Veterans Day Celebrations in Cincinnati {2023}

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States and is observed on November 11 each year. The day is set aside to honor our military veterans, those who have served their country.

Soldier Saluting at Union Terminal

The Cincinnati area is proud to honor our veterans with these special 2023 Veterans Day events and freebies:


Veterans Day Events in Cincinnati:

November 11: DAV 5k, Run to Honor Veterans. The DAV 5K Cincinnati is a walk, roll, run, and ride that thanks those who served and raises awareness of the issues our ill and injured veterans face every day. The DAV 5K will be held at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, OH.

November 11:  VFW Post 10380 Veterans Day Ceremony 11am-12pm at Veteran’s Park Plaza (6231 Harrison Ave). The public is invited to this ceremony to commemorate local veterans and honor their dedication to serving the United States of America.

November 11: Blue Ash Veterans Day Ceremony and Luncheon will take place starting at 10:30am. The event, which is open to the public, features a memorial ceremony, tolling of bells, music from the Ohio Military Band, and keynote speaker Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. During the ceremony, students from Edwin H. Greene Intermediate School will read patriotic essays they have written for the event and will place wreaths at the base of the statues at the park. Numerous area veterans and dignitaries will be in attendance. Following the ceremony, the public is invited to a luncheon at the Blue Ash Recreation Center, 4433 Cooper Road. The meal is prepared by members of the 123rd Air Control Squadron. Cost is $7 per person. During the luncheon, Blue Ash Mayor Marc Sirkin and the Veterans Committee will recognize the 2023 Veteran of the Year. 

November 11: Queen City Harley-Davidson is hosting a Freedom Ride + Rally / Veterans Day Event starting at 11am. Meet at the dealership at 11am to register to ride at 11:30am. Then enjoy free burgers and dogs for lunch followed by a pie bake off. Live music too!

November 11: They’ll be Honoring Veterans at the Walnut Hills Branch of the library, noon to 2pm. The event includes military music and tribute to veterans at the WWII Honor Role Monument. They’ll also have John Graham, local librarian and author of the book The Gold Star Mother Pilgrimages of the 1930, present the history of pilgrimages of grieving relatives to the graves of their fallen soldiers in Europe. Presented in partnership with the Veterans Administration.

November 12: Head to Memorial Hall for a special Veterans Day event including:

  • “Washington’s Eyes”, a military presentation (10am)
  • The Cincinnati Veterans Art Exhibition, 9am-noon and 4-7pm
  • Queen City Concert Band’s “Veterans Salute” Performance, 5-6:15pm
  • A reception following the concert

Tickets for “Washington’s Eyes” and the Queen City Concert Band performance are free of charge but you must register in advance (at link above).

November 12: There will be a ceremony at the Clermont County / Batavia Courthouse steps (1pm) followed a Veterans Day Parade in Batavia (starting at 2pm) with a B-25 flyover at 1:50pm. The parade travels down Main Street from Haskell Lane to Clermont Sun Offices.

November 12: The Honor Run (Florence, Ky) returns for 2023. All proceeds from the Honor Run Half Marathon, 10K Run/Walk, and 5K Run/Walk are donated to Honor Flight Tri State to help send our local Veterans who have served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to Washington DC for the day to see the memorials that they have earned.

Free Admission for Veterans:

B105 Military Days at the Cincinnati Zoo: All members of the military — active and retired — will receive FREE admission to the Zoo on Veteran’s Day.  The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six (6) half-price admission tickets for members of their immediate family. Military personnel who qualify for the free admission ticket and discount offer for family members include active military, retired military, National Guard, veterans with honorable or medical discharge and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps with government issued ID.

Behringer-Crawford Museum welcomes Veterans to their Holly Jolly Days and is offering free admission for Veterans on November 11, 2023.

Light Up the Fair (Boone County Fairgrounds, Ky) is honoring the service and sacrifice of our esteemed veterans with complimentary admission to the light show on November 10-12, 2023.

Free Meals for Veterans on 11-11-23:

Bob Evans: Veterans and Active Duty Military, this Veterans’ Day your meal is on Bob Evans. Guests who dine in at their local Bob Evans Restaurant on November 11, 2023 can choose from one of 10 farm-fresh breakfast items from a special menu available all day. The offering is part of Bob Evans longstanding support for the military community, saluting the life and legacy of founder Bob Evans, a veteran himself. Dine-in only, beverage not included. Guests wishing to enjoy a free Veterans Day meal must provide proof of service. Accepted indentification includes: US Uniformed Services ID Card, US Uniformed Services Retired Card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (i.e. American Legion, VFW), photograph of yourself in uniform, wearing uniform, DD214, and citation or commendation.

Chili’s Grill and Bar is honored to be at YOUR service. All veterans and active duty military personnel can enjoy a complimentary entree (choose from a list they provide) on Nov. 11, 2023. Dine in only. You must present your Military ID for the offer. Beverages and gratuity not included.

Gold Star Chili is celebrating those who have served our country with a complimentary meal of their choice (up to $12 off their order with proof* of service). Available for dine-in, carry out, or drive thru. *Proof of service includes: Uniformed Services ID Card, U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW), present yourself in uniform, a photograph of yourself in uniform, a citation or commendation.

Golden Corral: Golden Corral is proud to have honored our active and former military members for 20+ years through Military Appreciation Night. Military Appreciation Night will be held on November 13 from 5pm – close. They will once again be honoring our military heroes with a free “thank you” meal.

Moerlein Lager House is celebrating our Veterans on Friday, November 10, 2023. Veterans and current service members can stop by the Moerlein Lager House and get a free meal along with a non-alcoholic beverage off their special Thank You Veterans menu. This includes Steak Frites, The Moer Burger, Fish n Chips, salads and more. All you have to do is provide current or past military documents or be in uniform.

Red Robin says, “It’s our turn to serve you.” Veterans and active military can enjoy a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger (comes with bottomless fries) on 11-11-23. Dine-in only; proof of service required.

Silver Spring House will celebrate and honor Veterans Day (on November 11, 2023) by offering all service men and women one free entree, as well one free t-shirt (while supplies last).

White Castle celebrates Veterans Day by giving a complimentary Combo Meal or breakfast combo meal to veterans and active duty service members on November 11, 2023. Dine-in only. No purchase is necessary, but veterans and active duty personnel are requested to show a military ID. 

Other Veterans Day Offers:

offers coming as announced


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About the Author
Bridgett Raffenberg
My name is Bridgett Raffenberg and I am the creator of 365Cincinnati. I've been uncovering and sharing all of the best things to do in Cincinnati since 2010. I enjoy exploring new spots, discovering local events, and meeting the people who call Cincinnati home!

1 thought on “Veterans Day Celebrations in Cincinnati {2023}”

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