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.
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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
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2 to 4 October 2026 Race weekend
Twin Cities Marathon Weekend with Team MACV
Twin Cities Marathon course · Minneapolis, MN
Run the marathon, the 10-mile or (new this year) the half on Team MACV and raise money to end veteran homelessness in Minnesota. Not running? Join their cheer squad on the course.
Hosted by Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V)
CommunityFundraising entryDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Saturday 3 October 2026 From 5 p.m.
Roger Up Gala
Warehouse Winery · St. Louis Park, MN
Western-themed fundraiser for the Maple Lake nonprofit that runs outdoor programs, mental-health support and job help for veterans and first responders.
Ticket pricing to be announced
Hosted by Roger Up
CommunityDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Friday 9 October 2026 10 a.m. to noon
Housing Assistance at ETS
Veterans Community Center (Every Third Saturday), 5402 43rd Avenue S · Minneapolis, MN
Drop-in hours with MAC-V's outreach team for veterans facing a housing problem or worried about losing a place to live.
Hosted by MAC-V with Every Third Saturday
ResourcesFreeDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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9 to 11 October 2026 Friday to Sunday
Women's Veteran Retreat
Camp Bliss · Walker, MN
A weekend for women veterans at a lakeside retreat center near Walker, with 10 spots and a waiting list after that. Register on their page with a DD-214 and proof of Minnesota residency.
$100 deposit, refunded when you attend
Hosted by Camp Bliss
ResourcesDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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15 to 18 October 2026
United in Service: A Tribute Experience
North End Event Center, Minnesota State Fairgrounds · St. Paul, MN
DAV Minnesota's tribute exhibit: four galleries of artifacts and stories, plus a Tribute Garden where you can add a tag for a veteran you love. Open to the public Saturday and Sunday; reserve free tickets first.
Hosted by DAV Department of Minnesota
CommunityFree ticketsDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Friday 16 October 2026
United in Service: Rapid Claims Clinic, Veteran Resource & Job Fair
North End Event Center, Minnesota State Fairgrounds · St. Paul, MN
Veterans and their families only. Book a one-on-one claims appointment with an accredited service officer, then meet employers and service providers. Job fair registration opens soon on their page.
Hosted by DAV Department of Minnesota
HiringFreeDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Saturday 17 October 2026 4 to 6 p.m.
Second Amendment Bingo
VFW Post 1215, 2775 43rd St NW · Rochester, MN
Bingo for more than $11,500 in prizes, raising money for Minnesota's Purple Heart veterans. Packets are sold at the door once it starts, not before, and players must be 18 or older.
Hosted by Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of Minnesota
Community$60 per bingo packetDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Monday 19 October 2026 5 to 8 p.m.
Fall Pizza and Pasta Fundraiser
Fireside Restaurant · Rosemount, MN
A buffet pizza and pasta night run by Rosemount's Yellow Ribbon volunteers, with tickets sold at the door. All proceeds go to a local veteran who is going through cancer treatment.
Hosted by Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
CommunityTickets at the doorDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Tuesday 20 October 2026 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dress for Success
St. Cloud VA, Building 8 (Auditorium), 4801 Veterans Drive · St. Cloud, MN
A prep day for veterans looking for work: free interview clothes, mock interviews, resume review and elevator pitch practice, all in one place.
Hosted by St. Cloud VA Health Care System
ResourcesFreeDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Tuesday 20 October 2026 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (drawing at 8)
Gunning for Greatness Gun Raffle
Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club, 2920 220th St E · Prior Lake, MN
Annual fundraiser for the Think GREAT Foundation, which puts military spouses through school. Heavy appetizers, mini games, scholarship recipients telling their own stories, and a 12-firearm winner's-choice raffle.
$35 per ticket; raffle tickets $50
Hosted by Elko New Market Chamber of Commerce
CommunityDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Thursday 22 October 2026 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Bravo Zulu House Benefit Dinner
Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom, 5418 Wayzata Blvd · Golden Valley, MN
An evening for America's first sober home built for veterans with PTSD, and for the push to open their new Women's House. Dinner, and a room full of people committed to the same mission.
Hosted by Bravo Zulu House & Trinity Sober Home
Community$250 / $2,500 table of 8Details →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Friday 23 October 2026 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
IWP Fall Pheasant Classic
Wings North, 19379 Homestead Rd · Pine City, MN
A guided pheasant hunt with dogs, ammunition included and rental guns available, then lunch and prize drawings. Proceeds fund the Forest Lake center helping veterans and first responders with PTSD.
Hosted by Invisible Wounds Project
CommunityRegistration requiredDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Saturday 24 October 2026 Doors 5 p.m.; bingo at 6:30
2nd Amendment Bingo
VFW Post 1720, 1212 NW 4th St · Grand Rapids, MN
Bingo night at the Grand Rapids VFW, barbecue dinner included. Proceeds go to Roger Up and to the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association's women's archery and men's rifle hunts. 18 and over.
Hosted by Roger Up
Community$60 per bingo packetDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Saturday 24 October 2026 4 to 8 p.m.
Harvest & Hooves Festival
Eagle's Healing Nest, 310 US-71 N · Sauk Centre, MN
A fall festival on the Sauk Centre campus of Eagle's Healing Nest, the residential community where veterans and service members recover from addiction and PTSD. A good evening to see the place for yourself.
