Veterans Day 2026: Free Meals, Discounts and Deals Across America

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and businesses across the country are marking the occasion with free meals, complimentary coffee, discounts, free haircuts and admission deals for veterans and active-duty service members. Some offers also include spouses, dependents, reservists and National Guard members.

The list below focuses on offers reported as available nationally or at participating locations across the United States. Not every franchise participates, and some deals have specific hours, menu limits or identification requirements. Call ahead or check the business’s own website before making a trip.

A salute to America’s veterans

We’re also recognizing the veterans who have served our country. Watch this TVBikerDad report about the Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club honoring 105-year-old World War II veteran Matthew Otey.

Free meals and food deals

Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free dine-in entrée from a special Veterans Day menu on November 11. Proof of service is required; beverages and gratuity are not included.

Bob Evans: A free meal from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military on November 11. Dine-in and valid service identification required.

Bonefish Grill: A complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp entrée and nonalcoholic beverage for veterans, active-duty service members and eligible family members on November 11, with identification.

Chili’s: Participating restaurants are offering a free entrée from a select Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military. Dine-in and proof of service required.

Denny’s: A free Original Grand Slam for veterans and active-duty service members from 5 a.m. until noon on November 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only; identification required.

Golden Corral: The chain’s Military Appreciation Night is scheduled for November 11, with a free dinner buffet for eligible veterans and service members. The offer is dine-in and participating-location dependent; check local hours and eligibility.

In-N-Out Burger: Veterans, active-duty military, Reserve and National Guard members can receive a complimentary meal of a burger, fries and beverage on November 11. Proof of military service is required.

Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty service members and reservists can receive a free Shrimp & Chips meal on November 11 at participating restaurants. Dine-in; identification required.

Red Robin: A free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries for veterans and active-duty military on November 11 at participating restaurants. Dine-in and proof of service required.

Ruby Tuesday: Veterans and active-duty military can choose a complimentary entrée from a select menu, with the Garden Bar and a bottomless drink, on November 11. The offer is dine-in at participating locations and is valued up to $17.99.

Shake Shack: A free single ShackBurger for veterans and active-duty military on November 11. No purchase is required; show valid military identification or other proof of service in-store.

Smashburger: A free All-American Smashburger for veterans and active-duty service members at participating locations on November 11. Valid military ID required.

Starbucks: Veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses can receive a free 12-ounce brewed hot or iced coffee on November 11 at participating stores. Specialty drinks and customizations are not included.

Texas Roadhouse: The company is continuing its Veterans Day meal-voucher tradition. Veterans and active-duty military can obtain a voucher at participating locations on November 11; check the restaurant’s official announcement for distribution hours, qualifying menu items and redemption dates.

Torchy’s Tacos: A free taco and regular fountain drink for veterans and active-duty military on November 11 at participating restaurants. Proof of service required.

Twin Peaks: A complimentary entrée from a select menu for veterans and active-duty service members on November 11. Dine-in and valid military ID required.

Circle K: One free medium hot or iced coffee for veterans on November 11 at participating U.S. locations. Military identification required; no additional purchase is listed.

Hot Dog on a Stick: A free 16-ounce Original Lemonade for veterans and active-duty military on November 11 at participating locations. No purchase required; show military ID.

Retail, grocery and service discounts

• Target: Verified military members, veterans and eligible family members can receive 20% off one qualifying storewide purchase through the Target Circle Military Appreciation Discount, November 5–11. Enrollment and verification are required; exclusions apply.
• Kohl’s: A 30% in-store discount for military members, veterans and families on November 10–11 with valid identification. Exclusions apply.
• Food Lion: A 10% in-store discount on November 11 for veterans and active-duty service members with military ID and an MVP card. Exclusions apply.
• Publix: A 10% grocery discount on November 11 for veterans, active-duty military and eligible family members with proof of service; exclusions apply.
• Rack Room Shoes: A 20% in-store discount for veterans, active-duty military and dependents on Veterans Day. Identification required.
• Walgreens: An advertised 20% discount on eligible regularly priced items for veterans, active-duty military and immediate family members. Restrictions and exclusions apply.
• AutoNation: A 15% discount on services, parts and accessories for veterans and active-duty service members at AutoNation-branded locations; the company describes this as a year-round offer.
• Great Clips: Free haircuts for veterans and active-duty military on November 11. Customers who get a haircut that day can also request a free haircut card to give to a veteran.

