Veterans Day is just around the corner, held annually on November 11th. The day is an official United States holiday to honor military veterans. Whether you yourself are a veteran, have a loved one or friend that’s served or simply want to show your appreciation for those in the community that have made sacrifices for this country — these are the best Denver area Veterans Day events, memorials, parades and more to commemorate the occasion.
Veterans Concert
Where? 9950 East Gateway Drive
When? November 6th
The Highlands Ranch Community Association is hosting a Veterans Concert on the Thursday before Veterans Day from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Join in on this heartfelt concert to honor those who have served. The concert will feature patriotic music, moving tributes, and plenty of community spirit as everyone comes together to celebrate these heroes through song and gratitude. The concert will be held at the Highlands Ranch Mansion and general admission is priced at $33.37, which includes fees.
PRO Tip: Limited spots remain, so grab your tickets now and enjoy an evening of moving tributes while the community exhibits pride, unity and remembrance for those who have sacrificed so much.
12th Annual Denver Veterans Day Parade & Festival
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? November 8th
Every year to celebrate Veterans Day, the Colorado Veterans Project hosts an annual run, festival and parade for the community to enjoy! This is the Project’s signature event, signifying their end of the year culmination on the Saturday before Veterans Day. Celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who have served this country and made endless sacrifices for those back home. The schedule of events for this year’s celebration kicks off at 7:30 AM with run registration, followed by opening remarks at 8:15 AM before the run/walk begins. The festival and beer garden will open at 9:30 AM, followed by the parade at 10:30 AM until 12:00 PM. Not only does this event boost the mission behind the Colorado Veterans Project, it also supports veterans as they transition from active duty in the pursuit of stateside careers and a meaningful life full of purpose. Thanks to generous sponsor Canvas Credit Union Foundation, there will be free “Thanksgiving in a bag” meals for veterans and a free meal token for the day!
PRO Tip: There is no fee or ticket requirement to attend the festival and parade. Bring out the whole family and invite friends and neighbors to cheer on the parade participants! The parade route will be published here.
16th Annual Denver Veterans Day Run
Where? City Park (East Meadow)
When? November 8th
For many vets and their families, Denver’s Annual Veterans Day Run is a yearly tradition. On the Saturday preceding Veterans Day, head over to City Park to participate in this memorial 5K and 10K fun run to celebrate your local heroes. The event will also include a 10K Rippetoe Ruck in honor of CPT Russel Brian Rippetoe. The run has been recognized by Mayor Mike Johnson as “Denver’s Run for Veterans Day,” and is open to runners, joggers, walkers and participants of all ages. Dogs are also welcome! The route will take attendees through the beautiful City Park running trails in Downtown Denver. Registration for the 5K is priced at $48.95 and for the 10K, registrants will pay $59.55. Registration will end on November 3rd at 10:00 AM for both distances.
PRO Tip: 100% of donations will go directly towards helping Colorado veterans.
Rocky Mountain Brassworks Veterans Day Concert
Where? 470 South Allison Parkway
When? November 8th
Join the Rocky Mountain Brassworks, Colorado’s oldest British-style brass band, this Veterans Day for an inspiring afternoon of patriotic music. Honor the courage and sacrifice of Colorado veterans and veterans across the country and beyond and enjoy the Armed Forces Medley, The Patriot by Philip Sparke, Eternal Father, Strong to Save and many more. The concert is dedicated to celebrating the spirit of service and remembrance. The concert will kick off at 4:00 PM and will wrap up at 6:00 PM. Reserve your tickets here.
PRO Tip: Tickets are on sale for $25, which includes fees. Military, senior, child and youth discounts are available.
United States Marine Corps 250th Birthday Ball Celebration
Where? 7711 East Academy Boulevard (Hangar 1)
When? November 9th
Wings Over the Rockies is excited to present the Marine Corps 250th Birthday Ball Celebration this November. On Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, join in on this celebration that marks the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps at the Air & Space Museum. The evening will include dinner, refreshments and a program honoring the Marines’ dedicated service and steadfast commitment to the nation. Attendees will hear from guest speaker, Major General George B. Rowell, Director of Strategic Planning and Policy for the U.S. Pacific Command. You won’t want to miss the time-honored traditions of the Marine Corps Ball, which includes a ceremonial cake cutting! The AV-8B Harrier II+ will be on display throughout the evening.
PRO Tip: Early registration to the Birthday Ball Celebration is encouraged, as it’s expected to sell out!
