Memorial Day Freebies And Discounts Food Entertainment And Shopping Deals For Service Members And All Americans

Memorial Day weekend, observed on May 26 in 2025, marks the unofficial start of summer while honoring those who have served in the military. Beyond its commemorative significance, the holiday has become known for numerous freebies, discounts, and special offers across various industries. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the available Memorial Day deals and freebies, including food promotions, entertainment discounts, and special offers for military personnel and veterans. Many of these offers are available to all consumers, while some are specifically designated to honor service members and their families. The holiday weekend presents an opportunity for significant savings on dining, entertainment, retail purchases, and more, with many businesses extending their appreciation through exclusive promotions.

Restaurant Food Freebies and Deals

Fast Food Chains

Burger King is offering several Memorial Day weekend promotions in 2025. On Memorial Day itself (May 26), customers can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free Whopper through the chain's Perks Week celebration. This popular promotion allows diners to share a meal or enjoy two Whoppers for the price of one. The promotion extends throughout the weekend with additional free items available on specific days. On May 24, 2025, customers can receive a free Frozen Fanta Strawberry, providing a refreshing treat without any purchase requirement. On May 25, 2025, free Chicken Nuggets are available, offering another no-cost option for customers. These offers are accessible through the Burger King app or in-store and require no minimum purchase, making them particularly attractive for budget-conscious consumers celebrating the holiday weekend.

7-Eleven is providing multiple Memorial Day deals starting May 19, 2025, extending the promotion beyond the actual holiday weekend. The convenience store chain offers $2 deals on popular snacks including Clif Bars, Kellogg's Rice Krispie Treats Big Bars, and Quest Protein Cookies. These affordable snack options are ideal for picnics, road trips, or casual gatherings during the holiday. For loyalty members, 7-Eleven provides meal deals at two price points: a $4 option featuring one value grill item with 7-Select chips and a Big Gulp drink, and a $5 option with two value grill items or one Big Bite Hot Dog with 7-Select chips and a Big Gulp drink. These complete meal combinations offer convenience and value for customers on the go. Additionally, 7-Eleven has introduced a limited-time Summer Sprinkle Donut with white frosting and rainbow sprinkles, adding a festive, seasonal twist to the bakery case. The chain also offers a Peace Tea Caddy Shack Slurpee drink that blends refreshing tea and lemonade flavors, delivering a crisp, thirst-quenching experience perfect for beating the Memorial Day heat. For customers preferring delivery, the 7NOW app offers $20 off a $30 or more delivery order with the code MONDAY20, bringing convenience and savings directly to consumers' doorsteps.

Casual Dining Restaurants

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is expected to offer discounts on Group Packs during Memorial Day weekend when customers use a promo code at checkout online or through the company's mobile app. While specific details about the discount percentage or qualifying order size are not provided in the source material, the offer requires an online or in-app purchase of $1 or more. This suggests that even a small purchase may qualify customers for the Memorial Day promotion. Barbecue is a popular Memorial Day food choice, making this promotion particularly relevant for holiday gatherings and cookouts.

Fazoli's is anticipated to offer a discount during Memorial Day weekend 2026 when customers use a promo code at checkout online or in-app. The specific discount amount and terms have not been announced yet, but the promotion appears to follow a similar structure to other Memorial Day offers requiring online or in-app purchases. Italian food options provide an alternative to traditional barbecue menus for Memorial Day celebrations.

Bonefish Grill provides a year-round "Heroes Discount" of 10% off for all service members, veterans, and first responders. This discount is available daily with valid service identification. The Marysville location of Bonefish Grill specifically offers this discount to military personnel, veterans, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics. This consistent appreciation for service members extends beyond the holiday weekend, demonstrating the restaurant's ongoing commitment to those who serve.

Denny's is offering two Memorial Day promotions in 2025. From May 23 to May 25, customers can receive $10 off an order of $30 or more when ordering online at dennys.com. This online-exclusive promotion provides immediate savings for customers planning Memorial Day weekend dining. Additionally, through June 8, 2025, Denny's is offering a breakfast bargain where customers can buy an Original Grand Slam Breakfast or All-American Slam Breakfast and receive a second plate for just $1. This offer is available to all diners and extends beyond the holiday weekend, providing value for those who may not be able to celebrate on the actual holiday. The breakfast promotion is particularly appealing as Memorial Day often includes family gatherings where breakfast or brunch may be part of the celebration.

Carrabba's Italian Grill provides a year-round 10% discount for military personnel and veterans. Additionally, the chain is offering customers the opportunity to purchase $50 in gift cards through June 21, 2025, providing an extended way to thank service members during Memorial Day. This gift card offer not only benefits current customers but also encourages future visits, extending the appreciation beyond the holiday itself. Italian cuisine offers a different dining option for those looking to vary their Memorial Day celebrations from traditional barbecue or casual dining.