Free admission and things to do

• National Park Service: November 11 is a fee-free day at national parks that charge entrance fees. Veterans and active-duty military may also qualify for free annual or lifetime passes under separate eligibility rules.
• Harley-Davidson Museum (Milwaukee): Free admission on November 11 for veterans and active-duty military, plus one adult guest and up to four children, according to the VA’s 2026 roundup.
• Mount Vernon: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military on November 11, with special programming.
• Colonial Williamsburg: Free admission for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, retirees, Guard and Reserve members, and dependents during its November 6–11 offer period. Identification required.
• Aquarium of the Pacific: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military on November 11; advance reservations are required and capacity is limited.
• San Antonio Zoo: The VA’s 2026 list reports free November admission for veterans and active-duty military, with up to four family members receiving 50% off. Check the zoo for exact terms and dates.

More verified national and regional offers

The VA’s 2026 roundup includes additional offers that may be useful depending on where you live. Some are national, while others are limited to specific regions or participating locations:

• Aspen Creek Grill: Free $15 meal voucher for veterans and active duty on November 11, available 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; dine-in only, with redemption through December 24.
• Bar Louie: Free burger (excluding the Big Louie) for veterans and active duty November 10–11; dine-in and ID required.
• Biscuit Belly: Free breakfast biscuit sandwich and coffee or fountain drink; dine-in only.
• Chipotle: Free chips and a choice of guacamole, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase for veterans and active duty at participating locations on November 11; ID required.
• Cotton Patch Cafe: Free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken entrée for veterans and active duty; dine-in with military ID.
• Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Free combo-meal card for veterans and active duty who visit November 11, redeemable through November 25.
• Hoss’s Steak and Sea House: Free soup, salad, bread, nacho and dessert bar plus iced tea for veterans on November 11, while supplies last. Guests also receive a $10-off-$40 voucher for a later visit.
• Prince St. Pizza: Free slice for veterans and active duty at locations nationwide on November 11.
• Sizzler: Free lunch and nonalcoholic beverage for veterans and active duty from opening until 4 p.m. on November 11 at participating restaurants.
• WOB Bar & Kitchen: Free Smash Burger and fries for veterans and active duty at participating locations on November 11.
• Yard House: Free appetizer for veterans and active duty on November 11; ask the server for details.
• Tractor Supply: Verified military members receive 10% off on Veterans Day through its Hometown Heroes program; enrollment/verification and exclusions apply.
• Sport Clips: Participating locations offer free or discounted haircuts for veterans and service members on November 11; confirm with the local shop.
• Grace for Vets: Participating car washes nationwide offer free washes to veterans and active duty on November 11. Find participating locations at Grace for Vets.

Regional offers: Margaritas Mexican Restaurant lists 50% off an entrée for veterans dining in at locations in the Northeast. Old Town Trolley also lists free admission to select attractions in Savannah, Georgia, and St. Augustine, Florida, for veterans, active duty and first responders with valid ID. These are not nationwide offers.

What to bring and how to avoid a wasted trip

Bring a valid military ID, VA-issued identification, Veterans designation on a state ID or other proof of service accepted by the business. Requirements differ: some offers include active-duty personnel, reservists, National Guard members or spouses, while others are limited to veterans. Many restaurant offers are dine-in only and cannot be combined with other promotions.

A deal listed as national may still be limited to participating franchise locations. Before leaving, call the specific restaurant or store and confirm the offer, hours, eligible menu or products, required documentation and whether supplies are limited. Taxes, tips, beverages, add-ons and upgrades may not be covered.

Where to check for more Veterans Day offers

The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains a frequently updated roundup of 2026 offers, including restaurants, retailers, attractions and services. The American Legion and the Military Officers Association of America also publish extensive deal lists. Check all three before heading out:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: 2026 Veterans Day discounts and free meals
• The American Legion: Veterans Day 2026 deals and discounts
• MOAA: Find Your 2026 Veterans Day discounts

Veterans Day is about recognizing the people who served. These offers are one small way businesses are saying thank you—but the details matter. Verify locally, bring proof of service and enjoy the day.

Find Veterans Day deals in your state

Looking for local events, restaurant specials and discounts closer to home? TVBikerDad has put together these state-by-state guides with regional offers and participating locations. Select your state below:

• Texas: Veterans Day 2026 free meals, discounts and deals
• Georgia: Veterans Day 2026 free meals, discounts and events
• Florida: Veterans Day 2026 free meals, discounts and things to do
• New York: Veterans Day 2026 free meals, discounts and events
• Alabama: Veterans Day 2026 free meals, discounts and events

Oregon and Washington Veterans Day deals

We’ve added a regional guide covering Oregon and Washington, including free zoo admission, Spokane events, local restaurant specials, public lands and participating national offers. Read the Oregon and Washington Veterans Day 2026 guide.