Veterans Day events happening around Tampa Bay
Veterans Day is a public holiday held on the anniversary of the end of World War I (Nov. 11) to honor American veterans and victims of all wars. The following is a list of events, free offerings and discounts available in the Tampa Bay area.
Honor Table: A veterans salute and social dinner with food by Classico Chophouse and Brewpub. Features a social hour, posting of the colors, the national anthem, a three-course meal, music and strolling entertainment. Benefits Believe With Me, which serves families who have lost a loved one in a military-related incident. $25. 6-9 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 8). Brandon Westfield Town Center Mall, 459 Brandon Town Center. 813-661-5100.
Mike Alstott Veterans Football Game: Pro Football Hall of Fame fullback and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Alstott invites veterans to join him in a friendly game of flag football. Go to Eventbrite to reserve a spot. Free. 8-11 a.m. Thursday (Nov. 9). Pinellas Park Youth Park Soccer, 3750 66th Ave. N., Pinellas Park.
Battle for Veterans: Experience the sights and sounds of war at this World War II battle reenactment with actual military vehicles and living history displays. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday (Nov. 10-12). Zephyrhills Museum of Military History, 39444 South Ave. 813-780-0078.
Veterans Day Skate Party: Active/retired military personnel and up to four family members skate for free. Free, $10 other nonmilitary. Noon-4 p.m. Friday (Nov. 10). United Skates of America, 5121 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. 813-876-5826.
Mosaic Veterans Day: Show support for those who have served in the military at this event with guest speakers and career resources for veterans. Free. 1-4 p.m. Friday (Nov. 10). 13830 Circa Crossing Drive, Lithia.
Veterans Day Bar Crawl: Join the “Mike Calta Show” and special guests Roger and JP for a three-stop bar crawl with Bud specials and prizes at each location. 7 p.m. Friday (Nov. 10). Surfside Tap House, 395 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater. 727-201-3530.
Buy One, Give One: Buy an 8-ounce bottle of Chick-fil-A sauce and this location only will donate one to Operation Military Matters for troop care packages. Cost of sauce only. 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Chick-fil-A, 10790 Park Blvd., Seminole. 727-398-0777.
Veterans Eat Free: Active duty, retired military and veterans get a free Magnificent Seven meal. Valid military ID required. Free. 6 a.m.-midnight Saturday (Nov. 11). Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, 2626 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater. 727-799-2019.
Half Off for Veterans: Active and retired military get 50% off their meal at Metro Diner with a military ID. No cover. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). For a location near you, go to metrodiner.com.
Veterans Day Bike Ride: Choose from 9-mile, 31-mile or 55-mile bike rides to benefit The Long Walk Home, which helps military personnel transition to civilian life. $60-$70. 8 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. 727-552-1862.
Veterans Day Car Wash: All active, retired and reserve military and veterans get a free car wash as a thank-you for their service. Free. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (Nov. 11-12). Squeeky’s Car Wash, 3264 Tyrone Blvd. N., St. Petersburg. 321-300-2607.
Veterans Day Celebration: St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch celebrates Veterans Day by honoring veterans and presenting the Honored Veteran Award to one or more outstanding local veterans. Free. 9 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Williams Park, Fourth Street and First Avenue North, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7465.
Hiking with Heroes: Join members of the veteran community for a guided tour and exploration of the coastal and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island. Free. 9-11 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500.
Veterans Day Fitness Boot Camp: Sweat it out with a fitness boot camp packed with high-intensity workouts and challenging obstacle courses. $25. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday (Nov. 11). Regions Bank, 3601 W. Waters Ave., Tampa.
Veterans Day Ceremony: The city of Safety Harbor, American Legion Post 238 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10093 present a salute to the people who have served and are now serving the country. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Veterans Memorial Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. 727-724-1555.
