Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Phoenix
- 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
American Indian Veterans Day Art Market & Sunset Tribute at the Heard Museum
At the Heard Museum’s Veterans Day gathering, art is both the work visitors can buy and part of the place where they will pay tribute. The November 11, 2026, program in Phoenix brings a new art market into the annual event before an evening ceremony at a memorial created by two Native sculptors.
A new market within an annual gathering
The Veterans Day Art Market gives visitors a chance to meet Native veteran artists and shop for their work. The broader daytime event also includes artist demonstrations, veterans’ stories and family art activities; the museum has not named the participating market artists or specified what each will bring.
Steele Auditorium is the setting for the market and music by Aaron White (Southern Ute/Navajo), a U.S. Air Force veteran. In Harnett Theater, the museum has scheduled a screening of Native Words, Native Warriors. The museum lists both within the daytime program but has not published individual start times, so visitors hoping to catch either should check for updates.
Further reading: American Indian Veterans Day Art Market & Sunset Tribute - Heard Museum - November 11, 2026Artboard ↗
A keynote connected to the memorial
The evening tribute marks 14 years since the Heard established the American Indian Veterans National Memorial. Keynote speaker Michael Naranjo (Santa Clara Pueblo), a Tewa sculptor and Vietnam veteran, is one of the artists whose work forms the memorial. He was blinded by a combat injury and continued an artistic career in sculpture.
The memorial also includes work by Allan Houser (Chiricahua Apache), including his final sculpture, the 10-foot Unconquered II. Its panels recount American Indian military service from the 17th through the 21st centuries and honor Native Medal of Honor recipients. Among the texts incorporated into the memorial are poems by Mary Tallmountain (Koyukon/Athabaskan) and N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa).
The ceremony pairs Naranjo’s keynote with an honor dance by Pee Posh Bird Singers and Dancers and a coin ceremony and honor song by Jim Covarrubias, a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. A reception is scheduled in the Central Courtyard during the evening program.
Further reading: American Indian Veterans Day Art Market & Sunset Tribute - Heard Museum - November 11, 2026Artboard ↗ · American Indian Veterans National Memorial - Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
The 2026 program
The daytime listings give a shared program window, not individual performance or screening start times.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 · Steele Auditorium
- Veterans Art Market
- Live music by Aaron White (Southern Ute/Navajo), U.S. Air Force veteran and award-winning artist; individual start time not specified
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 · Harnett Theater
- Native Words, Native Warriors film screening; individual start time not specified
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 · American Indian Veterans National Memorial
- Sunset Tribute: welcome by David Roche; master of ceremonies Marcus Monenerkit; posting of colors by Ira Hayes Post 84; flag song by Kenneth Cozad; blessing; keynote by Michael Naranjo (Santa Clara Pueblo); honor dance by Pee Posh Bird Singers and Dancers; coin ceremony and honor song by Jim Covarrubias, U.S. Army Vietnam veteran
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 · Central Courtyard
- Reception
Before you go
Bring military ID for the event offer
Veterans and active-duty military personnel with valid ID receive free museum admission for themselves and one additional guest. Other event admission terms and prices are not specified; check with the museum before booking.
Plan around the afternoon break
The daytime program runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a break from 4 to 5 p.m. The tribute and reception are scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m.
Ask about event-specific arrangements
The museum says it is wheelchair accessible and lends manual wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the museum at 602-252-8840 with questions about accommodations for the market or tribute.
Accessibility | Heard Museum ↗ · Plan Your Visit | Heard Museum - Phoenix, ArizonaArtboard ↗
Getting to the Heard
Light rail, parking and drop-off
The event is at the Heard Museum Grounds, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Valley Metro Light Rail serves the museum at Encanto/Central.
The museum normally offers free on-site parking, but says major events may use off-site parking; check event arrangements before driving. Accessible parking is listed in the north and east lots. The designated rideshare drop-off is in the curved area behind the museum near the Courtyard Café.
American Indian Veterans Day Art Market & Sunset Tribute - Heard Museum - November 11, 2026Artboard ↗ · Plan Your Visit | Heard Museum - Phoenix, ArizonaArtboard ↗ · FAQ | Heard Museum ↗ · Accessibility | Heard Museum ↗
Before you make a plan
Is there a break between the market and the tribute?
Yes. The daytime event ends at 4 p.m., with a break until the evening program begins at 5 p.m.
When will the film and Aaron White’s music start?
Both are listed within the 10 a.m.–4 p.m. daytime program, but individual start times have not been published.
Are there activities for children?
The daytime event includes family art activities. At the museum, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
American Indian Veterans Day Art Market & Sunset Tribute - Heard Museum - November 11, 2026Artboard ↗ · Plan Your Visit | Heard Museum - Phoenix, ArizonaArtboard ↗
Who qualifies for the Veterans Day admission offer?
Veterans and active-duty military personnel with valid ID receive free museum admission, along with one additional guest.
Location & Google Maps
Heard Museum Grounds
2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.