Wichita’s annual Veteran’s Day parade is scheduled for November 9, 2024. It’s one of the events in Wichita our family hardly ever misses. Keep reading to find the route and where to go to find all of the fun and events after the parade!
Veterans Day is on November 11th so make sure to put this on your calendar.
We also have information on about numerous Veterans Day freebies and discounts in the Wichita area.
2024 Wichita, KS Veterans Day Parade Downtown
The theme for this year’s parade is “Veterans Strong — Honoring Generations of Kansas Heroes.” The event honors all military veterans, and this year, parade organizers want to particularly recognize Kansas families with generation after generation of military service.
The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 9th, in downtown Wichita.
Before the parade, from 7:30 am – 10 am, the Young Marines and Post 4 will host a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast. Donations accepted.
Take note of the parade route. Read below so you’ll know where to stand or set up your chairs.
Wichita Veterans Day Parade Route
The parade will start on Main Street between Murcock and Central. It will proceed down Main to First Street, then turn right (aka west), then go down First Street to McLean Boulevard, then end at Exploration Place.
New this year is that McClean Blvd. will be closed – in both directions – from 2nd Street to Seneca. Make sure you figure out your route so you can enjoy the activities later.
So many fun activities are planned for after the parade, so be sure not to miss this part!
Activities After the Parade on Veterans Day
This is so cool! Look at all the fun and activities that will happen after the parade. Your day of celebrating is complete:
- Exploration Place will be open to the Public and will offer FREE admission for Veterans and their families on Nov. 9th.
- A car show and shine will be held in the parking lot on the west side of Exploration Place.
- The Sedgwick County Registrar of Deeds will be processing DD Form 214s to put on file for veterans and their families. They will also be issuing veteran ID cards. These IDs can be used to prove veteran status to enter Exploration Place for free on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
- The Fabulous Shirtheads will perform live in the new Exploration Place Amphitheater.
- Wichita Wagonmasters will cook up hamburgers and hot dogs
- A beer and wine garden will be available
- Inside Exploration Place, different organizations will be set up with displays to provide information to the public.
- City trolleys will provide free transportation to Veterans Memorial Park and the parade starting area to get you back to your vehicles if you park nearby.
Wichita Veterans Day Parade Entries
If you are interested in being in the parade, here is the form below. Entry deadline for this year’s parade is November 1. There is no fee to join the Wichita Veterans Day parade. Parade entry is free! Visit wichitaveteransdayparade.com to find the entry form.
The Veterans Day parade is organized by Wichita JROTC groups and sponsored by local businesses.
Wichita Veterans Day Parade Details
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Start on Main St in between Murcock and Central. It will go down Min to First Street, turn right/west, go down First to McLean, and end at Exploration Place.
Cost: FREE
5 Responses
Where does one park to see the parade?
There is some parking under Kellogg that is usually accessible on parade day, or find some spots along the streets downtown. It’s kind of hit or miss along the streets, which is why I recommend getting there early!
At some point, Main street will be closed from (I think) Central to Waterman, so plan your route around that.
I believe the Veterans Day ceremony at Century II is Wednesday, November 8, not Thursday.
Oh my goodness. I better double-check that. Thank you, Laura!
You are right, Laura. November 8 is a Wednesday, not Thursday! Thanks again. I’ve made that correction.