Veterans Day 2026 in New York: Free Meals, Discounts and Events

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Across New York State, veterans and active-duty service members can find free meals, discounted admission, museum offers and special events. This guide includes options in New York City, Long Island, Buffalo, Albany, the Hudson Valley and Cooperstown, along with national promotions at participating New York locations.

Offers may require military identification or proof of service, and participation can vary by location. Confirm details with the business or attraction before making the trip.

New York attractions and museums

• Buffalo AKG Art Museum — Buffalo: Veterans receive free admission and complimentary coffee on Veterans Day. Check visitor details.
• Buffalo Naval & Military Park — Buffalo: Veterans Day admission and ceremony information are available through the park. Visit the park website.
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum — Manhattan: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military members with identification. Check details.
• Intrepid Museum — Manhattan: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military members with ID. Visit the museum.
• MoMA — Manhattan: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military members, with family ticket benefits. Check eligibility.
• Whitney Museum — Manhattan: Military admission benefits are available for veterans and active-duty service members. Check current details.
• Guggenheim Museum — Manhattan: Military discounts may be available with ID. Check before visiting.
• LEGOLAND New York — Goshen: Military offers include free admission for eligible service members and veterans, with discounted tickets for accompanying guests through November 30, 2026. See offer terms.
• Wildlife Conservation Society zoos: Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and Queens Zoo offer military admission benefits. Advance reservations and proof of service may be required. Check the WCS military offer.
• National Baseball Hall of Fame — Cooperstown: Active-duty military admission and a veterans discount are available. Check ticket details.
• Fenimore Art Museum — Cooperstown: Military admission benefits are listed for veterans and active-duty service members. Check visitor information.
• American Airpower Museum — Farmingdale: Military admission discounts are available. Check details.
• USS Slater — Albany: The historic destroyer escort hosts Veterans Day programming and tours. Check schedule and admission.
• Albany Institute of History & Art — Albany: Military admission discounts are listed for veterans and active-duty personnel. Check details.
• Vanderbilt Museum — Centerport: Military and veteran admission benefits are available. Check visitor information.

For more statewide attractions and military benefits, consult I LOVE NY’s guide to New York State veteran and military discounts.

Restaurant specials and free meals

Several national restaurant chains announce Veterans Day offers that may be available at participating New York locations. Check the local restaurant before visiting; franchise participation and menu choices can differ.

• Applebee’s: Free dine-in entrée from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military on November 11. Proof of service required.
• Bonefish Grill: Complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp entrée and a nonalcoholic beverage for eligible veterans, active-duty service members and family members.
• Denny’s: Free Original Grand Slam for veterans and active-duty service members from 5 a.m. until noon at participating locations. Dine-in; ID required.
• Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night with a free dinner buffet for eligible veterans at participating locations.
• Red Lobster: Free Shrimp & Chips meal for veterans, active-duty military and reservists at participating restaurants.
• Red Robin: Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries for veterans and active-duty military at participating restaurants.
• Shake Shack: Free single ShackBurger for veterans and active-duty military on November 11. Show military ID or proof of service in-store.
• Starbucks: Free 12-ounce brewed hot or iced coffee for veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses at participating stores.
• Texas Roadhouse: Check with your local restaurant about its Veterans Day meal-voucher distribution and redemption details.
• Twin Peaks: Complimentary entrée from a select menu for veterans and active-duty service members at participating locations.
• Prince St. Pizza: The New York-born pizzeria is among the businesses advertising a free slice for veterans and active-duty military on November 11. Confirm the participating location and proof-of-service requirements.
• Buca di Beppo: Free lunch entrée for veterans and active-duty military from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at participating locations. Dine-in only.
• Bubbakoo’s Burritos: Free chicken or beef burrito or bowl for veterans and active-duty military at participating locations. In-store, with valid military ID.

For updated national offers, see the Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2026 Veterans Day roundup and the American Legion’s Veterans Day deals list.

New York State parks and year-round veteran benefits

New York’s Lifetime Liberty Pass program provides eligible New York State veterans and Gold Star Families free access to state parks, campgrounds, day-use areas, boat launches, historic sites and other state recreation facilities. It is a year-round benefit, not just a Veterans Day promotion. Eligibility and application information are available through New York State Department of Veterans’ Services.

The National Park Service has also designated November 11, 2026, as a fee-free day at participating national parks that normally charge entrance fees. Other charges, such as camping, tours and concessions, may still apply. Check the National Park Service before visiting.

Retail, grocery and personal-care discounts

• Target: Verified military members, veterans and eligible family members can receive 20% off one qualifying purchase through the Target Circle Military Appreciation Discount, November 5–11. Enrollment and verification required; exclusions apply.
• Kohl’s: Advertised 30% in-store discount for military members, veterans and families on November 10–11 with valid identification. Exclusions apply.
• Walgreens and Duane Reade: Advertised 20% discount on eligible regularly priced items for veterans, active-duty military and immediate family members. Restrictions apply.
• Rack Room Shoes: 20% in-store discount for veterans, active-duty military and dependents on Veterans Day. ID required.
• Great Clips: Free haircuts for veterans and active-duty military on November 11 at participating salons. Customers getting a haircut that day can also request a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
• Sport Clips: Participating locations may offer free or discounted haircuts for veterans and service members. Check with the local salon.
• Tractor Supply: Verified military members and veterans enrolled in Hometown Heroes receive 10% off on Veterans Day.

A salute to veterans

Veterans Day is about more than discounts. Watch this TVBikerDad report about the Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club honoring 105-year-old World War II veteran Matthew Otey.

Bring military identification or other accepted proof of service, confirm hours and restrictions, and call ahead when an offer is limited to participating locations. Some deals are for veterans only; others include active-duty personnel, reservists, spouses or dependents.

Read our national Veterans Day 2026 guide for more offers across America.