Complete Guide To Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts In Melbourne Fl

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a federal holiday honoring all who have served in the U.S. military. The date commemorates the end of World War I when the Allies and Germany signed an armistice agreement on November 11, 1918, with fighting ending on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Across Florida, including the Melbourne area, numerous businesses and organizations offer free meals, discounts, and special recognition to veterans and active-duty military personnel as a token of appreciation for their service. This guide provides comprehensive information about the freebies and discounts available to veterans in Melbourne and the surrounding Space Coast region.

Free Meal Offers for Veterans

Many restaurants and food establishments in Florida participate in Veterans Day free meal programs. These offers typically require veterans to present a valid military ID, though some establishments may have different requirements. The following restaurants have been confirmed to offer free meals to veterans on Veterans Day:

Breakfast and Brunch Options

• Another Broken Egg Cafe: Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free Patriot French toast combo and coffee on November 11 at participating locations. This offer is dine-in only and requires a valid military ID.

• IHOP: Veterans can enjoy free Red, White, and Blue pancakes on Veterans Day.

• Cracker Barrel: The restaurant is offering a free Sunrise Pancake special to honor veterans.

• Wendy's: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free breakfast combo during breakfast hours at participating locations. Notably, Wendy's does not require a military ID for this offer.

Lunch and Dinner Options

• Applebee's: Veterans, reserves, National Guard, and active-duty service members can receive a complimentary full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu when dining in. The menu includes options such as 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, Three-Cheese Chicken Penne, and more.

• Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty military can receive free meal vouchers. Eligible service members must visit the restaurant between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to pick up their voucher, which can be redeemed for a future visit. The voucher is good for one free entrée from a select menu, two sides, and a beverage.

• Outback Steakhouse: For 2025, the chain is offering a special Aussie 3-course meal to veterans. In previous years, Outback offered a blooming onion and a drink discount, but the 2025 promotion has been updated to include this special meal.

• Olive Garden: Veterans receive a free meal from a select menu, with breadsticks, salad, or soup included.

• Chili's Bar and Grill: Veterans and active military members can get a free meal from a special menu. This offer is dine-in only.

• Logan's Roadhouse: The restaurant is offering a free meal for lunch hours. Veterans should plan accordingly as this offer is often limited to lunchtime.

• Duffy's Sports Grill: Provides a free meal for veterans and active-duty service members.

• Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty members can get 10 free boneless wings and fries at participating locations with a valid military ID. This offer is available for dine-in and walk-in customers only.

• Benihana: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a complimentary entrée up to $59 in value with a valid military ID.

• BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse: Veterans can get a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie® when dining in on November 11 with a valid military ID. Additionally, from November 12 to December 31, veterans can purchase an entrée and receive a free appetizer bounce-back for a future visit.

Fast Food and Casual Dining

• Starbucks: Veterans, service members, and military spouses can get a free tall hot or iced coffee on Veterans Day with a valid military ID. In addition to this free coffee, Starbucks will be donating $200,000, divided evenly, to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project to support veteran and military communities.

• Shake Shack: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free Big Shack at participating locations with a valid military ID while supplies last.

• Smoothie King: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free 20 oz smoothie at participating locations from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The available flavors include Strawberry X-Treme, Slim-N-Trim Vanilla, and Blueberry Heaven.

• Huey Magoo's Chicken Tenders: Offers a 3-piece tender meal as long as veterans purchase a drink.

• Chipotle: Guests can buy one entree and get one free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at participating locations with a valid military ID.

• Beef 'O' Brady's: Provides a free BYOB (Build Your Own Burger) and fries for veterans on November 11.

Free Admission to Attractions and Events

Several attractions in the Melbourne area and throughout Central Florida offer free admission to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day:

• Orange County Regional History Center: On Saturday, November 9, the museum invited all veterans and active-duty military personnel to visit free of charge. This special offer provides an opportunity to explore the rich history of Orange County and learn more about the local culture.

• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Offers free admission to veterans and up to three immediate family members.

• Knott's Berry Farm: Provides discounted admission during Military Tribute Days, also available for up to five accompanying guests.

• Mammoth Mountain: Offers free lift tickets to veterans.

• Monticello: Provides free admission to veterans.

• Mount Vernon: Offers free admission to veterans.

• National Parks: All National Park sites offer free admission to veterans on Veterans Day.

• National WWI Museum and Memorial: Provides free admission to veterans.

