and floats honoring Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families. It is free, and seating along the sidewalk is limited, so bring a folding chair.
Winston-Salem Triad Veterans Day Parade
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Fourth Street at Broad Street. Rolling road closures begin at 10:00 AM, so plan to arrive early. Free and open to the public.
Gibsonville Veterans Day Celebration Cookout on the Green
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Downtown Green. A community cookout to recognize local veterans.
Sunday, November 8
High Point Veterans Parade
3:00 PM, Main Street. The start time has been consistent across listings, but we could not find an official 2026 page. Check with the City of High Point or the American Legion before you go.
Wednesday, November 11 (Veterans Day)
Carolina Field of Honor ceremony, Kernersville
11:00 AM at Triad Park, 9652 W Market St. The annual ceremony includes a presentation of colors and a wreath laying, rain or shine. Check carolinafieldofhonor.org for the current program.
Mount Airy Veterans Day Parade
Downtown Mount Airy. The start time has not been posted where we could find it, so check mountairydowntown.org.
Saturday, November 14
Graham Veterans Day Parade
10:00 AM, Downtown Graham. A street festival with local vendors follows. Hosted through Alamance County Veteran Services.
Veterans Day deals on November 11
Offers vary by location, most are dine-in only, and many ask for proof of service such as a military ID, VA ID or discharge papers. Call your local restaurant before you go.
Listed on the company’s own website for 2026:
- Golden Corral: a free “thank you” buffet and beverage from 4 PM to close. Dine-in, for the service member.
- Chili’s: a free meal from a set menu: Chicken Crispers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Oldtimer Burger with Cheese, or Soup & House Salad. Dine-in, no substitutions.
- Outback: a free Bloomin’ Onion plus a Coke product or domestic draft beer on Nov 10 and 11. Dine-in.
- Red Robin: a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries. Dine-in, with military ID or proof of service.
- Wendy’s: a free Dave’s Single, dine-in or drive-thru, not part of a combo. One per person.
- Freddy’s: a free Combo meal card. Pick it up Nov 11 and redeem it through Nov 25.
- Chipotle: free chips with guac, queso or salsa when you spend $5, in the restaurant only. Bring ID.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: military eats free from a Veterans Day menu, 11 AM to 3 PM, per its website. Confirm details with your location.
Also reported by national roundups, so confirm with your location: Applebee’s (a free entrée from a special menu), IHOP (a free red, white and blueberry pancake combo), Texas Roadhouse (meal vouchers) and Shoney’s (a free breakfast bar until 11 AM).
Ways to say thank you any day of the year
- Show up to one of the events above, even if you only stay for the parade.
- Say it out loud. A simple “thank you for your service” means more than people expect.
- Ask a veteran about their story, then listen.
- Check on veterans in your neighborhood, especially those who live alone.
If you are a veteran with a real estate question, we are always glad to talk. But today is about thanking you.
Details can change. Please confirm times with each event’s organizer before you head out.
