November is a time to reflect, remember, and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country. From Veterans Day parades and community tributes to special ceremonies and ongoing support programs, Kern County offers many opportunities for families to honor local heroes and connect with the veteran community. Gather your loved ones and join in these meaningful events throughout the month.

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NOVEMBER 10

NOR’s "Plant a Flag" Veterans Day Tribute

Plant your flag in the growing sea of red, white, and blue, celebrating past, present, and future heroes. Bring your family for a day of remembrance, capture meaningful photos, and show your gratitude to those who served. Secure your Veterans Flag before it’s too late!

9 AM – 10 AM

Liberty Park’s Liberty Garden

11225 Brimhall Road

Bakersfield, CA

661-392-2010

https://www.norfun.org/seasonal-492d727

NOVEMBER 11

Portrait of a Warrior Gallery Freedom Bell Ringing Ceremony

During the ceremony, the gallery's Freedom Bell is rung 27 times as the names of post-9/11 fallen heroes from Kern County are read aloud, followed by a 28th ring dedicated to all other service members who gave their lives.

12 PM

Portrait of a Warrior Gallery

1925 Eye St.

Bakersfield, CA 93301

661-479-5095

https://www.kern-warrior.org/

Bakersfield Post 26 Veterans Day Parade 2026

Bring out the family and honor our local Veterans at the annual Veterans Day Parade sponsored by the American Legion Post 26. Parade followed by lunch and awards at the American Legion Post 26 at 2020 H street.

• Breakfast ($5 donation, Veterans eat free): 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM
• Parade: 10 AM – 12 PM
• Lunch ($8 0r $15 donation, Veterans eat free): 12 PM – 2 PM

Downtown Bakersfield (Parade route begins at 21st and L Street)

661-324-9453

https://www.facebook.com/vetsdaypost26bakersfieldca/

Taft’s Veterans Day Celebration

Bring out the family and honor all who served. Enjoy delicious BBQ, drinks, and patriotic music by local Jazz ensemble and singing by local choir group. Challenge coins will be available to veterans as long as the supply lasts.

11 AM

Veteran’s Memorial Park

217 East Kern Street

Taft, CA

661-763-1222

https://www.cityoftaft.org/

Tehachapi’s Veterans Day Celebration

This is a free family event where we gather to honor not only America's veterans but the veterans of our community! Ceremony begins at 11:11 AM and following the ceremony there will be military-related booths and laser tag.

11 AM – 3 PM

Philip Marx Central Park

Mojave and “E” Street in Downtown Tehachapi

661-822-3228

https://www.tvrpd.org/veteran-s-day-celebration

NOVEMBER 14

Portrait of a Warrior Gallery Gala

An evening honoring Kern County’s Fallen Heroes and the families who keep their memories alive. Join Team 27 through remembrance, music, and community.

6 PM – 9 PM

1315 Boughton Drive

Bakersfield, CA 93308

661-479-5095

https://www.kern-warrior.org/powg-gala

NOVEMBER 18

BC’s Vet Fest 2026

Bakersfield College invites the community to honor current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces at this special Veterans Day celebration. Enjoy free food, games, music, and resource booths while connecting with fellow veterans, military families, and students in a welcoming and supportive environment.

9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Renegades Crossroads

1801 Panorama Dr.

Bakersfield, CA

661-395-4011

https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/campus-life/calendar.html

WEDNESDAYS

Vietnam PTSD Support Group

A weekly peer-led support group offering a safe space for Vietnam veterans coping with PTSD. Participants share experiences, build community, and access healing resources in a respectful, welcoming environment. For more information, contact George Garcia at 661-979-4579 or Al Cabrera at 661-301-6622.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

661-479-5095

https://www.kern-warrior.org/

Veterans Breakfast @ Zingo’s Café

Where veterans enjoy breakfast, free coffee, and camaraderie. All branches welcome. ALL Veterans, Active Duty, and Reservists are welcome to attend. Representatives from Honor Flight Kern County are in attendance who can get you signed up for Honor Flight Trips.

8 AM

https://www.facebook.com/ZingosCafe/

Free PTSD Kits for Veterans

For Veterans suffering from battlefield memories, these can be picked up by family members, if needed. Contact Marc at 661-487-0350 for more information.

11:30 AM - 2 PM

661-487-0350

https://healvets.org/

Combat Trauma Healing for Veterans

Christian-based combat healing using the “Bridges to Healing” Series. Followed by discussion and review. A time for healing and camaraderie. For a FREE study manual and more information, contact Rick Knight at 661-889-7917.

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

661-479-5095

https://www.kern-warrior.org/

1ST THURSDAY OF MONTH

Flight Kern County Bakersfield Breakfast

FREE to ALL Honor Flight, and local WWII veterans. Please limit 1 guest; $10. No RSVP needed. Contact Karen Galyan (661) 301-4754

8 AM - 10 AM

661-527-3838

www.honorflightkerncounty.org

2ND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

Honor Flight Kern County Lake Isabella Breakfast

For more information, contact Gary Zuber (760) 379-2109. Please wear your Honor Flight shirt & name badge to all events!

8 AM - 10 AM

661- 527-3838

www.honorflightkerncounty.org

3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

Honor Flight Kern County Ridgecrest Breakfast

For more information, contact John Abbott at (619) 808-2223. Please wear your Honor Flight shirt & name badge to all events!

8 AM - 10 AM

661-527-3838

honorflightkerncounty.org

3RD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

WHF's Veteran Coffee & Doughnuts

Join local Kern County Veterans for coffee and Doughnuts for outreach and socialization. Connect with men and women from our local community and enjoy local fresh doughnuts, memories of yesteryear, and fresh coffee.

9 AM - 11 AM

661-328-8600

www.thewoundedheroesfund.org

3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

Honor Flight Kern County Breakfast Delano

For more information, call Anthony Cortez at 661-586-1173. Please wear your Honor Flight shirt & name badge to all events!

8 AM - 9 AM

661-527-3838

www.honorflightkerncounty.org

LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Honor Flight Kern County Tehachapi Breakfast

Veterans FREE, guest $5. For more information, call Rick Zanutto (661) 331-7560.

9 AM

661- 527-3838

www.honorflightkerncounty.org