Torrance Armed Forces Day

Parade & Festival May 15-17, 2026

In 2026 Honoring The United States Marine Corps

• Military Displays & Concert on Friday
• Parade on Saturday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. | Military Displays 3-8 p.m.
• Armed Forces Day 5K for Freedom Run/Walk on Saturday
• Military Displays on Sunday

torranceca.gov/AFD

Torrance steadfastly continues its long-standing tradition of hosting an Armed Forces Day Celebration and Parade to honor the sacrifices of our nation's military. This year, the City once again honors the men and women of our nation's military with a celebration. The Parade highlight on Saturday each year singles out one honored branch. 

The City of Torrance is proud to help honor and thank the men and women of our nation's Armed Forces!

SATURDAY PARADE

The City of Torrance Armed Forces Day is back! The  Annual Armed Forces Day Parade begins at Crenshaw Boulevard traveling west on Torrance Boulevard and ending at Madrona Avenue. All streets intersecting the parade route will be closed the majority of the day. Torrance's parade is the longest-running Armed Forces Day Parade in the nation. As one of few cities designated by the Department of Defense, the City of Torrance is proud to honor the men and women of our nation's Armed Forces.

Armed Forces Day Concert with 4th Infantry Division Band 2026 tba

James R. Armstrong Theatre
3330 Civic Center Drive
Torrance, California 90503
Free, but tickets required: Box Office to find ticket availability (310) 781-7171

The tickets to the afternoon concert are free and are on a first come, first served basis. 

MILITARY EXHIBITS

Torrance City Yard
20500 Madrona Ave.
Torrance, CA

Military exhibits including aircrafts, vehicles, and support equipment can be viewed. Military assets are on display, including aircraft, vehicles and support equipment at City Yard.  The City introduces a Park -and -Ride shuttle service from the Torrance Regional Transit Center to both the Armed Forces Day Parade and Military Exhibit, providing improved access and convenience for attendees.

The Armed Forces Day 5K for Freedom Run/Walk sponsored by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce  returns on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at a new location, Maple Avenue and Civic Center Drive .

Torrance is one of few cities nationwide sanctioned by the Department of Defense to honor our Armed Forces through an annual Armed Forces Day Parade & Celebration.
Torrance's Armed Forces Day Parade has the distinction of being the nation's longest running military parade sponsored by any city.

On Saturday, the parade begins at 1:30 p.m. at Crenshaw Boulevard and travels one-mile west on Torrance Boulevard to Madrona Avenue. It ends approximately at 3:30 p.m.

5K For Freedom

May 17, 2025, 8-11 a.m.

Del Amo Fashion Center  Register as a team or individual. Location: 3525 W. Carson St. Torrance, California 90503  Registration: $40-45, torrance5k.com 

Each year, the City of Torrance identifies one branch of the military - the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard - as the "honored service" of the Armed Forces Day Celebration. A high-ranking member of the honored service is invited to serve as Grand Marshal.
This year's celebration honors the United States Marine Corps.

Besides the Parade highlight, the community can enjoy other festivities during the Annual City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade & Celebration, including military exhibits and a free concert by a band from the honored branch.

The Torrance legacy of the Armed Forces Day celebration and parade began to "increase public respect and understanding for military service and promote civic-military relationships.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.