Veterans Day 2026 In Palm Desert: Closures, Events, Observances

PALM DESERT, CA — Palm Desert and nearby cities are observing Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11. The federal holiday honors all military veterans who have served honorably in the United States Armed Forces — across both wartime and peacetime.

Here are the holiday closures across the region:

• City Hall & Administrative Offices: Closed across all municipalities. Emergency police and fire services remain fully active.
• Public Schools: All K–12 schools in local districts are closed in observance of the state holiday.
• Public Libraries: County of Riverside branch libraries and city libraries are closed.
• Postal & Banking Services: U.S. Post Offices are closed with no regular mail delivery, and major bank branches are closed.
• Trash & Transit Schedules: Public transit operates on holiday schedules; residential waste pickup either runs as scheduled or slides by one day depending on your local hauler.

Here are Wednesday's events and observances:

Palm Desert

—Peace Memorial: Dedicated in 1991 to honor local veterans and community members who lost their lives defending peace, the site in the southwest area of Civic Center Park at 73510 Fred Waring Drive (near San Pablo Avenue) serves as a place of reflection.

Cathedral City

—Annual Ceremony: The event starts at 10:00 a.m. at Desert Memorial Park (31-705 Da Vall Drive) and features student essay readings, a rose presentation for Gold Star families, and musical performances.

Indian Wells

—Veterans Day Ceremony: The event starts at 10 a.m. at Indian Wells City Hall, 44-950 Eldorado Drive. In addition to remarks from city leaders and guests, the city will launch its annual “Toys for Little Marines and Sailors” toy drive. Everyone is encouraged to bring toy donations to the ceremony.

Indio

3rd Annual Veterans Day 5K & New 10K Run/Walk: The race begins at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Empire Polo Grounds (81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201). Sign up online via the Indio Veterans 5K RunSignUp Page.

La Quinta

—Annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony: The event honoring local service members begins at 9 a.m. at the La Quinta City Hall Courtyard (78495 Calle Tampico).

Palm Springs

—29th Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade & Concert "Honoring All Who Served":
WHEN: Wednesday, November 11, at 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Palm Springs (Ramon Road to Alejo Road along Palm Canyon Drive)

The Palm Springs Veterans Parade is of the largest in Southern California, according to the city.

This patriotic event features military units, marching bands, veterans’ organizations, and more. A special highlight of this year’s parade will be a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet, towed along the route for spectators to see up close. With a history that includes Navy test operations, the Blue Angels, and a role in Top Gun: Maverick, this rare appearance brings a unique piece of naval aviation and Hollywood history to the streets of Palm Springs.

The parade concludes with a patriotic concert by the 300th Army Reserve Band, followed by a fireworks finale. The main stage is located at Amado Road and Palm Canyon Drive.

Rancho Mirage

—Veterans Memorial Wall at Rancho Mirage Community Park (71560 San Jacinto Drive): The city's local landmark serves as a site of reflection.