Acceptance Day Parade

The Acceptance Day Parade is a powerful and symbolic event featuring the entire brigade of approximately 4,400 cadets. The ceremony begins with the new cadets marching out separately from their future companies. At a defining moment during the parade, an order is given for the companies to open ranks, allowing the new cadets to step in and officially join the Corps.

This moment represents the transition from new cadet to plebe and is a proud and emotional experience for both cadets and their families.

The Acceptance Day Parade will be held on August 15, 2026, at 10 a.m.

For guests with mobility challenges, you may set up pop-up chairs or wheelchairs along the fence near the baseball field. Please note the umbrellas are not allowed in the viewing stands. As this event is highly attended, please be mindful of others around you and make room for others when possible.

Dining

• Starbucks
   Open 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Grant Hall
  Open 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

• Subway
  Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Ike's Riverside Café
  Open for lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• West Point Club
  Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• Burger King
  Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• West Point Golf Course Snack Bar
  Located on Route 218. Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Lil' Skeeters BBQ
  Located in the West Point Bowling Center near Buffalo Soldier Field. Open 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• The Thayer Hotel
  Open for lunch & dinner. View Acceptance Day menus. 

• Explore more off-post dining options

Shopping

• West Point Academy Store
  Open 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• West Point Spouses Club Gift Shop
  Open 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Association of Graduates Gift Shop
  Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Army West Point Gift Shop
  Open 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. 
• Daughters of the U.S. Army (DUSA) Gift Shop
  Closed Mondays. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Parking and Transportation

• General parking is available at Buffalo Soldier Field (BSF) and A-Lot. Buses will run continuously between these lots and the Superintendent’s Review Box by the Plain from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a pause from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Handicap parking is available at Clinton Lot near the Plain.
• Parking near the Plain is limited. Guests are recommended to drop off groups near the front of the Plain if possible, then park at BSF, A-Lot, or along Thayer Road.

Walking Privileges

After the A-Day Parade, cadets are allowed area walking privileges each day for the remainder of the weekend. Cadets must sign in and out each day.

On Saturday, cadets must return no later than 30 minutes prior to TAPS in the evening. No overnight passes will be given.

On Sunday, cadets may depart on area walking privileges no earlier than 5:20 a.m. and must return for recall formation.

Area walking privileges are defined as a 20-mile radius from West Point. The following locations are provided only as general reference points to help describe the approximate boundary:

• North – Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa (West Side of Hudson) and Holiday Inn Express Poughkeepsie (East Side of Hudson)
• South – Interstate 287
• East –Interstate 84 and Interstate 684 Interchange
• West – Town of Goshen.