NEW YORK, November 5, 2026 — The 107th NYC Veterans Day Parade will return to Manhattan on Wednesday, November 11, with more than 20,000 marchers expected as Fifth Avenue hosts one of America’s largest annual tributes to military veterans.

The parade begins at 12:30 p.m. ET at Fifth Avenue and East 26th Street, led by NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy captain Sunita “Suni” Williams. Thousands of veterans, military families and supporters are expected to attend, while road restrictions will affect parts of Midtown Manhattan.

NYC Veterans Day Parade 2026: Date, Time and Schedule

Organized by the United War Veterans Council, the event includes a remembrance ceremony before the main procession.

Event	Details
Date	Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Wreath-laying	10:55 a.m. ET
Parade starts	12:30 p.m. ET
Scheduled finish	4 p.m. ET
Starting point	Fifth Avenue and 26th Street
Route	Fifth Avenue, 26th–45th Streets
Admission	Free

The city lists a 12:30–4 p.m. event window, although the procession’s finishing time may vary.

Fifth Avenue Route and Best Viewing Locations

The parade will travel north along Fifth Avenue from East 26th Street toward 45th Street.

Visitors can watch near Madison Square Park, around 34th Street by the Empire State Building, or near the New York Public Library at 42nd Street.

Public viewing is free. Spectators should arrive early and follow police instructions regarding pedestrian crossings and restricted areas.

NYC Veterans Day Parade Road Closures

Motorists should expect temporary restrictions along Fifth Avenue and surrounding streets.

New York City’s event permit identifies affected areas including:

• Fifth Avenue between 25th and 45th Streets.
• Broadway between 23rd and 29th Streets.
• West 24th Street near Fifth and Seventh Avenues.
• East and West 26th–28th Streets.
• 45th Street and nearby parade dispersal areas.

These include staging areas, not necessarily roads closed throughout the event. Exact closure and reopening times remain subject to official updates.

Major events regularly disrupt Manhattan traffic. The 2026 NYC Marathon road closures and travel restrictions provide another example of how large gatherings affect city transportation.

Subway Stations and Parking Information

Public transportation is recommended for spectators traveling into Midtown.

• 23rd Street: Near Madison Square Park.
• 34th Street–Herald Square: Convenient for central viewing.
• 42nd Street–Bryant Park: Near the northern route.

Nearby buses may face diversions. Alternate-side parking rules are suspended for Veterans Day, but other parking restrictions and meter requirements may apply.

Suni Williams and Vicki Bello Lead the Parade

Former NASA astronaut Sunita Williams will serve as Grand Marshal, recognizing her distinguished career in the U.S. Navy and space exploration.

Honorary Marshal Vicki Bello enlisted in the Navy in 1985 and now manages community and veterans programs at the Theatre Development Fund.

The Navy is the featured military service, with representatives from other branches also expected.

More Than 280 Marching Units Expected

Organizer-published parade figures include:

• More than 20,000 marchers.
• More than 280 marching units.
• Over 25 floats.
• More than 150 vehicles.

These figures describe the event’s expected scale, not verified final attendance.

Wreath-Laying Ceremony and Veterans Day Tributes

A wreath-laying ceremony begins at 10:55 a.m. in Madison Square Park, honoring American service members and those who died in military service.

The 2026 observance also recognizes America’s 250th anniversary, 25 years since September 11, 35 years since Operation Desert Storm and 85 years since Pearl Harbor.

Veterans Day honors service across generations, including figures such as World War II Navy veteran Stan Nelson, who helped transport troops during the D-Day invasion.

Property-Tax Relief Proposal for Disabled Veterans

New York City Council Member Frank Morano is also pushing Intro. 1051, legislation proposing property-tax relief for veterans permanently and totally disabled by military service.

Morano says the proposal has 26 council sponsors and is seeking action on November 12. The measure has not been enacted.

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How to Watch the NYC Veterans Day Parade Live

ABC7 New York is an event partner, but final television and streaming times have not been confirmed.

Viewers can check the official United War Veterans Council parade viewing page for broadcast announcements.

Anyone attending should check updated street restrictions, MTA service information and weather conditions before November 11.