Washington, D.C. Veterans Day Parade Closes National Mall Roads Through Sunday Afternoon
Visitors traveling through central Washington, D.C. on Sunday, November 8, 2026 , should expect temporary road closures around the National Mall during the National Veterans Day Parade and 5K, according to the United States Park Police .
The 5K began on Constitution Avenue at 8 a.m. The parade was scheduled to start at noon and conclude at approximately 2:30 p.m. Most affected roads are expected to reopen by about 4 p.m. Eastern Time after cleanup, but police cautioned that individual restrictions may begin earlier or remain in place longer if operations require it.
Roads listed for closure
Closures beginning at approximately 6 a.m. included:
Henry Bacon Drive NW between Lincoln Memorial Circle and Constitution Avenue NW;
Constitution Avenue NW from 23rd Street to 15th Street;
17th Street between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW;
15th Street between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW;
Madison Drive NW from 15th Street to 4th Street;
12th Street NW between Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive;
Jefferson Drive SW from 15th Street to 4th Street;
12th Street SW between Independence Avenue and Jefferson Drive.
Additional nearby streets may close temporarily. Travelers should not assume that a navigation app has the latest police perimeter, especially close to the parade route.
What visitors should do
Allow extra time for museums, memorials, hotels and rail or airport connections reached through downtown.
Check live District transportation and transit information before departure.
Use designated pedestrian crossings and follow directions from officers and event staff.
For pickup or drop-off, choose a location outside the closure zone rather than stopping near barricades.
The advisory concerns surface-street access near the National Mall. It does not announce a general closure of Washington-area airports or intercity rail service.
Official source
U.S. Park Police traffic advisory for the National Veterans Day Parade and 5K , released November 6, 2026.
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