Veterans Day 2026: Events, Programs, Meals & Specials in the Nisswa & Brainerd Lakes Area

Updated: 2 days ago

Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11, 2026
This Veterans Day, we honor the courageous men and women who have served our country. Their dedication, bravery, and sacrifice have helped protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.
To all veterans, thank you for your service. Your commitment to our nation and the sacrifices made by you and your families deserve our appreciation, not just on Veterans Day, but throughout the year.
As we recognize Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, communities and businesses throughout the Nisswa and Brainerd Lakes Area are coming together to honor those who have served.
Below is our growing list of Veterans Day events, programs, free meals, deals, and discounts available throughout the Lakes Area.
We'll continue updating this guide as more events and specials are announced. Have something to add? Email us at info@campnisswa.com.
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Programs & Ceremonies:
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Meals & Specials:
Bar Harbor Supper Club | Lake Shore, MN
Time: Doors open at 4:00 PM
Details: Bar Harbor Supper Club is honoring veterans with a FREE Chicken Sunday dinner and a cocktail of their choice on Sunday, November 8. This special offer is a thank-you to all veterans for their service. Reservations are recommended.
Monday, November 9, 2026
Programs & Ceremonies:
Nisswa Elementary School Veterans Day Program | Nisswa, MN
Time: 1:30 PM & 5:30 PM
Location: Nisswa Elementary School Gymnasium, 5533 Lakers Lane, Nisswa, MN
Details: Nisswa Elementary School invites the community to honor our veterans with a special Veterans Day program featuring patriotic songs performed by fourth-grade students. The 1:30 PM program will also feature keynote speaker Brigadier General Charles "Chip" Rankin. Join the students and staff as they recognize and thank the men and women who have served our country.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 – Veterans Day
Programs & Ceremonies:
Veterans Day Program & Honor Guard at Riverside Elementary School | 8:00 AM
Brainerd High School Veterans Day Program & Honor Guard | 10:00 AM
The program at Brainerd High School Gymnasium, 702 S 5th St, will feature guest speaker Retired Brigadier General Mark Ness, performances by the Brainerd High School Music Department, and recognition of 12 local veterans receiving Quilts of Honor. The event is free and open to the public. Transportation is available from the American Legion on Front Street, with a bus departing at 9:30 AM. Please arrive by 9:15 AM.
Veterans Day Honor Guard at All-Veterans Memorial | 11:11 AM
Veterans Day Program & Honor Guard at Harrison Elementary School | 1:00 PM
Veterans Day Honor Guard at Pinecrest Country Manor | 3:00 PM
Meals & Specials:
Brainerd American Legion Post 255 | Brainerd, MN
Location: 708 Front St, Brainerd, MN
Details: The Brainerd American Legion is honoring veterans with FREE meals on Wednesday, November 11. Veterans can enjoy soup and a sandwich from 11:30 AM to 2 PM or a hot turkey sandwich from 4 PM to 7 PM. Both meals are free for all veterans as a thank-you for their service.
A-Pine Family Restaurant | Pequot Lakes, MN
Time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Details: A-Pine Family Restaurant is honoring veterans and active-duty military service members with a FREE pancakes and eggs breakfast on Wednesday, November 11, from 7 AM to 10 AM. A special thank-you to the men and women who have served our country.
Pine River American Legion Post 613 | Pine River, MN
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Details: The Pine River Auxiliary Unit 613 invites all veterans to the Pine River American Legion, located at 400 Front St, for a Veterans Day appreciation event. Veterans are welcome to stop by and enjoy a snack, a sweet treat, and a free drink as a thank-you for their service.
Crosslake-Fifty Lakes American Legion Post 500 | Crosslake, MN
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Details: Crosslake-Fifty Lakes American Legion Post 500 is honoring veterans with FREE hamburgers on Wednesday, November 11, from 4:30 PM to 7 PM. Enjoy live music by Mike Miller from 5 PM to 8 PM as the community comes together to thank those who have served our country.
Snarky Loon Brewing | Jenkins, MN
Details: Snarky Loon Brewing is honoring veterans this Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, with a free pint for all veterans as a thank-you for their service.
Grizzly's Wood-Fired Grill | Baxter, MN
Details: Grizzly's Wood-Fired Grill is honoring veterans and active-duty military members with a FREE meal from their special Veterans Day menu on Wednesday, November 11. Each eligible guest receives one complimentary meal. Dine-in only, first come, first served. Exclusions may apply.
Deerwood American Legion Post 557 | Deerwood, MN
Details: The Deerwood American Legion is honoring veterans this Veterans Day with a FREE 9-inch pizza (choice of pepperoni, sausage, or cheese), plus a buy-one-get-one-free drink special. Join them on Wednesday, November 11, as they celebrate and thank those who have served.
Boulder Tap House | Baxter, MN
Details: Boulder Tap House is honoring veterans and active-duty military members with a FREE meal from their special Veterans Day menu on Wednesday, November 11. Each eligible guest receives one complimentary meal. Dine-in only, first come, first served. Exclusions may apply.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Programs & Ceremonies:
Friday, November 13, 2026
Programs & Ceremonies:
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Meals & Specials:
Nisswa American Legion – Billie Brown Post 627 | Nisswa, MN
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Details: The Nisswa American Legion is honoring veterans with a FREE Veterans Day Breakfast on Saturday, November 21, from 10 AM to noon. Join them as they show their appreciation and thank our local veterans for their service.
Local American Legions & VFWs
Our local American Legions and VFWs play an important role in supporting veterans, their families, and our communities throughout the year.
Thank You, Veterans!
From all of us at Camp Nisswa, thank you to the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. We are grateful for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice.
Know of another Veterans Day event or special? Help us keep this guide updated by emailing info@campnisswa.com.
Event details and offers are subject to change. We encourage readers to confirm details with the participating organizations and businesses.



