Veterans Day 2023: Events honoring military members across the Coachella Valley
There are many members of the U.S. military, both past and present, who call the Coachella Valley and surrounding region home.
If you'd like to honor these fellow desert dwellers this Veterans Day, consider attending a local event held in their honor.
Below is The Desert Sun's complete guide to Veterans Day 2023 in the Coachella Valley and beyond.
COD Veterans Day Event
Light refreshments will be served after this ceremony honoring veterans of all the U.S. military services. College of the Desert welcomes all members of the public to attend this free celebration.
When: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9
Where: Outdoor Amphitheater, 43-500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert
Tickets: Free
More info: collegeofthedesert.edu/calendar
Veterans Day in Rancho Mirage
Kick off this Veterans Day weekend with a tribute to Rancho Mirage residents (and all Americans) who have served in the U.S. military. This event will feature stories, a memorial remembrance, flag ceremony, pledge and even a Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy kind of show.
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9
Where: Rancho Mirage Amphitheatre, 71-560 San Jacinto Drive, Rancho Mirage
Tickets: Free, but please register at the link below
More info: desert-theatricals.ticketleap.com
Fields of Valor
The Evening Rotary Club of Cathedral City will host the 16th Annual Fields of Valor this week. The week-long celebration began with an opening ceremony on Nov. 4, recognizing local lost veterans from Riverside and San Bernardino counties in the Vietnam War, as well as California residents whose lives were lost in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. An area will be dedicated to Soldiers of Valor from past wars to honor family and friends. The names of local lost veterans will be recorded and looped on a soundtrack to be played all day, ending with taps at sundown. The recognitions will continue throughout the week, ending with a closing ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 12.
When: 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10; 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 and 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 12
Where: Patriot Park, 33-998 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: Free
More info: discovercathedralcity.com/event
La Quinta Veterans Recognition Ceremony
The City of La Quinta will honor local service members at its annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony this weekend. During the event, La Quinta heroes will be recognized by dignitaries and have their names, ranks and dates of service engraved on the Veterans Acknowledgement Monuments in Civic Center Park.
When: 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11
Where: 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta
Tickets: Free
More info: laquintaca.gov/our-city
City of Desert Hot Springs Veterans Day Ceremony
Pay tribute to American heroes Nov. 11 in Desert Hot Springs. This event is held to remember and thank the brave Americans who have served in our military to defend our country and its allies. Join your community and express your appreciation, while taking a moment to also remember the lives that were lost in action.
When: 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11
Where: Veterans Park, 10-101 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
Tickets: Free
More info: cityofdhs.org/event
Indian Wells Veterans Day Ceremony
Honor both local and national veterans and the sacrifices they've made this Veterans Day in Indian Wells.
When: 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11
Where: Indian Wells City Hall, 44-950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells
Tickets: Free
More info: cityofindianwells.org
HeartLoveWave Workshop - Veteran's Day 2023
During this workshop, facilitators will lead veterans and supporters alike in an experience that's all about exploring 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: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 11
Where: American Legion Post, 519 N. Belardo Road, Palm Springs
Tickets: Free, but must register online
More info: eventbrite.com
Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District
The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District, in partnership with the American Legion Post 739, Indio, is inviting members of the public to join this Veterans Day celebration. Updates and event details will be posted on Facebook and our website as the event approaches.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11
Where: Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District, 82-925 Avenue 52, Coachella
Tickets: Free
More info: allevents.in/coachella
Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade
The City of Palm Springs proudly presents the 26th annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade, which will feature patriotic floats, community groups and several familiar faces celebrating the holiday. The parade lasts approximately one hour and concludes with a patriotic concert featuring the 300th Army Reserve Band — and a fireworks finale.
When: 3:30-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11
Where: Begins at Ramon Road and Palm Canyon Drive and heads northbound on Palm Canyon Drive to Alejo Road in downtown Palm Springs (the main stage is at the intersection of Amado Road and Palm Canyon Drive)
Tickets: Free
More info: palmspringsca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar
Veterans Day Car Show
Come support the Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation at this Veterans Day Car Show. Head to Southwest Church in Indian Wells to check out the wheels, snack on food truck purchases, enjoy music and enter to win prizes in several drawings. The foundation offers a Desert Sand Unified School District Scholarship, sponsors service animals for veterans and sponsors families across the U.S. who otherwise wouldn't be able to travel to the Marine Recruiting Depot in San Diego to celebrate their young marines when they graduate boot camp.
When: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. (with cars on display 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) on Sunday, Nov. 12
Where: Southwest Church, 44-175 Washington St., Indian Wells
Tickets: Free to attend, $40 to enter your car in the car show
More info: eventbrite.com
Palm Desert Veterans Day Celebration
The City of Palm Desert will honor the sacrifices of those who have served in the United States military and recognize the dedication of those who continue to serve the nation with a free Veterans Day celebration this weekend. The event will include a resource fair from 9 to 11 a.m., speakers and a concert by the Heatwave Boys and Girls Club Jazz Band.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 (resource fair held 9 to 11 a.m.)
Where: Civic Center Park, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert
Tickets: Free
More info: Please call 760-568-1441
Free Entry at Lake Cahuilla
Although not an event per se, there's something else you can do to celebrate Veterans Day this weekend. Riverside County is granting free admission to Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park this Friday through Sunday for all active duty military personnel, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard and federal and state reservists, and all other guests in the vehicle. Free entry also covers all day use activities such as fishing. To qualify, veterans need to present valid proof of military service.
When: All day Friday, Nov. 10; Saturday, Nov. 11; and Sunday, Nov. 12
Where: Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, 8075 Jefferson St., La Quinta
Tickets: Free
More info: Call 760-564-4712
Desert Sun reporter Ema Sasic contributed to this report.
Niki Kottmann is the features editor for The Desert Sun. She oversees the paper's arts and entertainment, education and health coverage. You can connect with her on Twitter @niki_mariee.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 12 events honoring Veterans Day in the greater Palm Springs area
