Top Ways to Celebrate Veteran's Day in Mesa
Mesa, Arizona has a long tradition of hosting the Annual East Valley Veteran's Day Parade in downtown Mesa.
Veterans Day in Mesa brings people together through local traditions, military history, and businesses rooted in service. On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, join the community in honoring veterans and their families, then explore the places that keep their stories alive.
Attend the East Valley Veterans Parade
Gather in Downtown Mesa for the East Valley Veterans Parade, a community tradition honoring veterans, active military members, and their families. This year's theme is “Nifty 250, Freedom Ain't Free.”
Bring family or friends, arrive early to find your viewing spot, and take a moment to thank those who have served. Check the organizer's route map and parking information before heading downtown.
Plan your parade visit
Explore Military Aviation History
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum
2017 N. Greenfield Road
Held at the northeast corner of Greenfield and McKellips roads, the event gives history enthusiasts an additional reason to visit Mesa this November. Plan your museum visit
Connect with Local Flavor at Cider Corps
Service and community are part of the story at Cider Corps, a veteran-owned, family-operated craft cidery in Downtown Mesa.
Founded by brothers Josh and Jason Duren, a retired Marine sergeant, the business grew from a therapeutic cider-making hobby into a gathering place with a mission to honor veterans and their families.
Find the taproom at 31 S. Robson, Suite 103, and check its current hours and event announcements before visiting.
Explore Cider Corps
Start the Week with BBQ and Bluegrass
Visiting before Veterans Day? The fourth annual Downtown Mesa BBQ & Bluegrass Classic brings together barbecue competition, live music, and local vendors for a weekend downtown.
Watch the pitmasters at work, purchase barbecue tastings, and leave time to explore nearby shops and local dining.
See BBQ & Bluegrass event details
Explore Your Creative Side at the Arts in Service Open House
Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Mesa Arts Center | 1 E. Main St. | Free admission
Discover how creativity brings people together at Mesa Arts Center’s Arts in Service Open House. Enjoy live entertainment, demonstrations, refreshments and hands-on activities while meeting instructors and exploring the program’s art classes for service members and veterans.
The event is free and open to everyone. New Arts in Service participants can also access priority registration for spring 2027 classes.
Explore the Arts in Service Open House
Save Our Saguaros Replanting Event & Veterans Day Celebration
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 9 a.m.–noon
Celebrate Veterans Day with a morning of giving back to the desert. Join Natural Restorations for its 7th annual Save Our Saguaros Replanting Event & Veterans Day Celebration and help plant saguaros alongside fellow volunteers.
Sign in between 8:30 and 9 a.m. and be ready for the safety briefing at 9 a.m. The event wraps up at noon with a free raffle for volunteers.
All ages are welcome. Youth volunteers must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian or adult group leader. Registration is limited based on the number of saguaros available to plant.
View event details and register
*Registration Required*
