Bowling Green's Veterans Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, near Circus Square Park. The Kentucky Museum's Veterans Day talk is Nov. 11.

Last checked Oct. 20, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Facts come from the City of Bowling Green, the Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University and the school districts, linked below.

Bowling Green honors its veterans with a parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. Veterans Day itself is Wednesday, Nov. 11. The date, time and route are on the city’s own Parks and Recreation program booklet (PDF), page 26.

At a glance

  • Veterans Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, College Street, free
  • Kentuckians at War talk: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, Kentucky Museum
  • Holiday wreaths for veterans: 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Fairview Cemetery
  • Questions about the parade: Bowling Green Parks Office, 270-393-3549

The Veterans Parade

10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. The City of Bowling Green’s flyer for the 2026 parade says:

  • Route: the parade begins near Circus Square Park, travels up College Street and ends at Sixth and State streets.
  • On the program: floats, a flag raising and, in the city’s word, fun.
  • Cost: free and open to the public.
  • Updates: text “Vetsparade” to 1-866-554-2755 for the city’s alerts. The sign-up deadline for groups marching in the parade was Oct. 16.

The city had not posted street closures or a parking map for the parade when we checked. In 2025 the parade ran from Circus Square Park up College Street to the Warren County Courthouse, with a flag raising afterward, according to the city’s 2025 parade announcement. This year’s flyer gives a different finish at Sixth and State.

Parking: the free downtown lots and the parking structure are listed in our downtown guide. College Street is the route, so park a block or two off it and walk in.

Kentuckians at War, Nov. 11

The Kentucky Museum on the WKU campus marks Veterans Day with “Kentuckians at War”, a talk by WKU history professor David Serafini at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. From 6 to 7 p.m., guests who stay can go with the curators to see eight tables of weapons, uniforms, military equipment, letters and battlefield souvenirs from the museum’s collection. The museum says the project is supported by the America250KY Commission and the Kentucky Historical Society.

Aviation Heritage Park

Aviation Heritage Park and Museum, 1825 Three Springs Road, tells the stories of the region’s military aviators through its aircraft. The park is open year-round during daylight hours and the museum 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, both free, according to the park’s website. It had not posted a 2026 Veterans Day event when we checked.

Wreaths at Fairview Cemetery, Dec. 5

The city places holiday wreaths at the monuments in the veterans sections of Fairview Cemetery No. 2 at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and invites the public to join, according to the Parks and Recreation booklet. Details: 270-393-3607.

Schools and closings

  • Schools: Bowling Green Independent Schools’ 2026-27 calendar does not list Nov. 11 as a day off; its November days off are Nov. 2 and Thanksgiving, Nov. 25-27. Warren County Public Schools posts its calendar on the district website.
  • Mail and banks: Veterans Day is a federal holiday, so post offices close and most banks follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule.
  • Planning office: the City-County Planning Commission office is closed Nov. 11. See our permits and zoning guide.
  • Trash: see our trash and recycling page for holiday changes.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Bowling Green Veterans Day parade in 2026?

The City of Bowling Green’s 2026 Veterans Parade is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. It is free and open to the public, according to the Parks and Recreation program booklet.

What is the parade route?

The city’s flyer says the parade begins near Circus Square Park, travels up College Street and ends at Sixth and State streets. Floats and a flag raising are on the program. Questions go to the Parks Office at 270-393-3549.

Is there a Veterans Day event on Nov. 11 itself?

Yes. The Kentucky Museum at WKU hosts “Kentuckians at War,” a talk by WKU history professor David Serafini, at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, followed by a look at part of the museum’s military collection from 6 to 7 p.m.

Do Bowling Green schools close for Veterans Day?

Bowling Green Independent Schools’ 2026-27 calendar does not list Nov. 11 as a day off. Warren County Public Schools posts its calendar on its own website; check it before planning.