Many members of the U.S. military, both past and present, call the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas home.
If you’d like to pay tribute to our desert comrades this Veterans Day, consider attending a local event held in their honor.
Below is Desert Sun’s complete guide to Veterans Day 2023 in the Coachella Valley and beyond.
COD Veterans Day Event
Refreshments will be served following this ceremony honoring all U.S. military veterans.
when: November 9th (Thursday) 12:30-13:30
where: Outdoor Amphitheater, 43-500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert
ticket: free
More information: collegeofthedesert.edu/calendar
Veterans Day in Rancho Mirage
This Veterans Day weekend begins by honoring Rancho Mirage residents (and all Americans) who served in the U.S. military. The event features storytelling, a memorial service, a flag ceremony, pledges, and even shows like the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.
when: November 9th (Thursday) 5:30pm – 6:30pm
where: Rancho Mirage Amphitheater, 71-560 San Jacinto Drive, Rancho Mirage
ticket: It’s free, but please register using the link below
More information: deserttheatricals.ticketleap.com
field of courage
The Evening Rotary Club of Cathedral City will host its 16th annual Field of Valor this week. The week-long celebration will begin with an opening ceremony on Nov. 4, honoring local veterans who died in the Vietnam War from Riverside and San Bernardino counties, as well as Californians who lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. did. To honor their families and friends, an area will be dedicated to the brave soldiers of past wars. The names of local fallen veterans are recorded and played on a loop on the soundtrack throughout the day, ending with a tap at sunset. The awards will continue throughout this week and conclude with the closing ceremony on Sunday, November 12th.
when: Friday, November 10th at 4pm. Saturday, November 11th at 9am and Sunday, November 12th at 9am
where: Patriot Park, 33-998 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City.
Fee: free
More information:discovercathedralcity.com/event
La Quinta Veterans Recognition Ceremony
The City of La Quinta will honor local military personnel this weekend at its annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony. During the event, La Quinta’s heroes will be recognized by dignitaries and their names, ranks and dates of service will be inscribed on the Veterans Recognition Memorial in Civic Center Park.
when: Saturday, November 11th, 9am to 10am
where: 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta
ticket: free
More information: laquintaca.gov/our-city
City of Desert Hot Springs Veterans Day Ceremony
On November 11th, Desert Hot Springs will pay tribute to America’s heroes. This event is held to remember and thank the brave Americans who served in the military to protect our country and our allies. Join our community to express your gratitude and remember the lives lost in combat.
when: Saturday, November 11th, 9am to 10am
where: Veterans Park, 10-101 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
ticket: free
More information: cityofdhs.org/event
Indian Wells Veterans Day Ceremony
Indian Wells Veterans Day honors local and national veterans and the sacrifices they make.
when: Saturday, November 11th 10am-11am
where: Indian Wells City Hall, 44-950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells
ticket: free
More information: cityofindianwells.org
HeartLoveWave Workshop – Veterans Day 2023
In this workshop, facilitators will lead veterans and supporters alike through an experience that explores the power of love and healing. Learn the science behind the heart-brain connection, learn how to develop innovative solutions to challenges, and learn how to manage stress and live a more fulfilling life.
when: Saturday, November 11th 10am-noon
where: American Legion Post, 519 N. Belardo Road, Palm Springs
ticket: Free but requires online registration
More information: eventbright.com
Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District
The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District, in collaboration with American Legion Post 739 of Indio, invites the public to celebrate this Veterans Day. Updates and event details will be posted on Facebook and our website closer to the event.
when: Saturday, November 11th 11am
where: Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District, 82-925 Avenue 52, Coachella
ticket: free
More information: allevents.in/Coachella
Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade
The City of Palm Springs is proud to present the 26th Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade. The parade features patriotic floats, community groups, and familiar faces celebrating the holiday. The parade lasts about an hour and ends with a patriotic concert by the 300th Army Reserve Band and a fireworks finale.
when: Saturday, November 11th, 3:30pm – 5:00pm
where: Starting at Ramon Road and Palm Canyon Drive, head north on Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs to Alejo Road (main stage is at the intersection of Amado Road and Palm Canyon Drive)
ticket: free
More information: Palmspringsca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar
veterans day car show
Support the Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation at this Veterans Day car show. Visit Southwest Church in Indian Wells to check out the wheels, eat snacks purchased from the Food Truck, enjoy music, and enter a drawing to win prizes. The foundation provides Desert Sands Unified School District scholarships, sponsors service animals for veterans and travel to Marine Recruiting Base in San Diego to celebrate young Marines as they graduate from boot camp. We sponsor families across America who are unable to do so.
when: Sunday, November 12th 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Vehicle display will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
where: Southwest Church, 44-175 Washington St., Indian Wells.
ticket: Free to attend, $40 entry fee for cars to car show
More information: eventbright.com
Desert Sun reporter Ema Sasic contributed to this report.
Niki Kottmann is features editor at The Desert Sun. She oversees the paper’s arts and entertainment, education and health coverage. You can connect with her on Twitter @niki_mariee.