Veterans Day events in the Coachella Valley

On Monday, the nation will gather to honor those who have served the United States armed forces. Check out our list of local events below.

Indio Veterans Day 5k Run/Walk To Benefit Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation 

• Event Details: 
  • Empire Polo Club, 81-800 51st Avenue
  • Time: Check-in begins at 7:00 a.m., with an opening ceremony at 8:00 a.m. The 5K run/walk kicks off at 8:30 a.m. 
  • Registration: Now open at runsignup.com/Race/CA/Indio/IndioVeterans5K  
  • General registration is $43.40 per person. 
  • Veterans receive a $25 discount during registration. 
  • Children under the age of 10 participate for free. 

All participants will receive a commemorative shirt as part of their registration. Vendors will be on-site, offering food, drinks, and merchandise throughout the event. 

The event will benefit the Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation, which honors the legacy of Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez, a local hero who gave his life in service. The foundation supports veterans, military families, and youth development programs. In addition, each $10 donation made to the Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation will receive an entry to win a pair of 3-day GA Stagecoach tickets for the 2025 festival.  

Cathedral City Veterans Day Ceremony

• Events Details:
  • Desert Memorial Park, 31-705 Da Vall Drive
  • Begins at 10 a.m.
  • The event is free and open to the public
  • A special achievement award is being presented to Cathedral City Police Commander Nate Hanley. Hanley was an Arny sergeant who served on over 200 combat missions during the Iraq War
  • Also being honored is Marine Corps veteran Bill Kibler who is receiving the Silver Helmet Award as the AMVETS Member of the Year.
  • Lee Wilson of the Fallen Heroes Project is introducing the Gold Star Family members. Each family member will be asked to speak and receive a rose

Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade

• Event Details:
  • Starts at 3:30 p.m. in downtown Palm Springs
  • The parade runs along Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon to Alejo roads
  • This year’s theme is “Honoring All Who Serve.”
  • A patriotic concert and fireworks finale at Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road will immediately follow

Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District Hosts Veterans Day Ceremony

• Events Details:
  • Starts at 11:00 a.m. Coachella Valley Public Cemetery, 82925 52nd Avenue
  • Events will include a traditional Honor Guard salute, remarks by elected officials, a benediction, and singing of the National Anthem. 
  • The event will be presided over by Master of Ceremonies, Glenn Miller, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Indio
  • Seating and shade will be provided

Palm Desert Veterans Day Ceremony

• Events Details:
  • 11:00 a.m. at Civic Center Park, 73510 Fred Waring Drive
  • Following opening remarks from the Mayor of Palm Desert, a keynote speaker will address the crowd.
  • Other celebration highlights include a patriotic concert performed by the Heatwave Boys and Girls Club Jazz Band. 
  • This year’s event will be preceded by a Resource Fair from 10 – 11 a.m. that includes representatives from different organizations offering veterans’ services.

City of Indian Wells Veterans Day Ceremony

• Events Details:
  • From 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Indian Wells City Hall, 44-950 Eldorado Drive
  • Indian Wells Mayor Greg Sanders, musical entertainment by the Palm Springs Air Museum Pipes and Drum Band, singer Patricia Welch, and invocation and benediction by Southwest Church.
  • Indian Wells residents and the public are invited to attend this free patriotic event. No reservations are required.

City Of La Quinta Annual Recognition Ceremony

• Event Details
  • 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the City Hall Courtyard, 78-495 Calle Tampico
  • This year’s ceremony will feature a special recognition of local veterans, with their
    names, ranks, and service dates being engraved on the Veterans Acknowledgement
    Monuments at Civic Center Park

Veterans Day at the General Patton Museum in Chiraco Summit

• Event Details
  • Starts at 11 a.m. at the Patton Museum in Chiriaco Summit, 62-510 Chiriaco Road
  • Former Congresswoman Mary Bono will be there along with her husband, former Astronaut, Admiral Steve Oswald. 
  • Fred Bell of the Palm Springs Air Museum will be honored with the General Patton award