Updated: October 22, 2026
Things to Do on Veterans Day: Parade and More
Learn how to celebrate our service men and women and honor their efforts with events and activities for Veterans Day in Colorado Springs.
From cheering on the Veterans Day Parade to opting for a moment of silence at a local memorial, Veterans Day in Colorado Springs can range from loud and proud showcases of veteran pride to reflective commemorations. However you choose to celebrate and honor veterans on the holiday, Colorado Springs has events and activities that give you the chance to celebrate the efforts of these servicemen and women.
When: November 7, 2026 | 11 AM
Where: Downtown Colorado Springs | Starting at St. Vrain Street and marching south on Tejon Street to Vermijo Street
Line the streets to show support for the men and women who have fought and served for the country, and honor the fallen soldiers from throughout the years. The parade is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice and selflessness of American military personnel who have risked their lives for the continued freedom of the United States of America.
Veterans Day Parade 2026 Grand Marshals
For the 2026 parade, for the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Veterans Day Parade has named “Rosies” as the grand marshals. Inspired by the iconic Rosie the Riveter, the Veterans Day Parade’s “Rosies” are women in the Colorado Springs area who have served the country, supported the community, repaired their neighborhood or taken on a leadership role. This does not mean that all these women have served in a military role, but that they have made a meaningful impact on their community and/or country.
Do you know a Rosie? Nominate a Rosie through the online application portal.
Participants in 2026 Parade
Following the grand marshals, a series of participating groups, including veterans, performers and local organizations, will process down Tejon Street. In previous years, the parade has featured high school color guard groups, marching bands, decorated cars, uniformed servicemen and women and a plane demonstration.
Visit the Veterans Day Parade Facebook page for the latest updates on who/which local organizations are joining the November parade.
Do you want to be involved in the parade? You can apply to join the lineup of participants with the online application for the 2026 parade.
Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade History
The parade started in 2000 with veterans at the forefront of its development, creating the parade to honor the efforts of their fellow veterans in the Colorado area. Since its humble beginnings, the parade has blossomed into an impressive commemorative celebration with many of Colorado Springs’ residents taking to the streets to cheer for local veterans.
If you’re looking to show support for this local celebration, consider sponsoring or donating to the parade. Donations can be made online through the In Their Honor’s website.
In Their Honor: Additional 2026 Veterans Events
When: November 4, 2026 | 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Where: The Antlers | 4 S. Cascade Avenue
VetCon unites Colorado Springs’ veterans for a day of community, networking and education. Attend informational and training sessions, explore the event’s selection of job opportunities or simply connect with fellow veterans from the area. For 2026, the event has announced its new name, Mission: Colorado, which has refocused the event on the region and the people who have helped shape and protect the area.
Reserve your tickets by visiting the Colorado Small Business Development Center’s official website.
Pay Respects at Downtown Colorado Springs ‘Salute from the Springs’
In downtown Colorado Springs, find the field of American flags that the Veterans Day Parade organization plants in the grass every year. Each flag represents a Pikes Peak veteran, whose name you’ll see on display with the flag. Between November 1 and 11, visit the field of flags to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
This exhibit is supported through donations. If you’d like to see your loved one honored with a flag, make a $25 donation through the Veterans Day Parade website.
When: November 12, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: 8989 North Gate Boulevard
Join the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber in celebrating the great sacrifices of Latino military personnel. Profiles in Valor is an evening that spotlights the veterans of El Paso County with food, awards and dedication ceremonies. This year, the event is held at Hotel Polaris. Sponsorships for the event are welcome and can be made through the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber website.
**Tickets are required for this event. Please reserve the ticket on the event’s official website.
When: November 14, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: 215 S. Tejon Street
As part of their "We the People: Colorado at 150" lecture series, the Pioneer Museum will be hosting Dr. Courtney A. Short for her lecture on World War II, Lowry Field and the 310th Bombardment Group. Registration is required, and tickets are free, but donations are welcome to support the ongoing efforts of the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum.
Reserve your seat through the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum’s official website.
When: November 8, 2026 | Race Begins 10 AM
Where: Goat Patch Brewing | 2727 N. Cascade Avenue
Goat Patch Brewing, a veteran-owned brewery in Colorado Springs, is hosting its annual Veterans Day 5K on the Sunday before the federal holiday. The route will kick off at Goat Patch Brewing and take participants through the surrounding neighborhood before ending back at the brewery. You’ll be able to celebrate with a free Goat Patch brew once you’ve crossed the finish line.
This is a casual fun run, and participants are welcome to run, jog or walk their way through the course and spend the day supporting the veteran-owned brewing company.
Support Local Veteran-Owned Businesses
Consider supporting a local veteran-owned business this Veterans Day. We’re lucky enough to have so many veteran-owned businesses, from breweries to pizza shops to army surplus stores. Invite your friends to happy hour at Pure Distilling, Peaks N Pines or Colorado Mountain Brewing, or order a pizza from Pizzeria Rustica or seafood from Luchals.
Don’t think you have to try to cram all your support into one day. Opt to support all month long. After all, the month of November is Veterans Month! Visit our page, “Veteran-Owned Businesses in Colorado Springs,” for more information about local businesses to support.
Visit a Memorial
A great way to learn more and pay respects right here in Colorado Springs is by visiting one of our memorials. Our memorials range from abstract, solemn sculptures to in-depth museums that are dedicated to the men and women who have served the country. Take the day to spend a moment at these memorials, reflecting on the sacrifices and selflessness of our military men and women and educating yourself on the history behind military branches, conflicts and more.
Read our “Memorials Dedicated to Fallen Heroes” blog for our suggestions on which memorials you should visit.
Visit Pikes Peak National Cemetery
We are home to the Pikes Peak National Cemetery, a 374-acre cemetery operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Visit a missed loved one, honor those who lost their lives or make a donation for the continued maintenance of the cemetery grounds. The cemetery is integrating the Veterans Legacy Program to educate the public on the lives of the men and women buried within the grounds. Visit the Pikes Peak National Cemetery page for more information.
We love to honor our history here in Colorado Springs, from our veterans to our region’s roots. Learn more about the area and beyond by visiting a museum. Head to our Museums page for more information about the exhibits in our area.
