Maryland Freebies Restaurant Offers Public Programs And Seasonal Deals

Maryland, known as the "Free State," offers numerous opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy goods and services at no cost. From special restaurant promotions for military personnel on Veterans Day to free tree programs and educator appreciation deals, the state provides various freebies across different categories. This article explores the different types of freebies available in Maryland, focusing on restaurant offers, public programs, and seasonal promotions.

Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts in Maryland

Veterans Day presents significant opportunities for military personnel and veterans to receive complimentary items and services across Maryland. Multiple businesses and organizations participate in showing appreciation for those who have served or are currently serving in the military. These offers typically require valid military identification and may vary by location, so it's advisable to call ahead to confirm participation at specific franchises.

Restaurant Offers for Military Personnel

Numerous restaurant chains in Maryland provide free meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These offers demonstrate businesses' commitment to honoring service members while providing them with an opportunity to dine out at no cost.

• Another Broken Egg Cafe: Veterans dining in at the Elkridge location can enjoy a free Patriot French Toast and coffee.
• Applebee's: Offers veterans and active-duty military who dine in a free meal on Veterans Day. Additionally, dine-in customers receive a $5 gift card good for three weeks and redeemable on future dine-in, to-go, or delivery orders.
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Serves a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie as a dessert offering.
• Bob Evans: Provides veterans and active members with free meals from a select menu that includes classic breakfast items, buttermilk hotcakes, and sausage gravy and biscuits.
• Chili's Grill & Bar: Veterans and active military members who dine in receive a free meal from a select menu.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Military personnel and veterans can get 10 free boneless wings and fries with valid ID, available for dine-in and walk-in customers at participating locations.
• California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military can choose one entrée from a special Veterans Day menu, though this offer is limited to dine-in customers only.
• Cracker Barrel: Veterans receive a free sunrise pancake special while supplies last, with proof of military service required for dine-in customers.
• Denny's: Active and retired military personnel can get a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. from a select menu.
• The Brass Tap: Offers a free burger and fries to military personnel.
• Mission BBQ: Provides a free sandwich to veterans and active military members.
• Red Robin: Serves a free Red's Big Tavern Burger and fries when veterans and military members dine in.
• Shake Shack: Offers a free Big Shack burger when ordering in-store with military ID.
• Sheetz: Provides a free half turkey sub and regular drink along with a free car wash.
• Starbucks: Offers a free tall hot or iced coffee to military personnel.
• Wawa: Gives away any size hot coffee free of charge to veterans and active-duty members.
• Wayback Burger: Serves a free classic burger to military personnel.
• Wendy's: Offers a free breakfast combo for both dine-in and drive-thru customers with military ID.
• ZIPS Cleaners: Provides 10% off dry cleaning and laundering services for military uniforms.

Free Public Transportation for Military Personnel

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) participates in Veterans Day appreciation by offering free rides to military personnel. On Veterans Day, active-duty military, veterans, and their families can ride for free on:

• Local Bus services
• Metro Subway
• Light Rail
• MARC Train
• Mobility services

This complimentary transportation requires presentation of a valid military ID and provides an opportunity for service members to travel throughout the region without cost.

Free Trees and Environmental Programs

Maryland's Department of Natural Resources spearheads the Tree-Mendous Maryland initiative, which offers residents opportunities to obtain trees at low cost or for free. This program aims to help restore tree cover across the state's cities, towns, and open areas, thereby contributing to improved air and water quality and adding greenery to urban environments.

The program operates through two main avenues:

1. Public Land Trees: Residents can fill out the Tree-Mendous Order Form at dnr.maryland.gov to receive quality native trees planted on their local public land. These trees are delivered free of charge each spring and fall.

2. Residential Trees: For those wishing to plant trees at home, the program provides coupons worth $25 toward the purchase of a tree.

In addition to these ongoing programs, Baltimore and Montgomery counties have staged outright free tree giveaways in the past. Residents should stay informed about such opportunities by checking local announcements and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.

Free Online Entertainment and Digital Access

Maryland residents can access certain online entertainment options without cost. According to available information, a sweepstakes casino platform offers popular online slots completely free of charge. Players can enjoy games such as:

• Starburst
• Sugar Rush
• Wolf Gold
• Big Bass Bonanza

These online slots, which are popular in states with full iGaming industries, can be enjoyed for free in Maryland. New accounts receive 2.3 sweepstake coins along with gold coins and regular rewards to play these games.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has also been involved in developing access to the metaverse, though specific details about free access opportunities are limited in the available sources.

Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies

During Teacher Appreciation Week, various businesses in Maryland offer special deals and freebies to educators. These promotions provide an opportunity for schools staff members to receive recognition through complimentary items and discounts. Most businesses require proof of educator status, and not all franchises participate in national chain programs, so checking with local establishments beforehand is recommended.

Restaurant offers for teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week include:

• Arby's: Some locations offer educators a free sandwich on May 7.
• Bruegger's Bagels: Provides a free medium drip or iced coffee with any purchase, with the deal valid through May 10.
• Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen: Teachers dining in can receive a free appetizer with the purchase of an adult entree, valid through May 10.
• Chick-fil-A: Select franchises offer deals and promotions on May 7 and through May 10.
• Chipotle: School staff members can receive a buy-one-get-one-free meal from 3 p.m. to close on May 7. The offer includes burritos, bowls, salads, and orders of tacos and is limited to dine-in customers. The promotion is valid for education staff members of all levels.
• Cicis: School staff members can receive a free adult buffet meal on May 7 with a coupon.
• DiBella's Subs: Teachers can receive a free side and 20-ounce fountain drink with the purchase of any sub or salad.

Seasonal Deals and Special Promotions

Beyond Veterans Day and Teacher Appreciation Week, Maryland offers various seasonal deals and promotions in different regions. Ocean City, in particular, has several dining and entertainment options that feature special offers.

David Twining's Nantuckets Restaurant in Fenwick Island, located just five minutes south of Bethany, claims to offer free items. The establishment opens its tap room at 4 p.m. and dining room at 5 p.m., with reservations recommended.

Additionally, Ocean City provides opportunities to claim free culinary experiences that explore the local restaurant and bar scene, incorporating history, local lore, and fascinating facts about the coastal town.

Ruth's Chris Steak House, located in the Glen Riddle Golf Club Clubhouse on Route 50 in Berlin, Maryland, also appears to have promotional offers, though specific details are not provided in the available sources.

Conclusion

Maryland offers a diverse range of freebies and discounts across various categories, making the "Free State" nickname particularly apt. Veterans Day stands out as a particularly generous time for military personnel, with numerous restaurants providing free meals and complementary services. The Tree-Mendous Maryland initiative offers practical environmental benefits through free and discounted trees, contributing to improved air and water quality while enhancing green spaces. Teacher Appreciation Week provides similar opportunities for educators to receive recognition through complimentary items and discounts.

By staying informed about these offers and checking with local establishments for participation, Maryland residents and visitors can take advantage of the many freebies available throughout the state. Whether seeking a complimentary meal, free transportation, environmental resources, or digital entertainment options, Maryland provides numerous opportunities to enjoy goods and services at no cost.

Sources

1. Veterans Day 2025 Freebies and Discounts in Maryland
2. Freebies in the Free State: What to Look Out For in Maryland
3. Veterans Day Deals: Military Personnel Eat Free at These MD Restaurants
4. Veterans Day 2025 Deals: Maryland Free Meals, Food, Restaurants
5. Ocean City MD Deals and Free Stuff
6. Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies and Deals