First Rutherford County Veterans Day Parade Set for Nov. 14 on Main Street

The first annual Rutherford County Veterans Day Parade runs Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon, traveling down Main Street from MTSU to Civic Plaza downtown. It is free, with a moment of remembrance at noon and music and an awards ceremony at 12:30 p.m.

Rutherford County is getting a new November tradition this weekend. The first annual Rutherford County Veterans Day Parade steps off on Main Street in Murfreesboro on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10 a.m., according to the parade's organizers, who say they hope it becomes an annual hometown tradition. Admission is free.

Parade Route

The parade starts at MTSU, 1301 E. Main St., and heads west down East Main Street, past Middle Tennessee Boulevard, Maney Avenue and Academy Street, to finish at Civic Plaza, 111 W. Vine St., next to the Public Square. Organizers describe the route as running down Main Street from 1st to 8th Avenue.

Schedule

• 10 a.m.: The parade steps off at MTSU.
• Noon: The parade ends, followed by a moment of remembrance.
• 12:30 p.m.: Music and an awards ceremony begin.

Who Is Marching

Organizers list these participants:

• Marching bands
• Veterans' units
• Vintage vehicles
• Scout troops
• First responders

Veterans' groups, bands and organizations that want to march can apply through participant forms on the parade website, which also recruits volunteers.

Hosts and Sponsors

The parade is hosted by Single Tree BBQ and Minutes Wisely, with Atmos Energy as host sponsor and Country Financial as partner. Other sponsors include Redstone Federal Credit Union, Pepsi, the Rutherford County Veteran Coalition, OleSouth, Annette Bratcher Real Estate, TriCars and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Cost

The parade is free to attend. Organizers say donations keep the parade free and go to Minutes Wisely to support local veterans and their families.

Other Veterans Day Events

Veterans Day itself is Wednesday, Nov. 11. Ceremonies that day are on the events calendar, including La Vergne's Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at La Vergne City Hall and the Smyrna Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Captain Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial. The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System holds its own, separate Veterans Day Parade a week earlier, on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the front entrance of the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center, 3400 Lebanon Pike. Pre-parade entertainment starts at 10 a.m., and the parade steps off at 11 a.m. from the medical center's main entrance. It is free. OnlyInMurfreesboro's Veterans Day 2026 guide lists both parades, the Nov. 11 ceremonies, the Tennessee Philharmonic's Veterans Salute and free meal offers for veterans.

Planning Your Morning Downtown

Main Street runs past many of the city's historic homes on the way to the Square. Parking is available in the downtown city and county garages, and there are more restaurants within walking distance in the downtown Murfreesboro restaurants guide. The Christmas season follows soon after: see the Murfreesboro Christmas parade guide and Christmas on the Square.

The City of Murfreesboro is also taking Hometown Heroes veteran nominations through Oct. 23 for display Nov. 9-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Veterans Day parade in Murfreesboro?

The first Rutherford County Veterans Day Parade is Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon, with a moment of remembrance at noon and music and an awards ceremony at 12:30 p.m.

What is the route of the Rutherford County Veterans Day Parade?

The parade starts at MTSU, 1301 E. Main St., and travels down Main Street to finish at Civic Plaza, 111 W. Vine St., in downtown Murfreesboro.

Is the Murfreesboro Veterans Day parade free?

Yes. The parade is free to attend. Donations go to Minutes Wisely to support local veterans and their families.

Who is hosting the Rutherford County Veterans Day Parade?

Single Tree BBQ and Minutes Wisely host the parade, with Atmos Energy as host sponsor and Country Financial as partner.

How can I march in the Veterans Day parade?

The parade website has participant and volunteer forms for bands, veterans' units, scout troops, first responders and vintage vehicles.

Source: Rutherford County Veterans Day Parade. See the event listing.