Comprehensive Guide To Veterans Day Free Meals Discounts And Complimentary Services

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11th to honor military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In recognition of their service, numerous businesses, restaurants, entertainment venues, and service providers offer complimentary meals, discounts, and special promotions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the freebies and discounts available to veterans and active-duty military personnel, based on verified information from multiple sources.

Food and Beverage Offers

Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy complimentary meals and discounts at numerous restaurants across the country. Most establishments require proof of military service, such as a military ID, DD214, or VA card.

Restaurant Offers

• Applebees: Offers a free entree from a special Veterans Day menu to all veterans and active-duty military members.
• Aspen Creek Grill: Provides a $15 meal voucher to all veterans and active-duty military on November 10-12 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• bb.q Chicken: Offers 25% off to all U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members (with valid ID) all day on Saturday, November 11, in-store only at participating locations.
• Biggby Coffee: Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free 16oz latte (hot/iced/frozen) with military ID on November 11.
• Founding Farmers, Farmers Fishers Bakers and affiliates: Offer a 50% discount on Veterans Day for veterans and service members.
• Olive Garden: Provides a free entrée from a select Veterans Day menu (with unlimited soup or salad).
• On the Border: Likely offers a free Choose 2 Combo Meal for veterans and active military (based on previous years' offers).
• Outback Steakhouse: Offers a free Bloomin' Onion & beverage, plus discounts on meals; they also provide a 10% Heroes Discount every day for veterans, servicemembers, and first responders.
• Perry's Steakhouse: Veterans and active military personnel can choose from two exclusive dine-in offers available from 4 p.m. to close on November 11: one complimentary Perry's Dinner-Cut Pork Chop for each veteran accompanied by one guest who purchases a full-priced dinner entrée (half-price for veterans dining alone or with other veterans) or a specially crafted 3-Course Military Menu for $39.
• Duffy's Sports Grill: Veterans and active-duty military can eat free on November 11 with the purchase of an additional meal.
• Fired Pie: Offers a free entree to service members in uniform and veterans with valid military ID on November 11.
• Hot Table Panini: Provides a free medium panini when showing a military or veterans ID on November 11.
• Hutch's: Each veteran receives a free hot or cold fountain drink at any Hutch's location on November 11.
• Ker's WingHouse Bar and Grill: Veterans and service members can get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.
• District Doughnut: On November 11, veterans and service members can get a free hot coffee and 15% off other products.
• Domino C-Stores: Offering veterans and active-duty military with a valid ID a free drink in honor of Veterans Day.
• Old Texas Brewery: Provides a free meal from a select menu and a custom challenge coin for veterans and active military.

Special Dining Experiences

• DH Lescombes Winery & Bistro (Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Farmington, NM): All veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free meal on Veterans Day.
• Baker's Drive-Thru (California): Likely offers either a free yogurt (6 ounces) or 50% discount for veterans and active military.

Entertainment and Recreation

Many entertainment venues offer free admission or special discounts to military personnel and their families on Veterans Day.

Amusement Parks and Attractions

• Knott's Berry Farm (California): Offers free admission to active duty and retired military, and veterans. This offer typically covers admission for the service member and one guest, with additional tickets available at discounted rates.
• Six Flags (nationwide): Provides free admission for veterans, with discounted tickets for family (varies by location).
• Cincinnati Zoo (Ohio): Offers free admission for veterans on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, with discounted tickets for family.
• Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia): Provides free admission during Veterans Day weekend to all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen and their immediate dependents.
• Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta): Offers free admission for active military and veterans, plus 30% discount in the gift shop on specific dates including Veterans Day.
• Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (Tacoma, WA): Provides free admission for U.S. military veterans and active-duty members during Veterans' Appreciation Days, with half-off general admission for immediate family members.
• San Antonio Zoo (Texas): Offers free admission during the month of November for active duty, retired, and veteran members of the military, with 50% off for up to four family members.
• Shedd Aquarium (Chicago): Provides free admission for veterans and service members on Veterans Day.
• Winchester Mystery House (San Jose, CA): Usually offers a 30% discount on tickets from November 1 to December 31, with year-round discounts also available.

Movie Theaters

• Regal Cinemas: Civilian guests can purchase tickets for $5 at theater box offices/kiosks, on the mobile app, or online at REGmovies.com. Veterans typically receive complimentary admission.

Museums and Cultural Sites

Many museums offer free or discounted admission to military personnel on Veterans Day. While specific museums aren't detailed in the source material, it's common for institutions to participate in this practice.

Retail and Services

Haircuts and Grooming

• Great Clips: Offers free haircuts on Veterans Day or provides a redeemable haircut card for later use.
• Local barber shops and salons: Many offer free or discounted haircuts or other services. It's recommended to check websites, social media pages, or call ahead to find participating locations.

Automotive Services

• Grace for Vets Car Wash Program: Provides free car washes at thousands of locations nationwide—participants can find a location near them.
• Meineke: Offers free oil changes at select locations.
• Jiffy Lube: Typically provides a 50% discount on oil changes on Veterans Day, with a 15% military discount available year-round (varies by location).
• Valvoline Instant Oil Change: Usually offers a free oil change on Veterans Day, with a 15% military discount year-round.

Other Services

• Free wedding gown: Brides Across America offers a nationwide event with free wedding gowns. All brides must pre-register online, though specific dates aren't detailed in the source material.

Travel and Outdoor Activities

National Parks

• U.S. National Park Service: Waives fees at most day-use recreation sites over the Veterans Day holiday weekend. Visitors can go online to find a national forest or grassland near them.
• National Park Passes: The National Park Service offers free annual and lifetime passes to current U.S. military and dependents, Gold Star families, and U.S. military veterans.

Theme Parks and Water Parks

• SeaWorld (Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego), Busch Gardens (Tampa, Williamsburg), and Sesame Place (Langhorne): Offer military promotions, though specific details aren't provided in the source material.
• Discovery Cove® in Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld's Waterpark™: Not included in the military promotion program.

Digital Services and Subscriptions

• Fox Nation: Offers a free year of streaming service to all active military and veterans as a limited-time offer in honor of their service for the country.

Planning Your Veterans Day Experience

When planning to take advantage of Veterans Day freebies and discounts, consider the following:

1. Verify Participation: Many offers are subject to change, and participation may vary by location. It's recommended to call ahead to confirm that local establishments are participating.
2. Bring Proper Identification: Most venues require proof of military service, such as a military ID, DD214, or VA card. Some may accept state-issued veteran designations.
3. Check Dates: While most offers are available on November 11th, some may be available on surrounding days or throughout the month.
4. Understand Terms: Some offers require dining in, while others may be valid for takeout. Some may require the purchase of an additional item.

Conclusion

Veterans Day provides an opportunity for businesses and organizations to express gratitude to military personnel and veterans through complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers. From dining and entertainment to automotive services and outdoor activities, there are numerous ways to take advantage of these benefits. The most successful approach involves planning ahead, verifying participation with local establishments, and bringing appropriate identification. While this guide provides a comprehensive overview of available offers, readers should confirm details with specific locations as offers may change or vary by franchise.

Sources

1. Operation We Are Here Veterans Day Promotions
2. VA Claims Insider Veterans Day Freebies
3. VA News Veterans Day Discounts
4. Fox 4 News Veterans Day Freebies List