Coffee and Beverage Shops

Caribou Coffee is honoring military members and their families with a free hot brewed coffee of the day on Memorial Day. This complimentary beverage provides a simple yet meaningful way to acknowledge service members' contributions. Additionally, for every purchase made on May 30, 2025, Caribou Coffee will donate $0.25 to the American Red Cross Service to support active-duty service members, veterans, and military families, with a total donation cap of $50,000. This dual approach of direct service member benefits and charitable support demonstrates the company's comprehensive commitment to honoring military personnel.

Cali'flour Foods is offering a 10% discount on low-carb crusts and flatbreads between May 25 and May 30, 2025, with the code MDW2022. This promotion provides health-conscious consumers an opportunity to save on specialty food products during the holiday weekend. With many people focusing on healthier eating options, particularly as summer approaches, this discount offers value for those seeking alternatives to traditional barbecue sides and desserts.

Retail and Shopping Discounts

While the provided sources focus primarily on food and entertainment deals, some retail promotions are available during Memorial Day weekend. Ford is offering a special discount on vehicles for customers who are military members or first responders through its "Ford Salutes Those Who Serve" program. This offer is valid at any time and can be accessed by entering one's zip code to find the nearest Ford dealer and learn complete details about vehicle purchases, leasing, and service. The program provides significant savings on a major purchase, making it particularly valuable for military families and first responders who may be in the market for a new vehicle.

Gopuff, a delivery service, is providing discounts to FAM members on Memorial Day essentials including ice cream sandwiches, sparkling water, hydration drinks, and popsicles. The specific discount amount and requirements are not detailed in the source material, but the offer appears to be exclusive to FAM members. This service addresses the convenience needs of consumers who may not want to venture out to stores during the holiday weekend, particularly for essential items that enhance Memorial Day celebrations and gatherings.

Entertainment and Recreation Deals

Several entertainment venues are offering special deals for Memorial Day weekend. Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho observes "American Heroes' Weekend" during Memorial Day Weekend, offering free admission to military personnel, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and medics with valid identification. Their immediate family members can purchase discounted tickets at the front gate. This promotion provides an opportunity for military families to enjoy recreational activities together during the holiday weekend, with the theme park specifically recognizing the service of first responders and military personnel.

Zoos across the country are offering free admission for military personnel on Memorial Day. The Cincinnati Zoo provides free admission to all military members (active or retired) on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day, with the option to purchase up to six half-price admission tickets for immediate family members. This offer extends beyond Memorial Day to other significant military-related holidays, providing ongoing recognition of service. The Indianapolis Zoo offers current and former military members free admission on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The Birmingham Zoo has historically offered veterans, retired, and active military personnel free admission throughout Memorial Day Weekend for themselves and up to six family members. These zoo promotions provide family-friendly entertainment options that acknowledge military service while offering affordable recreation.

The National Memorial Day Concert is held annually on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, though specific details about free admission or related promotions are not provided in the source material. This concert typically features musical performances and tributes to military service members, serving as a significant part of Memorial Day observances in the nation's capital.

Year-Round Military Benefits

Beyond Memorial Day-specific promotions, several businesses offer year-round benefits to military personnel and veterans. Bonefish Grill provides a 10% discount daily for service members, veterans, and first responders with valid identification. This consistent benefit ensures that service members can receive appreciation throughout the year, not just during designated holidays. Carrabba's Italian Grill similarly offers a 10% discount year-round for military personnel and veterans, extending the same recognition across multiple restaurant locations.

The National Parks Service offers the America the Beautiful Pass, which is available to U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families. This pass provides access to national parks and federal recreational lands throughout the year, offering significant savings for families who enjoy outdoor recreation. The pass represents a tangible benefit that acknowledges service and sacrifice while providing opportunities for family experiences in America's natural spaces.

IHOP offers Family Feasts at participating locations, which are modestly priced and available to all customers, not just military members. Each feast contains four servings and includes options for breakfast or dinner, with delivery fees potentially applying depending on location. These family-sized meals provide convenient options for Memorial Day gatherings and other occasions when families may want to share a meal without the preparation and cleanup associated with home cooking.

Conclusion

Memorial Day weekend offers numerous freebies and discounts across various industries, particularly in the food service sector. While many promotions are available to all consumers, several businesses specifically honor military personnel and veterans with special offers. Fast food chains like Burger King and 7-Eleven provide free food items and discounted meals, while casual dining restaurants such as Denny's and Bonefish Grill offer extended promotions and year-round discounts for service members. Entertainment venues including theme parks and zoos often provide free or discounted admission to military personnel during the holiday weekend.

For consumers looking to maximize savings during Memorial Day weekend 2025, planning ahead and checking individual business websites or apps for specific promotion details is recommended. Military personnel and veterans should carry proper identification to take advantage of the various discounts available to them. While many of these offers are time-limited to the holiday weekend, some businesses provide year-round benefits that continue to honor service members beyond Memorial Day.

The variety of available deals spans multiple categories and price points, making Memorial Day an opportune time for consumers to save on everything from everyday snacks to major purchases. Businesses use this holiday to demonstrate appreciation for military service while attracting customers with attractive promotions. For service members and their families, the holiday weekend presents numerous opportunities to receive recognition through exclusive benefits and discounts.

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