Downtown Danville's Veterans Day celebration takes place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley, 400 Hartz Avenue. The day opens with a pancake breakfast for veterans and their families, continues with military history exhibits from 9 AM to 5 PM, features an 11 AM Veterans Day Observance, and closes with the Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting Ceremony at 4:40 PM.
Here's the full schedule and what to know before you go.
Veterans Day 2026 Schedule in Downtown Danville
According to the official Veterans Day 2026 program from the Veterans Memorial Building:
7:30–10 AM: Veterans Pancake Breakfast
Open to all veterans and their families, served on the second floor of the Veterans Wing. The program lists the Danville Town Council as host.
9 AM–5 PM: Military History Exhibits and Open House
The main hall will feature displays marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, along with the Army, Marine Corps and Navy. Expect artifacts from the Revolutionary War, Civil War and Spanish-American War — and, according to the program, a lock of George Washington's and Alexander Hamilton's hair. The Quest Science Center will also have hands-on activities, and the building's Huey helicopter will be out front with military vehicles alongside.
11 AM: Veterans Day Observance
Held in the main hall, the observance includes a flag presentation by Sons of the American Revolution reenactors, remarks from veterans attending Diablo Valley College, patriotic songs by the Monte Vista High School Choir, and remarks from Danville Mayor Newell Arnerich.
4:40 PM: Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting Ceremony
To close the day, attendees gather at the flagpole at Hartz Avenue and East Prospect Avenue for a short Veterans Day lighting ceremony honoring the Mount Diablo Beacon.
The Town of Danville also lists the Veterans Day Celebration and Open House on its community calendar.
About the Veterans Memorial Building
The Veterans Memorial Building has served the San Ramon Valley's veteran community since 1925. After more than eight decades of events, the Town of Danville and the community came together to renovate and expand the building in 2012. Today it houses a library and historical collection with memorabilia from World War I to the present, and it remains a gathering place for veterans and the wider community.
If you can't make it on November 11, docents offer guided tours Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to noon. Veterans are also welcome at the Saturday morning Veterans Social Coffee, 9 AM to noon. Details are at vmbsrv.org.
Tips for Attending
- Arrive early for the observance. The 11 AM ceremony is the centerpiece of the day, so plan a little extra time for parking downtown.
- Bring the kids. The Huey helicopter, military vehicles and Quest Science Center activities make this a meaningful history lesson for younger family members.
- Check details directly. The program does not list admission or breakfast pricing, so confirm any questions with the Veterans Memorial Building before you go.
Why It Matters in the San Ramon Valley
Traditions like this one are a big part of what makes Danville feel like home. Generations of local families — including students from Monte Vista High School singing at the observance — come together downtown to say thank you. It's a good reminder that community is built one gathering at a time.
Looking for more to do this month? See our guide to November in Danville: community events and holiday traditions.
To every veteran in our community and their families: thank you for your service.
Have a question about life or Real Estate in the San Ramon Valley? Let's connect.
Jason R. Bleier | The Agency | REALTOR® | DRE #01484014
(925) 997-7373 | [email protected] | @jbleierhomes
