Veterans Day 2026 in Oregon and Washington: Free Meals, Discounts and Events

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and communities across Oregon and Washington are recognizing veterans with free meals, zoo admission, local dinners, park access and retail discounts. Here are some of the offers and events to know about, from Portland and Bend to Spokane, Tacoma and the Puget Sound region.

Deals can vary by location and may require military identification or proof of service. Confirm the details with each business or attraction before traveling; some offers require advance reservations or are available only at participating locations.

Oregon: Free zoo admission and local specials

Oregon Zoo — Portland: The Oregon Zoo is offering free admission on Veterans Day for military members, veterans and their families. The offer includes up to four tickets per veteran or active-duty service member. Advance online ticket reservations are required, and visitors must present military or veteran identification, discharge papers or other accepted proof of service. Check event and reservation details.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Bend: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive 20% off food, beverages, McMenamins logo apparel and merchandise on November 11. The promotion also includes $2 small popcorn with a movie and 20% off hotel rooms for November 10 and 11 when booking with the Veterans rate. Proof of service is required. See Central Oregon offer details.

Pine Tavern — Bend: Pine Tavern is listed among the local Veterans Day dining specials in the regional guide. Contact the restaurant directly to confirm the 2026 offer, hours, eligibility and any reservation requirements before visiting. Pine Tavern website.

National public lands: Veterans Day is one of the National Park Service’s 2026 fee-free days. The fee waiver applies to entrance fees at participating national parks and is available to all visitors, not just veterans. Other federal land agencies may also waive certain recreation or day-use fees; check the individual site before heading out. National Park Service fee-free days.

Washington: Free zoo admission and attractions

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium — Tacoma: Veterans and active-duty military members receive free admission during Veterans’ Appreciation Days, November 11–15, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Immediate family members receive half-off general admission. The offer is available at the admission window and is not valid for online purchases. Proof of military service is required. Official event information.

Woodland Park Zoo — Seattle: On November 11, active, retired, reserve and veteran U.S. military personnel receive free admission for themselves and one guest. Up to five additional guests receive $3 off admission each. The offer can be redeemed at the zoo’s West or South Entrance with valid military identification. Zoo details and hours.

Riverfront Park Looff Carrousel — Spokane: Veterans and active-duty military members can ride the Looff Carrousel free on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with one companion admission included. Veterans also receive free photos at a patriotic photo station and 20% off additional attractions, rentals and purchases at the Riverfront Gift Shop. City of Spokane event details.

Washington State Parks: The supplied regional Veterans Day guide lists free day-use access at Washington State Parks on November 11 without a Discover Pass. Check the official state parks website for current fee-waiver details and any park-specific restrictions before you go. Washington State Parks.

Local meals and restaurant offers

These community listings include local restaurants and veterans organizations. Confirm the offer directly, since hours, eligibility and meal availability may be limited.

• Warrenton VFW — Oregon: A free Veterans Day dinner is listed for the Warrenton area. Contact the local VFW post for serving time, location details and whether guests need to register.
• Spokane Eagles: A free Veterans Day dinner is listed in the Spokane area. Check with the local Eagles organization for the time, menu and eligibility.
• Mustard Seed — Spokane: The Spokane Veterans Day listings include a free meal at Mustard Seed. Confirm the 2026 promotion with the restaurant before visiting. Restaurant website.
• Pine Tavern — Bend: Check with the restaurant for its local Veterans Day special and any proof-of-service requirements. Restaurant website.

National restaurant deals at participating locations

The following national chains have Veterans Day promotions listed for 2026. Participation and menu choices can vary by location, so call your local restaurant before making plans.

• 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.
• Chili’s: Free meal from a limited Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military. Dine-in only at participating locations.
• Denny’s: Free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon for veterans and active-duty service members. Dine-in only; ID required.
• IHOP: Check participating restaurants for Veterans Day breakfast offers and local terms.
• Olive Garden: Check with your local restaurant for any Veterans Day offer and participation.
• Red Robin: Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries for veterans and active-duty military at participating locations.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Check local participating restaurants for Veterans Day specials and eligibility requirements.
• Outback Steakhouse: Check with the local restaurant for Veterans Day offers and proof-of-service requirements.
• Texas Roadhouse: Check with your local restaurant for the 2026 Veterans Day meal offer and redemption details.
• Portland Burger: Check directly with the restaurant for its Veterans Day promotion and participating locations.

For a broader list of confirmed national offers, see the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2026 Veterans Day discounts roundup. The list is updated as additional offers are confirmed, and the VA notes that deals may not be available in every state or location.

Coffee, services and shopping discounts

• Starbucks: Participating stores offer veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses a free 12-ounce brewed hot or iced coffee on November 11.
• Great Clips: Participating salons offer free haircuts to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. Customers receiving a haircut that day can also request a free haircut card for a veteran.
• Target: Eligible verified military members, veterans and family members can receive 20% off one qualifying purchase through the Target Circle Military Appreciation offer, November 5–11. Enrollment and verification are required.

Before you head out

Bring a military ID, VA identification, DD-214 or other accepted proof of service. Some offers are for veterans only, while others include active-duty personnel, reservists, spouses or dependents. Restaurant deals may be dine-in only, limited to a special menu or unavailable at some franchise locations. Always confirm details before visiting.

More Veterans Day deals across America

Looking for offers in another state? Visit our national Veterans Day 2026 guide for a wider roundup of free meals, discounts and events, plus links to our state-by-state guides.