Events

Events for Veterans

Veteran hiring fairs, resource days and community events. The local ones we would actually drive to, and the national ones worth the trip or the login. Ours go here first.

Minnesota & the Upper Midwest

Within driving distance of the Twin Cities, or close enough to be worth the trip.

Minnesota calendar feed: Subscribe · Google Calendar. It carries the hiring, resource and transition events below (and any we host), updating as we add them. In other calendar apps, subscribe by URL: https://lockleed.com/events-mn.ics

  • Wednesday 11 November 2026 Breakfast 8:30 a.m., program 10 a.m.

    State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration

    Duluth National Guard Training & Community Center, 4015 Airpark Blvd · Duluth, MN

    The state's official Veterans Day observance, in Duluth this year. Free community breakfast first, program at ten. Open to everyone.

    Hosted by Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

    CommunityFree, no RSVP
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Thursday 12 November 2026 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

    23rd Veteran Winter Gala

    Greysolon Ballroom, 231 E Superior St · Duluth, MN

    Third year for the gala that funds 23V RECON, their 14-week trauma-recovery program. Social hour, dinner, and RECON graduates telling their own stories. Formal or semi-formal. Sponsor packages available.

    Hosted by 23rd Veteran

    Community$100
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Thursday 12 November 2026 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Free Legal Clinic for Low-Income Veterans

    Minneapolis VA Health Care System, One Veterans Drive · Minneapolis, MN

    Attorneys, MAC-V staff, county veterans service officers and child support officers advise veterans on legal problems all day. No estate planning at this clinic.

    Hosted by MAC-V VetLaw Program

    ResourcesFree
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Thursday 12 November 2026 1 to 2 p.m.

    Veteran Village Rochester Groundbreaking Event

    Rochester Veteran Village, 504 4th Ave SE · Rochester, MN

    MAC-V and builder Lennar break ground on Veteran Village Rochester, housing for veterans moving on from homelessness. Hear from the project partners; RSVP through MAC-V.

    Hosted by Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V)

    CommunityRSVP requested
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Friday 13 November 2026 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Free Dental Care for Veterans

    White Smiles Dentistry, 6563 Laketowne Place · Albertville, MN

    A day of free dental care for veterans at a Wright County practice. Worth it if VA dental coverage does not reach you.

    Hosted by White Smiles Dentistry

    ResourcesFree
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Friday 13 November 2026 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    US Postal Service - Veteran Job Fair

    Ortonville Post Office, 104 Jackson Ave · Ortonville, MN

    The Postal Service hiring City Carrier Assistants and Rural Carrier Associates. Aimed at transitioning service members and veterans, and open to local job seekers too.

    Hosted by US Postal Service

    Hiring
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • 14 to 15 November 2026 Grand entries 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday

    Cansayapi Veterans Wacipi

    Dacotah Exposition Center, Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel · Morton, MN

    The Lower Sioux Indian Community's 11th annual wacipi honoring all who have served: a weekend of drumming, dancing and community. Free and open to the public.

    Hosted by Lower Sioux Indian Community

    CommunityFree
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Sunday 15 November 2026

    Veterans Day Banquet

    Rosemount Community Center · Rosemount, MN

    Rosemount's Yellow Ribbon network hosts a Veterans Day banquet for local veterans and their guests. Sign-up is required and the link goes up on the page linked here, so check back closer to the date.

    Hosted by Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

    CommunitySign-up required
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Friday 20 November 2026 Check-in 5 p.m., social hour 5:30, program 6:30

    A Magnus Gala

    JW Marriott at Mall of America, 2121 Lindau Lane · Bloomington, MN

    Operation Restore Hope and Healing II, the Magnus Veterans Foundation's formal military Dining Out: mess dress or black tie. The same crew you will find working claims at county benefit reviews across the metro.

    Hosted by Magnus Veterans Foundation

    CommunityTickets via their page
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Saturday 21 November 2026 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Annual Chilifest

    Eagle Lake American Legion Post 617, 100 N 3rd Street · Eagle Lake, MN

    A chili cook-off raising money for the Yellow Ribbon network that helps service members, veterans and families in Blue Earth, Nicollet and Le Sueur counties. The first 20 chili teams to sign up compete.

    $10; veterans free with proof

    Hosted by South Central Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

    Community
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • 4 to 6 December 2026 Friday afternoon to Sunday noon

    Military Family Retreat

    Faith Haven Camp · Battle Lake, MN

    A free weekend for veterans and their families at a camp near Battle Lake, with meals provided. Bring the kids, a partner, a parent or a friend. Sessions on life after wartime service are optional.

    Free; $50 refundable deposit

    Hosted by Project New Hope

    Resources
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Tuesday 8 December 2026 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    2026 Winter Salute

    Target Field, 1 Twins Way · Minneapolis, MN

    A holiday meal and support services for veterans who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of it. Veterans sign up through MAC-V, and volunteers are welcome.

    Hosted by Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V)

    ResourcesFree
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Friday 11 December 2026 Puck drop 7:07 p.m.

