GAINESVILLE, Texas — Gainesville celebrates its 25th year as America's Official Medal of Honor Host City this week, with four days of events honoring the nation's highest military distinction. The 2026 program runs April 15–18 and includes a motorcade, blood drive, banquet, parade, 5K and book signing.
Here is a complete guide to this year's events.
Wednesday, April 15 — Motorcade Arrival:
The week begins with the annual Medal of Honor Motorcade, which departs DFW International Airport between 3 and 5 p.m. and makes its way north along State Highway 114 through Grapevine and Southlake, then up I-35W through Denton County and I-35 through Sanger to Gainesville.
The motorcade is expected to arrive at Tractor Bob's on I-35 in Gainesville around 5:15–5:30 p.m. This year's procession includes more than 550 vehicles stretching approximately nine miles, representing 40+ law enforcement and first responder agencies from across North Texas.
Spectators are welcome to line overpasses and road shoulders along the I-35 corridor to show support as the motorcade passes through. Brief traffic impacts are expected along portions of the route.
Thursday, April 16 — Blood Drive and Stories of Honor
Medal of Honor Blood Drive
- When: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Where: Gainesville Civic Center, 311 S. Weaver St.
- Walk-ins welcome; reserving a time slot in advance is recommended through Carter BloodCare. Two blood collection buses will be on site. Donors receive a commemorative Medal of Honor T-shirt. Organized by Gainesville Fire-Rescue, Gainesville Police Department and Carter BloodCare.
Stories of Honor: Listening to Courage. Honoring Service.
- When: 6 – 8 p.m.
- Where: Medal of Honor Host City Museum, 1525 W. California St. (on the NCTC campus)
- An evening program at the Medal of Honor Host City Museum featuring recipients and their stories. The museum is open Monday–Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to noon year-round. Contact: (940) 668-3330 or MOH.HostCityMuseum@nctc.edu.
Friday, April 17 — Banquet
25th Anniversary Medal of Honor Banquet
- When: 6 p.m. (social hour), with the formal program to follow
- Where: Gainesville Civic Center, 311 S. Weaver St.
- The banquet is the signature ticketed event of the week and marks the 25th anniversary of Gainesville's designation as America's Official Medal of Honor Host City. Seating is limited. Tickets are available to the public after member priority windows; the event traditionally reaches capacity. For ticket inquiries: vicepresident@mohhostcity.com.
Saturday, April 18 — 5K, Parade and Book Signing
Inaugural Medal of Honor 5K Run/Walk (first-ever year)
- Check-in: 6:30 a.m.
- Race start: 7:30 a.m.
- Where: 210 S. Dixon St., Gainesville
- Registration is open through race day. Pricing: $30 early bird (deadline passed), $40 standard (through April 17), $45 on race day, $20 for children under 12. All registrants receive an official bib, T-shirt, Veterans gift bag and Medal of Honor sticker. The race village includes Veterans Village with veteran service representatives, vendors, music and sponsor tables.
- Register at medalofhonorhostcity.com.
Medal of Honor Parade
- When: 10 a.m.
- Route: Begins at the Santa Fe Depot and travels west along California Street through historic downtown Gainesville, ending near Braum's at California and Weaver
- Spectators are encouraged to line California Street. Flags and patriotic attire welcome. Parade entries from businesses, schools, civic groups, veterans organizations and community groups are still being accepted — contact medalofhonorhostcity.com or call (940) 668-4500.
MOHHC Book Signing
- When: Noon – 2 p.m.
- Where: Gainesville Civic Center, 311 S. Weaver St.
- A free public event offering the rare chance to spend time with Medal of Honor recipients, take photos, receive autographs and hear directly from the honorees. Limit of two items per person for signing. This is typically the final public event of the week.
About the Program
Gainesville has served as America's Official Medal of Honor Host City since 2001, when the designation was first established. Over the past 25 years, the city has hosted 59 of the 61 living Medal of Honor recipients. First-time visiting recipients receive a tree planted in their honor, a tradition that has continued every year.
The Medal of Honor Host City Museum on the NCTC campus houses artifacts and exhibits donated by recipients and their families and is open to the public throughout the year.
For the full schedule and updates, visit medalofhonorhostcity.com or the City of Gainesville at gainesville.tx.us. General information: (940) 668-4500.