When is Veterans Day 2026? Wednesday, November 11. In Phoenix, the Honoring America's Veterans Veterans Day Parade steps off at 11 a.m. on a new route: north on Third Street from McDowell Road to Indian School Road. Organizers expect more than 45,000 spectators, and the parade is free.
What about Scottsdale? Scottsdale city offices close for the holiday, but trash and recycling collection isn't affected. Old Town's Scottsdale Salutes banners honor local veterans each November, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community hosts a Veterans Day Program in Scottsdale right after its own parade.
Data note: Event details come from Honoring America's Veterans, the City of Scottsdale and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC). Exemption figures come from the Maricopa County Assessor. Event details can change, so confirm before you go. No market statistics are included in this post.
Phoenix Veterans Day Parade 2026 at a Glance
- Date and time: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, 11 a.m.
- Route: north on Third Street, from McDowell Road to Indian School Road
- Length: typically about two hours, wrapping up around 1 p.m.
- Cost: free
- Crowd: 45,000+ spectators expected
- Milestone: the parade's 30th anniversary, with the theme "250 Years of Freedom, 30 Years of Honor"
- Why 11 a.m.: a nod to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the original Armistice Day
Tips for Parade Day
- The route is new. If you've gone before, it's no longer on Central Avenue, so don't head to the old spots
- Parking is first-come on side streets; arrive early and expect road closures around the route
- Bring water, shade and sunscreen. Midday sun is still strong in November
Veterans Day in Scottsdale
City Schedule
- City offices: closed Wednesday, Nov. 11 (observed holiday)
- Trash and recycling: not affected on Veterans Day, per the city's 2026 holiday schedule
- Chaparral Park community center: listed as closed on Veterans Day
Scottsdale Salutes
The city's Veterans Advisory Commission runs Scottsdale Salutes: banners featuring local veterans and service members fly from street light poles in Old Town each November. Residents can nominate a veteran who lives or lived in Scottsdale, is from Scottsdale, or worked here at least five years.
Scottsdale's Veterans Day Commemoration
The city has held a Veterans Day Commemoration at the Civic Center Memorial Lawn. Last year's ceremony began at 11 a.m. Check the City of Scottsdale's community calendar for 2026 details.
SRPMIC Veterans Day Program
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., right after the SRPMIC Veterans Day Parade
- Where: Salt River Community Building, 1880 N. Longmore Road, Scottsdale 85256
- Includes: veterans honoring, a meal, T-shirt giveaway, arts and crafts vendors, music and parade winner announcements
For more on the season, see our guide to things to do in Scottsdale in November.
Homeowner Benefits for Arizona Veterans
Property Tax Exemptions (Maricopa County)
The Maricopa County Assessor lists these personal exemptions:
- Partial exemption for veterans with a disability: up to $4,873 for 2026, multiplied by the disability percentage
- Full exemption of a primary residence for qualifying 100% service-connected disabled veterans
- Income limits: $39,865, or $47,826 with children under 18. Social Security, military pensions and VA disability payments are excluded from income
- Honorable discharge required
- When to apply: from the first Monday in January through Feb. 28, or through Sept. 1 with an Exemption Deadline Waiver
- Assessor's office: 602-506-3406
These exemptions are separate from Arizona's primary residence classification. See our guide to the Arizona homestead exemption.
VA Home Loan Funding Fee Exemption
VA.gov says veterans receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability are generally exempt from the VA funding fee, which can mean meaningful savings at closing.
“Every November I'm reminded how many veterans are part of our Scottsdale and Phoenix neighborhoods. When I work with a veteran buyer or homeowner, one of the first things I bring up is whether they're using every benefit they've earned, from the VA funding fee exemption to the county's property tax exemptions. Those benefits are easy to miss.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
FAQ: Veterans Day 2026 in Phoenix and Scottsdale
When is Veterans Day 2026?
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
What is the 2026 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade route?
North on Third Street, McDowell to Indian School, at 11 a.m.
Is there trash pickup in Scottsdale on Veterans Day?
Yes. Collection isn't affected.
Do veterans get a property tax exemption in Arizona?
Qualifying disabled veterans may, up to $4,873 for 2026 or a full exemption.
A Veteran Buying or Selling in the Valley?
I'll make sure your VA benefits and property tax exemptions are part of the plan from day one, and connect you with lenders who know VA loans well.
Elizabeth Vijan | Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Scottsdale & Phoenix Real Estate
Let's Talk · Call or text 602-885-7752
Sources: Honoring America's Veterans: 2026 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade · City of Scottsdale: Holiday collection schedule · City of Scottsdale: Scottsdale Salutes · City of Scottsdale: Chaparral Park · SRPMIC: Veterans Day Program flyer · Maricopa County Assessor: Personal exemptions · VA.gov: Funding fee and closing costs
Disclaimer: Event details, routes and times can change; confirm with organizers before you go. Exemption rules and limits change annually; confirm with the Maricopa County Assessor. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