    Bemidji State Men's Military Appreciation Hockey Game

    Sanford Center, 1111 Event Center Dr NE · Bemidji, MN

    Free tickets for U.S. military personnel, past and present, and a guest; RSVP through the Beltrami County Veterans Service Office. VA outreach staff and local veteran groups will be on site.

    Free for military, past and present, plus a guest; RSVP required

    Hosted by Bemidji State Beavers Hockey

    Community
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Saturday 12 December 2026 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Christmas For a Cause

    Invisible Wounds Project Support Center, 840 Lake St S · Forest Lake, MN

    Breakfast with Santa from 10 to noon, with pancakes and photos. Sip and Shop from 1 to 4 p.m.: local wines, beers and spirits, small plates, and handmade gifts from the IWP Woodshop and Art Studio.

    Sip and Shop $20 (21 and over recommended)

    Hosted by Invisible Wounds Project

    Community
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Saturday 19 December 2026 Ceremony 11 a.m.; arrive by 10:30

    Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries: Wreath Laying

    Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries · Duluth, Little Falls, Preston and Redwood Falls, MN

    A brief ceremony at each of the four state veterans cemeteries, then visitors place holiday wreaths on the graves. Arrive by 10:30 a.m., earlier in Little Falls, and dress for the cold.

    Hosted by Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

    Community
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • 20 to 22 January 2027 Wednesday to Friday

    Veteran Ice Fishing Tournament

    Camp Bliss · Walker, MN

    Midweek session with 15 spots for veterans, and bait, lodging and every meal provided. Register by December 20. A weekend session follows.

    $100 deposit, refunded when you attend

    Hosted by Camp Bliss

    Resources
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • 22 to 24 January 2027 Friday to Sunday

    Veteran Ice Fishing Tournament

    Camp Bliss · Walker, MN

    Weekend session with 15 spots for veterans, and bait, lodging and every meal provided. Register by December 22.

    $100 deposit, refunded when you attend

    Hosted by Camp Bliss

    Resources
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Friday 12 February 2027 Puck drop 6 p.m.

    Bemidji State Women's Military Appreciation Hockey Game

    Sanford Center, 1111 Event Center Dr NE · Bemidji, MN

    Free tickets for U.S. military personnel, past and present, and a guest; RSVP through the Beltrami County Veterans Service Office. VA outreach staff and local veteran groups will be on site.

    Free for military, past and present, plus a guest; RSVP required

    Hosted by Bemidji State Beavers Hockey

    Community
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • 5 to 7 March 2027 Friday to Sunday

    VA & Life Planning Retreat

    Camp Bliss · Walker, MN

    A weekend with experts on VA benefits, life insurance, wills and health directives, and you go home with your own documents. 15 spots; register by February 5.

    $100 deposit, refunded when you attend

    Hosted by Camp Bliss

    Resources
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • 19 to 21 March 2027 Friday to Sunday

    Native Veteran Retreat

    Camp Bliss · Walker, MN

    A weekend near Walker for Minnesota veterans with a tribal affiliation, built around nature, healing and time with veterans who share the experience. 15 spots; register by February 19.

    $100 deposit, refunded when you attend

    Hosted by Camp Bliss

    Resources
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • 16 to 18 April 2027 Friday to Sunday

    Women's Veteran Retreat

    Camp Bliss · Walker, MN

    Camp Bliss's spring weekend for women veterans of every era and branch, with discussion, art and time outdoors. 15 spots; register by March 16.

    $100 deposit, refunded when you attend

    Hosted by Camp Bliss

    Resources
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Saturday 24 April 2027 From 9 a.m.

    Norwegian Foot March and Trail Run

    Arden Hills Army Training Site Field House, 1551 Ben Franklin Street · Arden Hills, MN

    A 30K foot march, a 30K trail run or a 5K trail run. The runs are open to the public, military families and ROTC programs. Proceeds support the Minnesota VA Food Pantry and military programs in Minnesota.

    Hosted by AUSA General John W. Vessey Jr. Chapter

    Community$30 to $50 plus fees
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • 30 April to 2 May 2027 Friday afternoon to Sunday noon

    Military Family Retreat

    Camp Shetek · Slayton, MN

    A free weekend for veterans and their families at Camp Shetek near Slayton, with meals provided. Bring the kids, a partner, a parent or a friend. Sessions on life after wartime service are optional.

    Free; $50 refundable deposit

    Hosted by Project New Hope

    Resources
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • 30 April to 2 May 2027 Friday to Sunday

    Veteran's Turkey Hunt Retreat

    Camp Bliss · Walker, MN

    A turkey hunt mentored by local National Wild Turkey Federation chapters, staying at the Camp Bliss lodge. Every experience level is welcome; register by March 30.

    $100 deposit, refunded when you attend

    Hosted by Camp Bliss

    Resources
    Details →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Thursday 8 July 2027 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Minneapolis Veterans Job Fair

    Venue to be announced · Minneapolis, MN

    RecruitMilitary's only Minnesota date on its national schedule, from a series that has run 17 Minneapolis fairs. The venue and exhibitors are not announced yet.

