Veterans Day Events in DC - Towncalendar Events

Best time to go: 11/11 - 11/11

Just show up! You don't need tickets.

Trapped at home with the kids out of school this Veterans Day? Fortunately, there are plenty of things to do in the Washington, DC area. All the downtown museums are open on Veterans Day, including the National Gallery of Art, the Air & Space Museum, the National Museum of African American History & Culture, and all Smithsonian facilities. All 2023 Veterans Day Events are listed on our community events calendar at the bottom of this page.

Are the Smithsonian DC Museums open on Veterans Day?

All Smithsonian Museums are open Veterans Day this year, with plenty of curb-side parking available until 9:30 am. Hours vary, but the most popular, Air & Space and the Natural History Museum are both open from 10:00 a.m – 5:30 p.m. every Veterans Day (November 11th).

Is the National Zoo in Washington DC open this Veterans Day?

Yes! The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is open from 8 am to 4 pm this Veterans Day, but free advanced passes are required and parking lots may fill up early.

When is Veterans Day this year?

This year, Veterans Day will fall on November 11th.

Parking on Veterans Day

Because it’s a national holiday, it is a popular day for school groups to descend on the mall. There are also a number of free events that can attract big crowds, such as the the formal dedication of the new National Native American Veterans Memorial in 2022. It is also a popular day to visit other memorials, such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the the WWII memorial.

Due to heavy crowd pressure on the Mall, it is best to arrive by 9:30 am to secure a spot close to your destination. If you are unable to arrive by then, consider taking Metro to the National Mall. The closest metro stop to the Smithsonian Castle is Smithsonian Station (on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines), though L’Enfant Plaza Station is also a good choice.

Outdoor activities on Veterans Day

There are a number of outdoor activities within an easy drive of city center. If you don’t mind the crowds, the National Zoo and Great Falls are good choices. Some less crowded options include the Franciscan Monastery Gardens near Catholic University and the traditional Asian garden at Meadowlark Gardens and Nature Center.