2026 North County VetFest Veterans Day Parade and Festival

Downtown Escondido will once again turn red, white, and blue on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, as community members, military families, and civic organizations assemble for the 7th Annual North County VetFest Veterans Day Parade and Festival. Presented by American Legion JB Clark Post 149 and Brothers of 6 Charities, VetFest stands as North County’s premier gathering honoring the courage, service, and sacrifice of U.S. service members past and present.

The parade steps off promptly at 9:30 a.m. along an expanded downtown Escondido route, staging from Woodward Avenue, proceeding south along Broadway, traveling west along historic Grand Avenue, and heading north along Escondido Boulevard. Spectators will enjoy an array of entries, including local businesses, veteran service organizations, high school marching bands, youth leagues, equestrian groups, and historic military vehicles.

Following the parade, festivities transition to American Legion JB Clark Post 149 (230 E. Park Avenue, Escondido) for the VetFest Community Celebration, running from 11 a.m. into the afternoon. Free and open to all ages, the gathering features an official Veterans Day ceremony with keynote civic and military speakers, live musical entertainment, multiple food caterers, beverage service, event sponsors and resource booths connecting local service members, veterans, and military families with vital support services.