By October 30, 2026
November invites us to reflect on the people, cultures, and traditions that shape our communities. From honoring loved ones and celebrating cultural heritage to recognizing veterans and finding ways to give back, this month offers meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and show gratitude.
Explore November's observances, local Puget Sound events, and free financial education workshops from Verity Credit Union.
Month-long Observances & Celebrations
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American and Alaska Native communities. It's also an opportunity to celebrate the vibrant Indigenous communities that continue to shape our region and nation.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we can honor this month by learning about local Tribal Nations, supporting Native-owned businesses, and engaging with Indigenous art, literature, and traditions.
Learn more: Explore the American Library Association's Native American Heritage resources, including books, educational materials, and ways to engage. You can also explore more, including online events, on the Smithsonian Institution.
Seattle is built on the unceded ancestral lands of the Coast Salish peoples. You can explore local history, art, and cultural sites, including the Burke Museum, Seattle Art Museum, and Native-owned Eighth Generation, through Visit Seattle’s Native American Heritage Guide to Seattle.
Local highlight: Celebrating Native American Artistry at Pike Place Market
- When: Saturday, November 7, 11:00 am–4:00 pm
- Where: Pike Place Market, Seattle
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Pike Place Market is showcasing Native artists and Native-owned businesses. Visitors can discover handmade artwork, meet local artists, and learn about the diverse artistic traditions represented in the Market community.
National Veterans & Military Families Month
Established in 1996 and recognized annually by Presidential Proclamation, National Veterans & Military Families Month honors the service, resilience, and sacrifices of veterans, service members, and the families who support them. It's an opportunity to recognize their contributions and the unique challenges military families face, from deployments and relocations to transitioning into civilian life.
Learn more and get involved: Explore family support programs through the Armed Services YMCA and resources from Military OneSource. Families with children can also find support through Sesame Street for Military Families, which offers resources on deployments, homecomings, and other military family experiences.
Looking for ways to support veterans? Explore volunteer and advocacy opportunities through organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Events and Day Observances
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) — November 1–2
Día de Muertos is a Mexican tradition honoring loved ones who have passed away. Families celebrate their lives through colorful ofrendas (altars), photographs, marigolds, favorite foods, music, and shared memories.
Rather than focusing solely on loss, Día de Muertos celebrates the lasting connections between generations and keeps the memories of loved ones alive.
Celebrate locally: Día de Muertos Festival Seattle
- When: October 31–November 1, 11:00 am–6:00 pm
- Where: Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall
- Cost: Free
Experience traditional performances, elaborate altars, sugar skull workshops, visual art, and family-friendly activities.
El Centro de la Raza's Día de los Muertos celebration
- When: Sunday, November 1, noon–5:30 pm
- Where: Plaza Roberto Maestas, Beacon Hill, Seattle
- Cost: Free
Celebrate this year's theme, Raíces que Nos Unen (Roots That Unite Us), with community-created ofrendas, live entertainment, food vendors, children's activities, and a pop-up mercado.
Can't attend the opening celebration? El Centro de la Raza's ofrenda exhibition continues November 2–20.
Diwali (Festival of Lights) — November 8
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of people around the world, including Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and some Buddhist communities.
Symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, the celebration brings families and communities together through illuminated lamps, colorful decorations, traditional foods, and gatherings.
Celebrate locally: Diwali: Lights of India
- When: Saturday, November 7, noon–6:00 pm
- Where: Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall
- Cost: Free
Enjoy traditional music and dance, visual arts, cultural performances, hands-on activities, and more at this Seattle Center Festál celebration.
Learn more: Discover the traditions and significance of the holiday through National Geographic's guide to Diwali.
Veterans Day — November 11
Veterans Day honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, the observance began in recognition of the end of fighting in World War I and later expanded to honor veterans of all wars.
It's an opportunity to recognize the service, experiences, and sacrifices of veterans and military families while exploring ways to support them in our communities.