• Pro Football Hall of Fame: Offers free admission and parking, with 20% off gift shop purchases for veterans.

• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom: Provides free admission to veterans, with accompanying family members eligible to receive discounted tickets.

• Winchester Mystery House: Offers 30% off admission to veterans, also applicable to family members.

• Zoos: Most zoos offer free or discounted admission on Veterans Day; veterans should inquire locally for specific details.

Local Veterans Day Events and Ceremonies in Melbourne and Surrounding Areas

The Melbourne area hosts several meaningful Veterans Day events that provide opportunities for veterans and community members to come together in celebration and remembrance:

• Veterans Day Parade: Located approximately 30 miles from Melbourne, the procession starts at 10 a.m. and features floats, marching bands, and honored guests. The parade ends at Veterans Memorial Park, where attendees can join in the Veterans Day celebration that follows.

• Veterans Day Ceremony and Pass in Review on Merritt Island, Brevard Veterans Memorial Center: This ceremony, held in the shadows of the Kennedy Space Center, is a particularly significant event for the Space Coast community. Every year features slightly different celebrations with special guests and speakers who reflect on the meaning of the holiday. The ceremony is described as heartwarming and evokes pride in American heritage and veterans.

• Veterans Day Program at the Melbourne Liberty Bell Memorial Museum: Located at 1601 Oak Street, this program honors the earliest veterans of the nation who sacrificed to earn independence. The event promises to be engaging, entertaining, and meaningful to today's veterans.

Additional Discounts and Services

Beyond free meals and admission, veterans can access various other discounts and services on Veterans Day:

• Grace for Vets: Provides free car washes for veterans and active-duty military on November 11.

• Russell Speeders Car Wash: Offers FREE car washes for veterans and active-duty military on November 11.

• Goodyear Auto Service: Provides free tire, alignment, brake, fuel system, and fluid checks with an appointment.

• Great Clips: Offers free haircuts or a card for a future free haircut to veterans.

• Sport Clips: Provides free haircuts to veterans.

• B&Bs for Vets: Offers free stays, with most providing free one-night stays around Veterans Day.

• Super 8: Provides 15% off the Best Available Rate at participating locations.

• NY Waterway: Offers free ferry rides.

• Oil Changes: Some locations offer free oil changes; veterans should inquire locally.

• AARP: Provides special membership offers for veterans.

Tips for Accessing Veterans Day Freebies

To make the most of Veterans Day offers, veterans should keep the following tips in mind:

1. Bring Proper Identification: Most establishments require a valid military ID. Veterans should ensure they have this documentation available when visiting participating businesses.

2. Confirm Participation: It is recommended to check with local establishments directly to confirm their participation in Veterans Day deals, as participation can vary by location.

3. Note Time Restrictions: Some offers are available only during specific hours. For example, Smoothie King offers free smoothies only from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Logan's Roadhouse limits its free meal offer to lunch hours.

4. Understand Purchase Requirements: Some offers require the purchase of another item. For example, Huey Magoo's Chicken Tenders requires veterans to purchase a drink to receive the free meal.

5. Plan for Crowds: Veterans Day is popular, and participating establishments may be busier than usual. Veterans may want to consider visiting during off-peak hours if possible.

6. Check for Extended Offers: Some businesses extend their Veterans Day promotions. For instance, BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse offers a free appetizer bounce-back for a future visit when an entrée is purchased between November 12 and December 31.

Conclusion

Veterans Day in Melbourne and the surrounding Space Coast region offers numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to enjoy free meals, discounted services, and special recognition. From complimentary breakfast items at Another Broken Egg Cafe to free admission at local museums and attractions, businesses and organizations throughout the area demonstrate their appreciation for military service. Veterans can maximize their experience by planning ahead, bringing proper identification, and taking advantage of the diverse range of offers available. The local Veterans Day ceremonies and parades provide additional opportunities for community engagement and reflection on the significance of military service. As these offers continue to evolve each year, veterans are encouraged to verify current promotions with individual establishments.

Sources

1. Get Veterans Day food freebies, deals today in Florida. Here's where to find them
2. Holidays in Cocoa Beach - Veterans Day
3. Veterans Day Free Meals When You Dine-In for Lunch or Dinner
4. Veteran's Day Freebies and Discounts 2025
5. Veterans Day Discounts and Deals in Central Florida
6. Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies 2025