Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, this year, and businesses across the country are lining up free meals, discounts and free admission to thank those who served. Some offers have already started. Target’s military appreciation discount of 20% off began Thursday, Nov. 5, and runs through Nov. 11 for verified Target Circle members, according to LiveNOW from FOX, and Colonial Williamsburg’s free military admission starts today, Nov. 6, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Lists from VA News, Military.com and LiveNOW from FOX were updated this week as more companies confirmed their plans. Below are offers that appear on more than one of those lists, unless otherwise noted. Most are for Nov. 11 only, many are dine-in only and participation can vary by location, so check before you go.
Free meals on Nov. 11
- Applebee’s: A free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu, dine-in at participating locations. Drinks and tip are not included.
- Bob Evans: A free meal from a select menu, dine-in only.
- Chili’s: A free entrée from a select menu at participating restaurants, dine-in only.
- Denny’s: A free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon, dine-in with military ID.
- Golden Corral: A free “thank you” dinner from 4 p.m. to close, dine-in.
- In-N-Out Burger: A complimentary meal with proof of service.
- Red Lobster: Free Shrimp & Chips, dine-in with ID.
- Red Robin: A free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with a bottomless side, dine-in with ID.
- Bonefish Grill: Free Bang Bang Shrimp and a nonalcoholic drink.
Coffee, snacks and multi-day deals
- Starbucks: A free tall hot or iced brewed coffee on Nov. 11 at participating U.S. stores, for veterans, service members and military spouses.
- Chipotle: Free chips with guacamole, queso or salsa with a $5 purchase on Nov. 11, with proof of service.
- Outback Steakhouse: A free Bloomin’ Onion and drink on Nov. 10 and 11.
- Bar Louie: A free burger, excluding the Big Louie, on Nov. 10 and 11, dine-in with ID.
- Aspen Creek Grill: A $15 meal voucher picked up on Nov. 11 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., good through Dec. 24.
Shopping, haircuts and outings
- Walgreens: 20% off eligible regular-priced items for veterans, active-duty members and, per the VA, their immediate family. LiveNOW from FOX lists the dates as Nov. 8 to 11 for myWalgreens members.
- Tractor Supply: 10% off on Veterans Day for verified military.
- Great Clips: A free haircut for veterans and active-duty members on Nov. 11. Other customers can pick up a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
- LEGOLAND Florida: Free admission for eligible military members through Nov. 30, with discounted tickets for guests.
- National parks: The VA notes that all National Park Service sites offer free entry on Nov. 11.
Tips to make sure the deal goes through
- Bring proof of service. Businesses accept different documents, often a military or veteran ID, a VA card or a DD-214, according to LiveNOW from FOX and Military.com.
- Call ahead. Many chains have franchise locations that may not take part. A quick call can save a wasted trip.
- Read the fine print. Many offers are dine-in only and exclude drinks, alcohol, delivery or online orders, and most cannot be combined with other discounts.
- Verify early for online perks. Some retailers and apps require account verification, such as through ID.me, before the holiday.
- Expect crowds. Free-meal days are popular, so going early or at off-peak hours may help.
The VA cautions that offers are subject to change and may not be available in all states and locations, and it says it does not endorse the businesses listed. Military.com says its list includes discounts confirmed by press release or direct contact with each company, and all three lists say they will keep adding offers as more are announced.
Why it matters for families
For many military families, Veterans Day is a chance to slow down and say thank you, and a free breakfast or a family outing can make that easier on the budget, especially with holiday costs ahead. If you have a veteran in your life, consider offering a ride to a restaurant or keeping them company. Children can also help by making a thank-you card, or by giving one of those free haircut cards to a neighbor who served.
If your family is already planning for the next holiday, our guide to Thanksgiving meal deals from Amazon, Walmart, Target and Aldi may help stretch your grocery budget. And for another story of service, read about the guide dog named Eddie who won this year’s Hero Dog Awards.
Read more: Thanksgiving Meal Deals 2026: Amazon, Walmart, Target and Aldi Compared
More businesses are expected to announce offers before Nov. 11, so check back with each company’s official channels for updates.
How does your family honor the veterans in your life on Nov. 11?
Sources: VA News, “2026 Veterans Day discounts, free meals and other retail offers” (updated October 30, 2026); LiveNOW from FOX, “Veterans Day 2026 deals: Where veterans can get free meals and discounts” (November 4, 2026, updated November 5, 2026); Military.com, “2026 Veterans Day Free Meals and Restaurant Deals and Discounts” (updated November 5, 2026)
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