In celebration of our Nation’s Veterans, we provide this information on parades and events throughout the Valley.
Parades:
Phoenix Veterans Day Parade
After a virtual event last year, the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade returns with an in-person event that salutes veterans’ — and their families’ — service. The parade starts just south of Bethany Home Road, at Montebello and Central avenues. The route goes south and turns east on Camelback Road, then south on Seventh Street, finishing around Indian School Road. The best stretch to view the procession is on Camelback Road, between Central Avenue and Seventh Street.
Details: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Montebello and Central avenues, Phoenix. Free. 480-368-8714.
Tempe Veterans Day Parade
Tempe’s Veterans Day parade begins at 10 a.m. near 10th Street and Mill Avenue. The route heads north on Mill, and the procession ends with a ceremony and picnic at Tempe Beach Park.
Details: 9-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe. Free. 480-350-5200.
East Valley Veterans Parade
The theme of Mesa’s parade is “Wartime Art and Artists.” The procession begins at University Drive and Center Street and heads south before turning west on First Street, ending at Robson. Some 100 participants are expected in the parade, and there will be aerial demonstrations with vintage aircraft. For the route, bleacher and stage locations, see map here.
Details: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. University Drive and Center Street, Mesa. Free. 480-684-2324.
Events:
Pueblo Grande Museum Veterans Day Gourd Dance and Community Potluck
The annual gourd dance by the Arizona Territory Gourd Society returns to Pueblo Grande Museum in Phoenix. Dancing begins at 11:30 a.m. and takes place outside; the museum itself will be closed. Participants are encouraged to bring packaged food rather than homemade dishes to share during the potluck.
Details: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix. Free. 602-534-2430.
Sun City Concert Band and Women’s Chorus Tribute to Veterans
The Sun City Concert Band and Women’s Chorus will honor Veterans Day with a performance. Guests are encouraged to wear red, white and blue and to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Recreation Centers of Sun City members or privilege cardholders and their guests are eligible for admission; key fobs are not accepted for entry.
Details: 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. Sun Bowl Amphitheater, 10220 N. 107th Ave., Sun City. Free for Recreation Centers of Sun City cardholders and their guests. 623-972-6014.
Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Scottsdale Veterans Day Concert
Arts at Nativity’s annual Veterans Day concert returns as an in-person event at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Scottsdale. Tickets are required.
Details: 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 22405 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale. Free; donations are encouraged. 480-967-3295.
Veterans Day Tribute at the Heard Museum
The Heard Museum will honor “the service and sacrifices given to our nation by American Indian veterans and all those who have served in the Armed Forces” on Veterans Day, according to its website. The 108th Army Band and veteran artists will perform in the courtyard from 1 to 4 p.m. The sunset tribute will begin at 5 p.m. Arizona Sen. Jamescita Peshlakai and Shirley Pino are featured speakers. Veterans in attendance will receive commemorative medallions.
Details: 1-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free. 602-252-8840, .
City Events:
Anthem Veterans Day Ceremony
The five-pillar staggered monument dedicated to the service and sacrifices of the U.S. armed forces in Anthem’s Community Park will have its annual solar spotlight on the Great Seal of the United States at 11:11 a.m. on Nov. 11. The event will be shown on a big screen. For safety, the Anthem Veterans Memorial will be closed to the public.
Details: 10-11:15 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Anthem Veterans Memorial, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Phoenix. Free. 623-742-6065.
Surprise Veterans Day Parade
Surprise’s Veterans Day Parade will feature community members, clubs and organizations. It begins on Bullard Avenue at Paradise Lane and proceeds south to Tierra Buena Lane. There will be a cash-only $6 pancake breakfast between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. at Surprise Stadium
Details: 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Surprise Recreation Campus, 15960 N. Bullard Ave. Free. 623-222-2000.
Gilbert Veterans Day Ceremony
The city will host keynote speaker U.S. Marine Cpl. Matthew Bradford, guest speakers, food trucks, live music and military displays on Wednesday, Nov. 10. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Details: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10. Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road. Free.
Goodyear Veterans Day Tribute
Goodyear’s Parks and Recreation department will host food trucks and an honor guard at the city’s recreation center in celebration of Veterans Day.
Details: 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Goodyear Recreation Center, 420 Estrella Parkway. Free. 623-882-7525.
