Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley will host a full slate of Veterans Day events from Nov. 7‑14, giving families and community members many ways to honor those who have served. Below is a city‑by‑city guide to parades, ceremonies, art workshops, charity rides and more.
River Valley Highlights
Fort Smith – Chaffee Crossing Veterans Day Celebration
Saturday, Nov. 7 – ceremony at 10 a.m., parade at noon. The historic district will feature vintage military vehicles, organization booths and food trucks. U.S. Air Force veteran Sylvia Pitzen Timmons will serve as grand marshal.
Fort Smith – Honor and Duty Pickleball Tournament
Saturday, Nov. 7 – time to be confirmed. Hosted at The Hangout (5400 Gary St.), the tournament supports veterans experiencing homelessness through Next Step’s Buddy Smith House. Entry is $30 per person with breakfast and lunch provided. Call Terry Bogner (479‑806‑3243) or Jonah Flores (479‑461‑1636) for details.
Van Buren Veterans Day Parade
Sunday, Nov. 8 – 2 p.m. The Old Town Merchants Association lists the parade for the afternoon. Check the organizer’s page for route updates before heading out.
Northwest Arkansas Events
Veterans Wall of Honor Ride – Bella Vista to Rogers
Saturday, Nov. 7 – registration at 10 a.m., ride departs 11 a.m. Motorcyclists travel the Pig Trail, escorted by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. A $5 donation benefits the Veterans Wall of Honor. A free lunch follows the ride.
Bentonville Field of Honor
Saturday, Nov. 7 – Saturday, Nov. 14 – 305 SW A St. Hundreds of American flags will line the display, honoring veterans, police and firefighters. A Veterans Day gathering on Wed., Nov. 11, 12:30‑1:30 p.m. includes an ice‑cream social and brief ceremony.
Eureka Springs Veterans Appreciation Day at ESSA
Saturday, Nov. 7 – 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free art and craft workshops for veterans at the School of the Arts (15751 Highway 62 W.). Activities include stained glass, woodcarving, blacksmithing, printmaking and metal ink work. Register by calling 479‑253‑5384.
Eureka Springs Veterans Day Parade
Saturday, Nov. 7 – 1–2 p.m. Downtown parade; check the event page for route information.
Fayetteville VHSO Veterans Day Ceremony
Tuesday, Nov. 10 – 11 a.m.–noon at the VA Hospital auditorium (1100 N. College Ave.). Free and open to the public.
Fayetteville Veterans Day Parade and Community Fair
Saturday, Nov. 7 – parade begins at 11 a.m. on Dickson Street, followed by a fair at the Upper Ramble. Opening ceremony starts at 10:45 a.m. near Dickson Street and West Avenue.
Fayetteville Veterans and Vehicles
Saturday, Nov. 14 – 8 a.m.–noon at the Arkansas Air & Military Museum (4290 S. School Ave.). Free museum admission and vehicle registration; veteran‑owned vehicles are encouraged. A Toys for Tots collection and non‑perishable food drive will also be hosted.
Rogers Salute to Veterans 5K, 10K and Half Marathon
Sunday, Nov. 8 – 8:30 a.m. at Blossom Way Trailhead (3414 S. Dixieland Rd.). Registration is free for veterans, $15 for active‑duty service members (military ID required), and a standard fee for all other participants.
Rogers Trail Blazers Program
Wednesday‑Thursday, Nov. 11‑12 – 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Equestrian Bridges (5920 S. Bellview Rd.). Free two‑day program offering riding lessons and horse‑based leadership exercises for veterans, active‑duty members and first responders. Space is limited; register in advance.
What to Know Before You Go
- Start times vary – key dates include the Chaffee Crossing ceremony (10 a.m.) and parade (noon) on Nov. 7, Fayetteville parade (11 a.m.) on Nov. 7, and Van Buren parade (2 p.m.) on Nov. 8.
- Many events require registration or proof of eligibility (e.g., ESSA workshops for veterans only, Trail Blazers for veterans, active‑duty and first responders).
- Costs differ – the pickleball tournament is $30 per participant, the motorcycle ride requests a $5 donation, and the Rogers race offers free registration for veterans.
- Check each organizer’s website or contact numbers for the latest details, especially if you plan to attend a parade route or need parking information.
Original reporting: 40/29 News KHBS Fort Smith (local) — read the source article.
