Many activities slated for Veterans Homecoming Week

Branson, America's Most Patriotic City, is home to one of the biggest veterans' celebrations in the country.

Each year Branson celebrates our nation's veterans with special shows, ceremonies, mini-reunions, a parade and much more during Branson Veterans Homecoming, held every November 5-11.

Following is a list of activities slated for Veterans Homecoming Week 2026.

The Veterans Village is open daily at the Ballparks of America. The Veterans Village offers a day room for veterans to relax and reconnect, a vendor village and a free lunch for veterans, held November 5-10. Veterans Village is open daily, November 5-10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the free lunch (free for veterans, and a nominal fee for spouses), each day 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Vietnam Memorial Wall will be on display 24-hours a day during Veterans Week, at the Branson Police Station.

November 5-10, beginning at 8:30 a.m. daily, Military Film Festival, Vietnam War-focused documentaries played throughout the day, IMAX Entertainment Complex

Thursday, November 5

10 a.m.: Opening celebration at the Branson Police Station, with keynote speaker Navy Captain Maria Lohmeyer

2 p.m.:  POW/MIA Memorial Dedication, Patriots Park at College of the Ozarks

5 p.m.: Bigger, Better Kickoff Show, free admission, at the Americana Theatre

Friday, November 6

8:30 a.m.: 13th Annual Navy Memorial Service, includes Bell Tolling Ceremony, Westgate Woods Resort

11 a.m.: Vietnam Veterans Reunion, AmericInn by Wyndham

2 p.m.: Medics, nurses and combat veterans’ reunion, Westgate Woods Resort     

Saturday, November 7

8:30 to 10 a.m.: Sandbox Party, free breakfast for Gulf War and later veterans, Mel's Hard Luck Diner  

12 p.m.: Hometown Heroes (spouses) Salute, AmericInn by Wyndham

12 p.m.: Women Veterans Rose Petal Ceremony, Westgate Woods Grand Pavilion

Sunday, November 8

10 a.m.: Worship service with Barbara Fairchild, Clay Cooper Theatre

5 p.m.: 30th Annual Military Gala and Banquet, includes dinner, USMC cake cutting and fireworks, Chateau on the Lake

Monday, November 9

10 a.m.: Hot Rods and High Heels Show, followed by lunch and a special veterans show starring Clay Cooper and cast, Clay Cooper Theatre

11 a.m.: Brothers and Sisters Forever, for all branches, AmericInn by Wyndham

12 p.m.: Ozark Mountain Blue Star Mothers, Ingram Hall

4 p.m.: Pizza Ranch fundraiser; all tips and 10% of sales will benefit the P.O.W. Network to pay for events and activities during Homecoming Week

5 p.m.: Flag retirement ceremony, hosted by Boy Scouts of America, United Methodist Church, Branson

Tuesday, November 10

8:30 a.m.: 17th Annual Walmart Tribute to the Veterans Show, Mansion Theatre; lunch to follow at Branson Meadows

Wednesday, November 11

7 a.m.: Veterans Day Sunrise Service, Alumni Memorial, College of the Ozarks

11 a.m.: Veterans Day Parade, downtown Branson

In addition to the above-mentioned events, many shows and attractions will be offering reduced or free tickets to their shows, and some restaurants will offer veterans a free meal during specific hours on Veterans Day, November 11. Reach out to the venue of your choice to see what special discount they may be offering to our veterans.

Branson gives a heartfelt welcome to each veteran, their spouse and family. Have a wonderful Branson Veterans Homecoming Week!