Veterans Day in Havre de Grace, MD (2026): Parade, Lunch and Nearby Deals

by Josh Tessier

Published Nov. 2, 2026 | Last updated: Nov. 2, 2026

Havre de Grace hosts Harford County's big Veterans Day parade at 11 a.m. on Wed., Nov. 11, 2026, with lunch at American Legion Post 47 after. I didn't find a 2026 free-meal offer posted by a Havre de Grace restaurant, so the closest free meals are in Aberdeen, about 10 minutes away.

Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Every deal below comes from the business's own 2026 page. Most say "participating locations," so call before you go and bring proof of service.

Closest free meals: Aberdeen (about 10 minutes)

These Aberdeen spots are about 5 miles from downtown Havre de Grace, an easy drive after the parade.

Where	Address	The offer	Rules
Golden Corral	706 S. Philadelphia Blvd., Aberdeen, (410) 272-0668	Free buffet and drink for the person who served, 4 p.m. to close	Nov. 11. Veterans, retirees, active duty, Guard and Reserves. No takeout.
Applebee's	991 Beards Hill Rd., Aberdeen, (410) 273-7846	Free full-size entrée from a 7-item Veterans Day menu, plus a $5 card for a later visit	Nov. 11 only. Dine-in only. Bring proof of service. Drinks and tip not included.

Veterans Day events in Havre de Grace

Wed., Nov. 11, 11 a.m.: Havre de Grace Veterans Day Parade. Line-up is at 10 a.m. at Hutchins Memorial Park. It goes up Congress Ave., turns right on N. Washington St. and then onto St. John St. American Legion Post 47 serves lunch for veterans and their families after, at 501 St. John St. Free to watch.
Fri., Nov. 13, 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Veterans Day Poster and Essay Awards. At the American Legion in Havre de Grace. Free, but RSVP online. Confirm before you go.
Sat., Nov. 21, 3 to 5 p.m.: History Untapped: Havre de Grace Answers the Call. A free talk on Havre de Grace veterans at American Legion Post 47, 501 St. John St. Confirm before you go.

Good to know

Bring proof. A military ID, VA card, DD214, or a photo of you in uniform works at most places. Applebee's also takes an American Legion or VFW card.
Dine in. Almost every free meal is dine-in only and for the person who served.
Go early or late. Lunch and dinner rushes get long on Veterans Day.
What's closed: Harford County public schools, all county library branches and post offices are closed Nov. 11.

My take

This is the town to be in on Veterans Day. Get downtown early to park, stand on Congress Ave. near the start, and bring small flags for the kids. Then head to Aberdeen for a free meal.

FAQ

What time is the Havre de Grace Veterans Day Parade in 2026?

The parade steps off at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Line-up is at 10 a.m. at Hutchins Memorial Park. American Legion Post 47 runs it, and it's free to watch.

Where can veterans eat free near Havre de Grace on Veterans Day?

The closest posted free meals are in Aberdeen, about 10 minutes away. Applebee's on Beards Hill Road gives a free entrée, and Golden Corral serves a free buffet from 4 p.m. to close on Nov. 11, 2026.

Is there lunch after the parade?

Yes. American Legion Post 47 serves lunch for veterans and their families after the parade at 501 St. John St.

About the author: Josh Tessier is a Harford County REALTOR® with the Lee Tessier Team at eXp Realty, based in Bel Air. He has 16+ years in real estate and has sold 600+ homes personally (5,900+ for the Lee Tessier Team). He lives in Harford County and is raising his family here. Call or text (443) 617-2099.

Harford County real estate agent Josh Tessier — *Josh Tessier, REALTOR® with the Lee Tessier Team. Call or text (443) 617-2099.*

Watch more on my YouTube channel, Josh Talks Harford, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Sources

Checked Nov. 2, 2026.