Hosted by Eagle's Healing Nest
CommunityDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Wednesday 28 October 2026 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Military R&R Muskie Mayhem
Long Lake Fire Department and area lakes · Long Lake, MN
A free day of guided muskie fishing for veterans, with breakfast, lunch and gear provided. Spots are limited and you have to register ahead.
Hosted by Fishing For Life
CommunityFreeDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Saturday 7 November 2026 4:30 to 11 p.m.
251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area, 10 E Center St · Rochester, MN
Rochester's Marine Corps League detachment marks the Corps' 251st birthday with dinner, the traditional ceremony and dancing. Open to Marines and the public; formal attire or uniform. Tickets through October 27.
$75; $25 children 10 and under
Hosted by Marine Corps League, Thor Detachment 606
CommunityDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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 RSVPDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Thursday 12 November 2026 5:30 to 9 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$100Details →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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
ResourcesFreeDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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13 to 15 November 2026 Friday 5 p.m. to Sunday 11 a.m.
Families of the Fallen Retreat
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch · Stewartville, MN
A free weekend for families of service members who died on active duty in the National Guard or Reserves, with peer support and ranch activities. Register by October 12.
Free; $50 refundable deposit
Hosted by Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch (Operation Welcome Home)
ResourcesDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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
ResourcesFreeDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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 requiredDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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 pageDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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20 to 22 November 2026 Friday to Sunday
Veteran Arts & Crafts Retreat
Camp Bliss · Walker, MN
A new Camp Bliss weekend for veterans who heal through art: bring a project or use their tools and materials. Alcohol free. Register by October 20 with a DD-214 and proof of Minnesota residency.
$100 deposit, refunded when you attend
Hosted by Camp Bliss
ResourcesDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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
CommunityDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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
ResourcesDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Saturday 5 December 2026 9 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 and kids' crafts until noon, then live music and samples from local breweries, wineries and eateries. IWP members sell gifts they made by hand all day.
$5 suggested for breakfast; $20 sampling wristband
Hosted by Invisible Wounds Project
CommunityDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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)
ResourcesFreeDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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
ResourcesDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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
ResourcesDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Saturday 17 April 2027 From 9 a.m.
Norwegian Foot March and Trail Run
Arden Hills Army Training Site · Arden Hills, MN
A 30K foot march, a 30K trail run or a 5K trail run, open to the public, military families and ROTC cadets. Registration opens October 10. Proceeds support the Minnesota VA Food Pantry and military programs.
Hosted by AUSA General John W. Vessey Jr. Chapter
Community$30 to $50 plus feesDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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
ResourcesDetails →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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 seekersDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
National
Virtual fairs open to anyone, plus the in-person events large enough to justify travel.
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12 to 14 October 2026 Three days
AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition
Walter E. Washington Convention Center · Washington, DC
The largest land-power exposition in North America, with tens of thousands of attendees and most of the defense industrial base in one hall. If you are targeting defense primes, that is where their hiring managers are that week.
Hosted by Association of the United States Army
IndustryRegistration requiredDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Wednesday 14 October 2026 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT
Virtual Hiring Fair: Healthcare
Online
Healthcare employers only, clinical and non-clinical. Military medics, corpsmen and health-services admin people translate more directly here than almost anywhere else.
Hosted by Hiring Our Heroes
HiringVirtualFreeDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Thursday 15 October 2026 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Chicago Veterans Job Fair
Soldier Field, United Club (1st floor), 1410 Museum Campus Drive · Chicago, IL
The nearest large in-person veteran job fair to the Twin Cities this autumn. More than fifty exhibitors registered so far, with Motorola Solutions sponsoring.
Free for job seekers; complimentary parking with validation
Hosted by RecruitMilitary / DAV
HiringDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Wednesday 21 October 2026 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT
Virtual Hiring Fair: Financial Services
Online
A virtual fair focused on financial services employers. Military finance, supply accountability and admin experience translates well here.
Hosted by Hiring Our Heroes
HiringVirtualFreeDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Wednesday 28 October 2026 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT
Virtual Hiring Fair: Logistics, Skilled Trades and Transportation
Online
For maintainers, drivers, supply and logistics people, and anyone with a trade. Open to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses.
Hosted by Hiring Our Heroes
HiringVirtualFreeDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Friday 30 October 2026 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT
MOAA's Virtual Career Fair and Hiring Event
Online
Free and open to every service member, veteran and military spouse, not only officers. Ninety minutes of one-on-one video chats with recruiters; ClearanceJobs, CACI and Cisco are among the employers taking part.
Hosted by Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
HiringVirtualFreeDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Wednesday 4 November 2026 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT
Virtual Hiring Fair: Operations and Management
Online
Aimed at NCOs and officers who ran people and resources. Operations and management roles are where leadership experience counts for the most.
Hosted by Hiring Our Heroes
HiringVirtualFreeDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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Thursday 5 November 2026 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT
Hire Heroes USA Virtual Career Fair
Online
Four hours of one-on-one chats with employers for transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. Hire Heroes USA's free resume help is worth booking before it.
Hosted by Hire Heroes USA
HiringVirtualFreeDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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 seekersDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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
HiringVirtualFreeDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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 seekersDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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
HiringVirtualFreeDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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
HiringVirtualFreeDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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 requiredDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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 seekersDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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 seekersDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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 seekersDetails & registration →Add to calendar: Google · Apple or Outlook
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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.
From Service to Success
Whether or not there is an event on the calendar, we are here. Free for candidates, always.