    Hosted by RecruitMilitary

    HiringFree for job seekers
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

National

Virtual fairs open to anyone, plus the in-person events large enough to justify travel.

  • Tuesday 24 November 2026 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT

    National Virtual Career Fair

    Online

    The last big national virtual fair of the year, with employers hiring into January headcount.

    Hosted by RecruitMilitary / DAV

    HiringVirtualFree for job seekers
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Thursday 3 December 2026 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT

    Virtual Military Spouse Hiring Event

    Online

    Employers who hire military spouses and understand PCS moves, with a lot of remote and portable roles in the mix.

    Hosted by Hiring Our Heroes

    HiringVirtualFree
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Tuesday 8 December 2026 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT

    Central Region Virtual Career Fair

    Online

    RecruitMilitary's virtual hiring hall for the central states, Minnesota included. Open to veterans, transitioning service members, Guard and Reserve, and military spouses.

    Hosted by RecruitMilitary / DAV

    HiringVirtualFree for job seekers
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Wednesday 9 December 2026 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT

    Virtual Career Summit

    Online

    General-audience virtual hiring fair, the last Hiring Our Heroes summit of the year. Employers here are often filling January start dates.

    Hosted by Hiring Our Heroes

    HiringVirtualFree
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Thursday 10 December 2026 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT

    Hire Heroes USA Tech Virtual Career Fair

    Online

    A two-hour fair for transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses aiming at technology jobs, free for job seekers.

    Hosted by Hire Heroes USA

    HiringVirtualFree
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • 4 to 6 January 2027 Three days

    Student Veterans of America NatCon 2027

    Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center · Grapevine, TX

    The 19th annual gathering of student veterans, with a career expo attached. If you are finishing a degree on the GI Bill, this is the one worth budgeting for.

    Hosted by Student Veterans of America

    IndustryRegistration required
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Wednesday 13 January 2027 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT

    Virtual Career Summit: Financial Services

    Online

    A virtual hiring summit with financial services employers, open to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. Military finance and admin experience carries over well.

    Hosted by Hiring Our Heroes

    HiringVirtualFree
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Tuesday 26 January 2027 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT

    National Virtual Career Fair

    Online

    RecruitMilitary's January national virtual fair, connecting veterans and military spouses with employers from home.

    Hosted by RecruitMilitary

    HiringVirtualFree for job seekers
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Tuesday 2 February 2027 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT

    Transitioning Service Member & Spouse Virtual Career Fair

    Online

    Built for people still in uniform with a separation date, and for their spouses. Go early in your transition window, before the job hunt is urgent.

    Hosted by RecruitMilitary / DAV

    HiringVirtualFree for job seekers
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Tuesday 23 February 2027 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT

    National Virtual Career Fair

    Online

    RecruitMilitary's February national virtual fair, connecting veterans and military spouses with employers from home.

    Hosted by RecruitMilitary

    HiringVirtualFree for job seekers
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Wednesday 10 March 2027 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT

    MOAA's Virtual Career Fair and Hiring Event

    Online

    A virtual networking and hiring event with military-friendly employers, for people leaving uniformed service, military spouses and anyone making a career pivot. Employers not yet announced.

    Hosted by Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)

    HiringVirtual
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Tuesday 16 March 2027 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT

    National Virtual Career Fair

    Online

    RecruitMilitary's spring national fair. Employers keep registering until the day of the event, so the exhibitor list grows.

    Hosted by RecruitMilitary / DAV

    HiringVirtualFree for job seekers
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Thursday 1 April 2027 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Chicago Veterans Job Fair

    Venue to be announced · Chicago, IL

    RecruitMilitary's spring Chicago fair for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses. The venue is not announced yet.

    Hosted by RecruitMilitary

    HiringFree for job seekers
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Tuesday 20 April 2027 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT

    National Virtual Career Fair

    Online

    RecruitMilitary's April national virtual fair. Register ahead, then meet employers over video from wherever you are.

    Hosted by RecruitMilitary

    HiringVirtualFree for job seekers
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Tuesday 4 May 2027 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT

    Military Spouse Virtual Career Fair

    Online

    RecruitMilitary's virtual career fair for military spouses, held online so you can join from any duty station.

    Hosted by RecruitMilitary

    HiringVirtualFree for job seekers
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

  • Tuesday 18 May 2027 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT

    National Virtual Career Fair

    Online

    RecruitMilitary's May national virtual fair, timed well for anyone separating over the summer.

    Hosted by RecruitMilitary

    HiringVirtualFree for job seekers
    Details & registration →

    Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook

When we host one

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You do not need an event

Events are a good way to meet a lot of employers in an afternoon. They are not the only way, and they are not the fastest. If you are a veteran looking for work, or an employer looking to hire one, those conversations happen here every day, and they are always free for candidates.

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From Service to Success

Whether or not there is an event on the calendar, we are here. Free for candidates, always.