Updated 10/19/2018
When it comes to Veteran’s Day, Denver does it right. From concerts to parades and more, this coming October-November offers numerous ways to celebrate veterans and active military.
Veteran’s Day 2018 (which is Sunday November 11) is particularly special because it marks the 100th anniversary of the WWI Armistice. The armistice ended fighting on land, sea, and air between the Allies and Germany. It came into force at 11 am (Paris time) on November 11, 1918. Hence the phrase the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” and that Veteran’s Day is also known as Armistice Day in the US.
If you’re looking to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice, recognize veterans and active military, or both, here are some of events to check out.
Denver Area Veteran’s Day Events List:
Parker Symphony Orchestra: Salute: The Colorado Mormon Chorale and the Parker Symphony join together to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World War I Armistice. This program of music of remembrance and celebration features popular songs of the times, music of consolation, and spirit-rousing anthems. Selections include Battle Hymn of the Republic, Requiem for a Solider (from Band of Brothers), When Johnny Comes Marching Home, Sousa’s US Field Artillery March, a WWI Medley, and more.October 26 at 7:30 at PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker, CO 80138 Tickets available now: https://parkerarts.ticketforce.com
VetFest 5K – 10K – Street Party: The Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation is proud to Present VetFest, a 5K and 10K race and street party. There will also be artists booths, food trucks, and beer tents. October 27, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Festival Park in Castle Rock.
Aurora Veterans Salute: An event in Aurora honoring and remembering 100 years since the end of World War I. Held on Wednesday November 7 from 9:30 – 1:30 PM. Tickets will go on sale September 7. Wings Over The Rockies, 7711 E Academy Blvd #1, Denver, CO 80230
Denver Veterans Day Parade: Thousands of spectators will line Civic Center Park and nearby streets to honor local Veterans and enjoy floats, car clubs, marching units, bands, and more. Saturday November 10 at 10 AM. Parade starts at 14th St and W Colfax Ave.
Denver Veterans Day Festival: Immediately following the Denver Veterans Day Parade, the Festival begins. This family-friendly event features a music stage, kids & family activities, military displays, vendors, and food. Admission is free. Saturday November 10 from 12-3 PM at City Park
Denver Veterans Day Run 5K/10K: Hosted by Colorado Veterans Project, this is Denver’s official run for Veterans. The memorial 5K/10K fun run is open to runners, joggers, walkers, dogs, and kids of all ages. Register at https://www.denverveteransday.com/run/ Sunday November 11 at 8:00 AM at City Park
Star Spangled Gala: A fund raising event supporting non-narcotic treatments for pain and Post Traumatic Stress. Will feature Carolyn Strauss as the Master of Ceremonies and the Denver Dolls performing a tribute to the Andrews Sisters. October 20 from 5 PM – 9 PM at the Joy Burns Center Tuscan Ballroom, 2044 East Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80208
Broomfield Veterans Day Ceremony: This annual ceremony celebrates both veterans and current military personnel with speeches, song, and tributes. An honored tradition in Broomfield. Monday November 12 at 10 am at the Broomfield High School Auditorium
Veterans Day Celebration & Annual Chili Cook-off: Honor the Veterans of the I-70 Corridor and help support your Tri-Valley VFW Post 8449. If you live and breathe chili, this event is for you. Whether you want to enter your secret family recipe or just come by and sample all the delicious chilis, join the Town of Bennett at this free event. November 10 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Bennett Community Center, 1100 E Colfax Avenue, Bennett, CO
Free Meal At Applebees: Applebees is offering veterans and active duty military a free meal on Veteran’s Day (November 11). Find an Applebees near you
Castle Marne Annual Veterans Day Giveaway: Every year, Castle Marne in Denver hosts a drawing for a free night for Veterans as a “Thank You” to those who have served. The deadline for entering is Monday October 15 and is open to both active and retired US military personnel. Winners will be served complimentary Afternoon Tea at which time more drawings and door prizes will be given away. Full breakfast the following morning is included. The free stay will occur on November 9 and 10. For more details and to enter, visit their website https://castlemarne.com/annual-veterans-day-giveaway/.
Serving with Honor: A Volunteer Appreciation Event: An event to thank the volunteers who have rendered Bell Honors at over 1,100 funerals and 150 public and school events. The Honor Bell is a 1,000-pound bronze bell cast with artifacts from Colorado’s military servicemen and women, and tolled exclusively by Colorado’s veterans at graveside and memorial services. The volunteers have devoted countless hours to honoring their fellow service members, educating schoolchildren about the importance of military service, and joining the community in celebrating the memory of those who served. In addition to saluting their volunteers, there will also be a screening of the film Taking Chance. November 7, 2018 from 6:00-8:30 PM at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Littleton
Veterans Appreciation at Mile High Harley-Davidson of Parker: This event is open to the public and they ask all of those able to come out and say a special thank you to our men and women in uniform past and present. Complimentary Brunch will be served and special in store discounts for veterans and Active Duty Military and their family. November 10, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Mile High Harley-Davidson of Parker, 6280 East Pine Lane, Parker, Colorado 80138.
Colorado NVSBC October Kickoff Dinner: The goal of the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) is to bring together the Veteran Small Business Community. Now after six months of hard work by the advisory committee, the Colorado Chapter is ready to launch. Join them for a networking cocktail reception, dinner, and a keynote speaker. October 11, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Sheraton Denver Tech Center. Tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colorado-nvsbc-october-kickoff-dinner-tickets-48656953257
Fort Logan Tours: In an effort to better honor our fallen, Colorado heroes, join TEDxMileHigh and Denver University graduate students as they guide you through the Fort Logan Cemetery telling the stories of forgotten soldiers who fought and died serving their country and their home state of Colorado. November 10, 2018 at 9:30 AM – 11 AM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, Colorado 80236
Veteran’s Day Cut-A-Ton: Do the Bang Thing Salon is hosting their 4th Annual Veteran’s Day Cut-A-Ton. Open to any veteran and their families, they will be doing free haircuts from 12-6 PM. Haircuts come with Shampoo and Style. Refreshments and Beverages will be provided. Valid IDs, such as DD214, Military ID, VA Healthcare ID, and Drivers License with Military Badge. Haircuts will be in a first come, first serve basis. November 12, 2018 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Glass Poppy Display at the Denver Botanic Gardens: Glass poppies, created by soldiers and veterans, will be displayed at Denver Botanic Gardens in partnership with Denver’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I armistice and to honor the 1,290 Colorado military members who died during the war. October 20-November 11, Boettcher Memorial Center at the Gardens’ York Street location
Aspen Crossing Elementary School Veterans Parade: Hosted by the Highlander Composite Squadron and the Civil Air Patrol, this event includes both a parade and a tribute afterwards. November 3 from 12 PM – 3 PM at Aspen Crossing Elementary School, 4655 S Himalaya St., Centennial, CO
Stay tuned for more events…
Other Colorado Veteran’s Day Resources:
2018 Local Veterans Day Deals for Veterans
Colorado Veterans Project Events
Colorado Springs Veteran’s Day Parade
Veterans Appreciation Breakfast at the Briargate YMCA in Colorado Springs
Pipes & Stripes Concert in Colorado Springs
Veterans Day Open House at the American Legion Post #183 – Strasburg, CO
American Warrior Initiative Gala Loveland
Veterans Tribute in Loveland, CO
Veterans Day Concert in Wellington, CO
Colorado Fallen Heroes Memorial