Free Museum Admission: Fairgrounds St. Pete offers all active-duty military and veterans free admission. Also, the Military Mermaids will be in full “uniform” to share stories of their work with disabled veterans and available for photos (10 a.m.-noon). 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Fairgrounds St. Pete, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S., St. Petersburg.
Free Pizza for Military: All veterans, active-duty military personnel, reserves and retirees get a free cheese or pepperoni pizza with a military ID on Veterans Day. Free. 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday (Nov. 11). Oak and Stone, 199 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-565-4064.
Veterans Day Ceremony: Ceremonies at the park honor those who have served the country. Free. 10 a.m.-noon Saturday (Nov. 11). Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Park and Museum, 3602 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. 813-744-5502.
Arts Annual 2023 — ARTSventure: The day begins with a Veterans Day commemoration. An arts festival follows with an arts and crafts market, live performances, a gallery exhibition, craft activities and food. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Gallery at Creative Pinellas, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo. 727-582-3600.
Veterans Day Ride: Veterans are invited to join the Tampa Bay Jeep Club for a ride by VFW Club 9272, through Bay Pines VA and back to Seminole City Center to mingle. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Sportsman’s Warehouse, 7967 113th St., Seminole. 727-203-7600.
Veterans Day Ceremony and Celebration: The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is the traditional time to celebrate Veterans Day. Join the city of Dunedin for a patriotic and musical tribute to the men and women in uniform. The ceremony includes the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, inspirational speakers and music. A reception with food, drinks and entertainment follows. Free. 11 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Edgewater Park, 51 Main St., Dunedin. 727-298-3278.
Veterans Day Ceremony: Salute local veterans at this ceremony with live music, readings, presentations, a service vehicle touch a truck and talks with service groups. Free. 11 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. 727-587-6740, ext. 5014.
Bern’s Whisk”E”y Tampa Foxtrot: The Grand Pour: An assortment of more than 200 whiskies to smell, sip and savor. Interact with local and global brand members at this indoor-outdoor event. Benefits Final Salute Inc. for female veterans. $275. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Epicurean Hotel, 1207 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. 855-829-2536.
Veterans Eat Free: Veterans get a free dine-in meal with proof of ID. Limit $15. Also, active military get 40% off their meal of any value. Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Duffy’s Sports Grill, 1580 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-875-7340.
VETSports Beach Volleyball Open: Teams battle it out with four-on-four volleyball in the sand to benefit bettering the lives of American veterans. Entry fee waived for four-person teams of veterans or first responders. $120 per team. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Gulfport Beach Park, 5730 Shore Blvd., Gulfport. 727-893-1068.
Bloomin’ for Veterans: “Military Mates” go to any Outback Steakhouse location for a free Bloomin’ Onion and a free drink with the in-store purchase of an adult entree. Active-duty and retired military personnel also get a $10 bonus discount. Proof of military ID required. No cover. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). For a location near you, go to outback.com.
Free Appetizer for Military: Carrabba’s Italian Grill is offering a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft drink for veterans and active-duty military with proof of military ID. No purchase required. Free. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). For a location near you, go to carrabbas.com.
Veterans Day Celebration: Veterans get their first beer free at this patio party with music by the Freakin Hooligans and The Extras, dancing, food and veteran-related merchandise. No cover (food/drink additional). Noon Saturday (Nov. 11). Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co., 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Road, Valrico. 813-703-8835.
Veterans Appreciation Day: Veterans get special pricing on drafts, shots, wings and loaded nachos. Country music and a line dance instructor will be available at night. No cover. Noon Saturday (Nov. 11). Classics, 12400 County Line Road, Hudson. 727-233-2664.
Free Bang: Active service members, veterans and first responders get a free order of Bonefish Grill’s Bang Bang Shrimp and a soft drink with ID. No purchase necessary. Available during operating hours Nov. 11 only. For a location near you, go to bonefishgrill.com.
“Vette” Invasion: A salute to all things “vet” including Corvettes, NFL veterans and war veterans. No cover. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Downtown Ybor City, along East Seventh Avenue, Tampa.