150 Years of Coloradan Military Service
Where? 1200 North Broadway (2nd Floor)
When? November 11th
This Veterans Day, visit History Colorado to check out the 150 Years of Coloradan Military Service workshop. From 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Sydney Mauck, Anschutz Military Collections Specialist, will explore the past 150 years of Coloradan service from the Spanish-American War to the Global War on Terror. Visitors will have the chance to discover how Colorado men and women have answered the call of service and made immense sacrifices for their country. This is a special program for Veterans Day that aims to bring history to life using artifacts from both the front lines and the home front. Example artifacts include flags, uniforms, weaponry, photographs and more from every branch of the U.S. military.
PRO Tip: Access to the program is included with admission to the museum. Members visit for free. The Veterans Day workshop will be held on the 2nd floor of the Stephen H. Hart Research Center.
Veterans Day at Armed Forces Tribute Garden
Where? 6001 West 104th Avenue
When? November 11th
The Westminster City Council is excited to host a Veterans Day event at the Armed Forces Tribute Garden. The event will take place at 10:00 AM, complete with a ceremony, patriotic music, a speech by a keynote speaker, a flag presentation, and reading of the names of all the new brick honorees. The garden is a tribute to those who have served in the military, as well as fallen veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Statues are situated in the garden to represent each branch of service. More than 1,600 honorees are recognized in the garden, making this an excellent place to pay your respects on Veterans Day or any other day of the year. There are seating areas for rest and contemplation, as well as paved walkways and a dramatic central water feature (may be shut off due to weather or other operational concerns).
PRO Tip: There is no ticket or admission fee required to visit the Armed Forces Tribute Garden on Veterans Day. Complimentary coffee will be available for attendees.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Anaheim Ducks: Military Appreciation Night
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? November 11th
Surprise the veteran in your life with Colorado Avalanche tickets! This Veterans Day, the team is hosting a themed Military Appreciation Night against the Anaheim Ducks. Join the Avalanche in honoring those who are serving or who have served our country. Each Military Appreciation Night ticket package includes a military-themed beanie and a portion of the proceeds from the game will be going to charity. Tuesday’s game will start at 7:30 PM, with doors typically opening an hour before puck drop.
PRO Tip: Only fans who purchase the ticket package will be eligible to receive the military-themed beanie, so make sure you book your tickets through Military Appreciation Night to receive the giveaway!
Veterans Day Ceremony @ the Broomfield Veterans Museum
Where? 12 Garden Center
When? November 11th
The Broomfield Veterans Museum holds a ceremony annually on Veterans Day. The ceremony honors and celebrates the service of past veterans and current service members through speeches, songs and moving tributes. This year, the ceremony will once again be held at the museum in Broomfield at 11:00 AM. Swing by to participate in this time-honored tradition, which typically boasts several hundred residents and visitors! The schedule of events will kick off with a posting of colors by the Broomfield Police Department Honor Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a singing of the National Anthem. There is typically a keynote speaker, as well as various musical performances and words from the mayor. The event ends with Taps to honor fallen service members.
PRO Tip: View the entire Veterans Day Celebration schedule here.
Veterans Day Freedom Run 5K/10K/13.1
Where? 6140 South Tower Road
When? November 15th
The Veterans Day Freedom Run will be held in Piney Creek Hollow Park on the Saturday following Veterans Day. The run will be hosted from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM in nearby Centennial for Denver area vets, their families and community supporters. Kick off the weekend with a fun 5K, 10K, or half-marathon with friends and family to express gratitude for the veterans that have sacrificed so much for this country. Participants can choose to raise funds for the charity of their choice, with 100% of the net funds raised going towards the cause of your choosing. All paces and ages are welcome. Participants under the age of 18 must have a guardian. Timing is optional and this will be a no-hassle race day, with bibs provided on the morning of the race and swag shipped directly to your address the week of the race!
PRO Tip: If you register last minute, please note that your shirt will likely arrive after the event.
Happy Veterans Day to All Veterans & Their Families!
Veterans Day is a time to show gratitude and patriotism for this country and those that fight to protect it. Whether you choose to attend a local community ceremony honoring fallen veterans or you simply choose to thank somebody for their service, November 11th is the perfect time to honor veterans and military members for their dedication and sacrifice. The Denver area boasts many ways to participate in Veterans Day events, parades, runs and more — so mark your calendar!