Honor locally: Auburn's 61st Annual Veterans Parade & Observance
- When: Saturday, November 7, beginning at 11:00 am
- Where: Main Street, Auburn, WA
One of the largest Veterans Day parades in the country, Auburn's annual celebration brings together veterans, military organizations, marching bands, and community members to honor those who have served.
Learn more: Explore the history of Veterans Day through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
International Day for Tolerance — November 16
Established by the United Nations in 1996 following UNESCO’s 1995 Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, this observance promotes respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the world’s cultural diversity. It reinforces the importance of human rights and peaceful coexistence.
Learn more: Explore the meaning and importance of tolerance through UNESCO.
Transgender Day of Remembrance — November 20
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) honors the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence. Founded in 1999, TDOR is observed through vigils, community gatherings, and acts of solidarity.
Learn more: Discover ways to honor those lost and support transgender communities through GLAAD and PFLAG.
Thanksgiving Day — November 26
For many, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share a meal, and reflect on gratitude. It's also an opportunity to connect with neighbors, support local organizations, and give back to those who may need additional support.
November 26 is also the National Day of Mourning, observed by Indigenous people and allies to honor Native ancestors, recognize Indigenous resilience, and reflect on the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization.
Acknowledging these different perspectives offers an opportunity to approach the holiday with greater understanding and respect.
Learn more: Explore the history and significance of the National Day of Mourning through United American Indians of New England, or find ways to support neighbors through United Way of King County.
Keep learning with PWR
Financial education is another way to invest in yourself, your family, and your community. Verity’s Pathways to Wealth & Resources (PWR) offers practical financial education to help you make informed money decisions, build financial stability, and plan for your future.
All PWR workshops are free and open to everyone. No Verity membership is required.
This November, explore two virtual workshop series covering everyday money management and small business financial readiness.
Small business capital readiness series
Building Business Credit: Separating Your Business From You
Tuesday, November 3 | 6:00–7:30 pm PT | Online
Learn how personal and business credit differ, how business credit reporting works, and steps to establish and strengthen your business's credit profile.
Telling the Financial Story of Your Business
Tuesday, November 10 | 6:00–7:30 pm PT | Online
Understand what your financial statements reveal about your business, from profitability and cash flow to preparing for financing opportunities.
Preparing for Capital, Growth & Succession
Tuesday, November 17 | 6:00–7:30 pm PT | Online
Explore how to prepare your business for financing, future growth, and long-term transitions by understanding what lenders look for and planning ahead.
November 2026 financial education series
PWR Foundations: Making & Storing Your Money
Thursday, November 5 | 5:30–7:00 pm PT | Online
Explore ways to build multiple income streams, compare financial institutions, and recognize hidden fees and high-risk financial products.
PWR Building: Making Every Dollar Count
Thursday, November 12 | 5:30–7:00 pm PT | Online
Create a spending plan that reflects your priorities and values, explore strategies for managing debt, and learn to recognize risky lending practices.
PWR Generational: Making Your Money Work For You
Thursday, November 19 | 5:30–7:00 pm PT | Online
Learn how savings, investing, and building assets can support your long-term financial goals, such as owning a business or a home, and help create opportunities for future generations.
Financial education when you need it
You don’t have to wait for a workshop to keep learning. Verity members have access to financial wellness resources, including support from our financial coaching team and GreenPath Financial Wellness.
Explore Verity’s financial education resources
Community Events with Verity
Verity is committed to showing up for our members and communities every month. Stay connected for upcoming opportunities to learn, volunteer, and engage with local partners honoring heritage, service, and community.
PWR workshops are offered for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Participation does not require Verity Credit Union membership or opening an account. Verity Credit Union may collect contact information during registration and may share information about additional educational programs, services, or financial products. Participants choose whether and how to engage with any follow-up communications or opportunities.
The information provided on this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. All content is written in good faith and is intended to be accurate as of the date of publication. However, laws, regulations, industry standards, and best practices may change over time, and information may become outdated.