In anticipation of the first anniversary of the end of World War I in 1919, Woodrow Wilson set forth that on November 11th the United States would celebrate “Armistice Day” in honor of the signing of the armistice between the allies of World War I and Germany to end the war. It wasn’t until 1926 that Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance and not until 1938 that it was recognized as a national holiday. If you are looking for a way to celebrate and honor our veterans and active military members this Veterans Day, join in on one of the many community events happening throughout Northern Colorado.

What: Free Entrance into National Parks
When: November 11th-12th, 2017

Take advantage of free entrance into National Parks over the weekend! This is the perfect opportunity to take one last trip to Rocky Mountain National Park before winter!

What: Free Entrance into Colorado State Parks
When: November 11th, 2017

If you aren’t able to travel to a national park for the holiday, know that you can enter free into Colorado State Parks on Veterans Day! Find a full list of state parks here.

Greeley

What: Free Veteran Entrance to the Greeley History Museum
When: November 10th, 2017|10:00am-4:00pm
Where: Greeley History Museum

Veterans and active service members are treated to free admission to the Greeley History Museum in honor of their service all day long! There is no needed coupon but proof of service must be provided.

What: 2017 Weld County Veterans Day Ceremony
When: November 11th, 2017|11:00am
Where: Weld County Veterans Memorial (Located at the crossing of 16th St. & 35th Ave)

Start your Veterans Day in Weld County at the Veterans Day Memorial located at the south end of Bittersweet Park. Wreaths Across America will be in attendance this year to share their fundraising mission of placing evergreen wreaths on Veteran’s graves at Linn Grove Cemetery in Greeley/Evans. Wreaths are $15.00

What: Free Veteran’s Day Concert
When: November 11th, 2017|7:30pm
Where: Union Colony Civic Center

Join the 101st Army Band for a free concert to honor our veterans! The 101st Army Band has performed for over 80 years and are an active unit of the Colorado National Guard. Come listen to patriotic music for the public, veterans and their families and active military members.

Fort Collins

What: Veterans Day Breakfast
When: November 11th, 2017|7:00am
Where: Fort Collins Senior Center

The Fort Collins Golden K Kiwanis Club will present the breakfast in honor of veterans and their spouses. A presenting of colors will happen at 8 a.m. with music to follow. The breakfast is free to attend.

What: CSU AFROTC Veterans Day Ceremony
When: November 11th, 2017|10:00am
Where: The Veterans Plaza in Fort Collins at Spring Canyon Community Park

The Colorado State University Air Force ROTC will be hosting a Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Plaza in Fort Collins. The Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado serves as a reminder and tribute to our fallen soldiers of all branches. This unique venue is open to the public and features LCD monitors that scroll names of veterans and allows you to learn more about each veteran with a search option.

What: National Roll Call
When: November 10th, 2017|8:00am start time
Where: Sutherland Community Garden west of Colorado State University’s Lory Student Center

Names of fallen servicemen and women will be read aloud in honor of their service and legacy. This event takes place annually and volunteer spots are still open!

What: Veterans Day Honor Flight Fundraiser at Anheuser-Busch
When: November 11th, 2017|6:00-10:00pm
Where: Anheuser-Busch

Anheuser-Busch will be honoring veterans thought a fundraiser where all money raised will go towards Honor Flight Northern Colorado. There is a cash bar and food available for purchase throughout the night and live music from Reviver recording artist Craig Wayne Boyd and Northern Colorado’s own Sean Curtis. The event is free and open to the public.

What: 12th Annual Underwater Poker Tournament and Silent Auction
When: November 10th-11th, 2017|Friday: 4:00-6:00pm  Saturday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Where: High Plains Scuba

High Plains Scuba invites divers and non-divers to play in one-hour poker slots underwater. The entry fee is 20$ and all proceeds go to the Veterans to Veterans Alliance that will support local veterans. Find out more info here.

Loveland

What: Free Admittance to the Chilson Recreation Center
When: November 11th, 2017|All Day
Where:  Chilson Recreation Center

All day free admittance for veterans with identification.

What: Bell Ringers throughout the City
When: November 11th, 2017|4:00-6:00am
Where:  Throughout Loveland

As a tradition that began in Loveland in the mid-1950s, 15 bell ringers from the Associated Veterans of Loveland will take to the streets in the early hours of Veterans Day to ring bells in honor of keeping the historic moment alive from when the bells rang throughout the world signifying the end of all world wars. Loveland is one of two cities in Colorado who still ring the bells of freedom.

What: Bell Ringer 4 Miler
When: November 11th, 2017|2:30-5pm
Where: North Lake Park

This is the first year for the Bell Ringer 4 Miler run where all funds support The Edge. This years event will specifically be supporting ten of the 70 apartments that are being developed as “permanent supportive housing” for homeless veterans. This is made possible through a partnership between the Loveland Chamber of Commerce and Loveland Housing authority and several supportive services from local agencies. Entrance is $30.

What: Veterans Day Parade
When: November 11th, 2017|11:11am-12:00pm
Where:  The parade will depart from Railroad Avenue and 4th Street, heading west down 4th to Garfield, north on Garfield to 13th Street, and west on 13th to Dwayne Webster Veterans Park. A ceremony will be held at the park once the Bell Ringers arrive. Joshua Kelly U.S. Army will be the guest speaker and honored guest.

What: Breakfast at the Associated Veterans Club
When: November 11th, 2017|6:00-9:00am
Where: Associated Veterans Club

Open to everyone, free for veterans in uniform. Adults 5$, children 3$

What: Lunch at the Elks- Open to the Public
When: November 11th, 2017|12:10-5:00pm
Where: Loveland Elks Lodge

What: Live Music 
When: November 11th, 2017|3:30pm start
Where: Loveland Elks Lodge

Live music by Brooks Brothers Band in the lounge. Food will be served starting at 4pm until gone.

Windsor

What: Windsor High School Assembly and the American Legion Post of Windsor
When: November 10th, 2017|10:50am
Where: Windsor High School

Join the students of Windsor High School and the American Legion Post of Windsor Friday for an assembly held in honor of our veterans. U.S. Sgt. Sal Giunta, Medal of Honor recipient will be the speaker for the event. Open to the public.

What: Veterans Day Breakfast
When: November 11th, 2017|7:00-10:00am
Where: Forbes McKay American Legion Post 109

Open to the public, free for veterans. Plates for other community members is $5. Breakfast will include pancakes, eggs and sausage.

Looking for more freebies? Take a look at The Military Wallets 2017 Veterans Day Free Meals and Discount list where they have complied a list of over 100 participating restaurants that veterans can get a free meal at!