Veterans Day Cookout: A short service will be followed by a cookout of hot dogs, hamburgers and sides. $5. 1 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). American Legion Post 14, 1520 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-894-7320.
Veterans Day Block Party: Shop from local small businesses in this community market with live music, dancing, a vehicle showcase, barbecue and a “veterans drink tab.” No cover. 1 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Bayboro Brewing, 2390 Fifth Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-767-9666.
Veterans Day Family Fun Day: Fun for all ages with inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses, yard games, corn hole, spike ball and food trucks. Free (food additional). 1-4 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson.
Veterans Day M*A*S*H Party: Get your “Hot Lips” on or dress like Klinger for this “life, liberty and the pursuit of Happy Hour” 4077 M*A*S*H party to benefit VFW Veterans Village in Fort McCoy. Food additional. 4 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). VFW Post 2550, 360 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. 727-733-6107.
Dinner and a Movie: This salute to veterans features a fried chicken dinner followed by a screening of “Sunday Dinner for a Soldier.” Portions of the 1944 movie were filmed in Clearwater, Tampa and Sarasota. Advanced ticket purchase required. $15, $12 members, $6 ages 9 and younger. 5 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Clearwater Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center, 610 S. Fort Harrison Ave. 727-754-8019.
Veterans Day Comedy Night: Army veteran and USO tour member Jody Fuller presents a night of stand-up comedy. A meal and limited menu will be available. $15-$25. 6 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). VFW Post 10209, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, Spring Hill. 352-796-0398.
Veterans Day Luau Gala: Wear a tropical shirt for a luau show with tropical dancers, cocktails, buffet, silent auction and DJ dancing. Benefits Cyber Ohana Project, which supports veterans. $150. 6-9 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-300-2000.
Operation Service Dog: A beer tasting with handmade cigars and a limited-edition glass. Proceeds will help provide a service dog to a veteran and 9/11 survivor. $30. 7 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Cigars on the Boulevard, 1438 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach. 813-296-1016.
Veterans Day Night Blow: Backlit by nothing more than a fiery hot kiln and a “performers” molten glass creation, Night Blow spotlights the steps of glass-blowing, backed with synchronized music. A Veterans Day celebration follows with drinks and appetizers. $50-$55. 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11). Morean Glass Studio, 714 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-822-7872, ext. 2142.
Run for Our Veterans: A 5K run along the Pinellas Trail to salute those who serve in the military, to bring awareness to the Dunedin VFW and American Legion, and to help benefit teens from “Finish Lines for Scholarships.” $40. 8:30 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 12). Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. 727-298-3299.
The Borinqueneers: Veterans Day: A visual history of the 65th Infantry Regiment. Free. 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 12). Gasparilla Distillery and Cocktail Bar, 2102 E. Fourth Ave., Tampa. 813-284-5485.
Harvest for Heroes: The first 400 veterans and active military can eat from food trucks and enjoy entertainment while collecting all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner. Military ID required. Free 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 16. Veterans Help Group, 1401 Court St., Clearwater. 800-900-0517.
Silkies Hike: Veterans and reservists are invited to this therapeutic series of events designed to prevent suicide among veterans. Benefits Irreverent Warriors. Registration on Eventbrite required. $5. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 18. Joe Chillura Courthouse Square, 600 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
Race and War: Race Relations in Tampa During World War II: Florida historian Gary Mormino discusses how Pearl Harbor served as a trigger for a war against racism and intolerance in Tampa during World War II. Free. 2-3:30 p.m. Nov. 19. Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center, 1101 E. River Cove St., Tampa. 813-935-9402.
Frogman Feast: Celebrity chefs cook up signature dishes at this celebration with food, dessert, cocktails, wine, beer, music, silent auction and a raffle. Benefits Navy SEALs and their families for support after sickness, injury or death. $95-$145. 2-5 p.m. Nov. 26. 3 Daughters Brewing, 222 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-495-6002.
