Jacksonville is preparing to honor those who served with the 2025 Veterans Day Parade, set to begin at 11:01 a.m. on Nov. 11 in Downtown Jacksonville, by bringing the community together to celebrate the city’s deep military roots.
Presented by The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., the annual event will feature grand marshals, military leaders, active-duty and retired service members, veteran groups, Junior ROTC units, local high school marching bands, and colorful floats. The parade remains the largest Veterans Day observance in Florida, drawing more than 2,500 participants each year.
The 2025 parade route covers approximately 1.11 miles and is expected to last about two hours. The parade will begin on Water Street in front of the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, turn left onto Hogan Street, and continue east along Bay Street before concluding at Lot X in the Sports Complex.
Here’s what to know about the 2025 Veterans Day Parade, including the complete parade route, road closures and how to honor those who served this Veterans Day.
Where to watch the 2025 Veterans Day Parade in Jacksonville
If you’re planning to watch the Veterans Day Parade, there are plenty of great spots to enjoy the event. According to organizers, spectators are invited to gather Downtown and show their patriotic spirit by wearing red, white, and blue and waving flags.
The parade travels along Bay Street, stretching from Hogan Street to Lafayette Street, and can be viewed from many points along this route. A particularly popular viewing area is Ford on Bay, located at the intersection of South Liberty Street and East Bay Street.
All public viewing areas are first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early to grab a good spot and enjoy the festivities safely.
What’s the official route for Jacksonville’s Veterans’ Parade 2025? Where does it end?
The parade will begin on Water Street in front of the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, turn left onto Hogan Street, and continue east along Bay Street before concluding at Lot X in the Sports Complex.
Veteran’s Day Route 2025
What streets will be closed during the Veterans Day Parade 2025 in Jacksonville?
Several street closures will be in place along the parade route to ensure safety and smooth operations. These will include both full (hard) closures and temporary (rolling) closures as the parade moves through the area. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will oversee traffic control at all affected intersections.
Full road closures in Jacksonville during Veterans Day Parade 2025
7:30 AM: Stonewall St. & Park St.
7:30 AM: Park St. & Water St. & Lee & W. Bay
7:30 AM: Water St. (Jefferson St. & Lee St.)
10:00 AM: Riverside Ave. to Water
10:00 AM: Jefferson St. & Water St.
10:00 AM: Acosta Bridge off ramp to Water St.
10:00 AM: Main St. (Southbound) & Bay St.
10:00 AM: Main St. (Northbound) & Riverplace Blvd.
10:00 AM: Newnan St.& E. Bay St.
10:00 AM: Liberty St. & Forsyth St. (close Forsyth St. on ramp eastbound)
10:00 AM: Washington St. & Monroe St.
10:00 AM: Marsh St. & Bay St.
10:00 AM: Lafayette St. & Forsyth St.
10:00 AM: A. Philip Randolph St. & Gator Bowl Blvd (westbound)
Temporary road closures in Jacksonville during Veterans’ Parade 2025
10:00 AM: Bay St. & Myrtle Ave.
10:00 AM: Lee St. & Bay St.
10:00 AM: Pearl St. & Water St.
10:00 AM: Laura St. & Bay St.
10:00 AM: Market St. (North & South) & E. Bay St.
10:00 AM: A. Philip Randolp St. & Gator Bowl Blvd.
10:00 AM: Gator Bowl Blvd. & Commodore St.
10:00 AM: Bryan St. & Duval St.
Traffic Control during Veteran’s Parade 2025
10:00 AM: W. Bay St. at POCC entrance
10:00 AM: Gator Bowl Blvd. @Lot J
10:00 AM: Gator Bowl Blvd. at Lot D/ South Lawn Corner
10:00 AM: Duval St. at Gate 5
When are road closures expected to end due to the Veterans Day 2025 parade?
Road closures are expected to end at 2 p.m. or as soon as the end of the parade.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville’s Veterans Day Parade 2025: Route map and road closures