Denver will come together to honor its heroes on Saturday, November 14, 2026, when the 17th annual Denver Veterans Day Run, Festival and Parade takes over Denver City Park, hosted by the nonprofit Colorado Veterans Project.
The morning starts on the move: a 10K Rippetoe Ruck steps off at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 10K run/walk at 9:00 and the 5K at 9:15 — a route so beloved it is called “Denver’s Race for Veterans.” Opening remarks begin at 8:15, and finisher awards follow at 10:15, just before the parade route is cleared.
At 10:30 a.m. the parade itself rolls through the park, with veterans’ groups, marching units, classic vehicles and community organizations celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of Colorado’s service members. The festival runs alongside it from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with vendor booths, family activities and live music after the parade ends at noon.
Best of all, watching the parade and enjoying the festival are free — you only need to register if you plan to run, ruck, march or volunteer. Happy City News tip: arrive before 9 a.m. for easy parking around City Park, cheer the runners first, and then claim a shady spot along the parade route. Full schedules and registration are at denverveteransday.com.
Photo: Colorado Veterans Project / Denver Veterans Day
