Memorial Day 2025 Free Meals Discounts And Promotional Offers Across The Country

Memorial Day is a significant American holiday that honors the brave men and women who served the country and made the ultimate sacrifice. While it is a time for remembrance and reflection, it has also become known as the unofficial start of summer, with many businesses offering special deals, discounts, and freebies to commemorate the occasion. This year, numerous restaurants, retailers, and brands have announced promotions that can help consumers save money while enjoying the holiday weekend. From free meals for military personnel to discounts on everyday purchases, there are numerous opportunities for consumers to take advantage of Memorial Day offers.

Restaurant Deals and Food Freebies

Restaurants across the country are offering special promotions and free meals during the Memorial Day weekend. These offers vary by establishment and may have specific eligibility requirements or time restrictions.

Applebee's is providing multiple promotions during May. The restaurant is offering 15% off meals for members of the military and veterans throughout the entire month. Additionally, beginning May 16 and continuing through June 12, Applebee's is providing one free Fandango movie ticket to Top Gun: Maverick with the purchase of $25 or more for dine-in, to-go, or delivery through the Applebee's website or mobile app. Customers who spend $50 or more will receive two movie tickets.

Outback Steakhouse is offering a 20 percent discount on meals for first responders, police officers, firefighters, and members of the military from May 23 to Memorial Day. The restaurant requires a state or federal ID to receive this discount.

Hooters is providing a free entrée to veterans and active service members on Memorial Day, with only a military ID required for eligibility.

Logan's Roadhouse is offering military members and veterans a free meal on Memorial Day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Carrabba's provides military personnel and veterans with a 10% discount on their meals every day, regardless of the date. Additionally, the restaurant is offering a special Memorial Day promotion where customers can purchase $50 in gift cards through June 21.

Bonefish Grill honors veterans and service members year-round with a Heroes Discount offering 10% off for all service members, veterans, and first responders.

Burger King is celebrating Memorial Day with a "Perks Week" promotion, offering a buy-one-get-one-free Whopper on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. The chain is also providing a free Frozen Fanta Strawberry on May 24, 2025, and free Chicken Nuggets on May 25, 2025.

Denny's is offering a breakfast bargain for all diners through June 8, 2025, where customers can buy an Original Grand Slam Breakfast or All-American Slam Breakfast and enjoy a second plate for just $1. Additionally, from May 23 to 25, 2025, the restaurant is providing $10 off an order of $30 or more when ordered online at dennys.com.

Cali'flour Foods is offering 10% off low-carb crusts and flatbreads between May 25 and May 30 with the code MDW2022.

Caribou Coffee will provide service members, as well as their spouses and families, with a free hot brewed coffee of the day on Memorial Day. Furthermore, for every purchase made on May 30, Caribou Coffee will donate $0.25 (up to $50,000) to the American Red Cross Service to support active-duty service members, veterans, and military families.

Texas de Brazil offers military members, veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers a 15% discount off regular dinner and lunch prices, good for up to four guests per visit with valid ID.

TGI Friday's is offering 25% off all family meals and platters during the Memorial Day weekend.

7-Eleven is providing Veterans Advantage members with a free coffee or Big Gulp on Memorial Day, along with extra rewards when linking the 7Rewards and Veterans Advantage accounts.

Chuck E Cheese is also offering Memorial Day deals, though specific details were not fully outlined in the source materials.

Retail Discounts and Promotions

Many retailers are offering Memorial Day discounts, with several providing special promotions for military personnel and veterans.

Lowe's is offering 10% off purchases for active military members and veterans.

Home Depot is providing all veterans with a 10% discount on Memorial Day. The retailer offers a year-round 10% discount to active military members.

Bass Pro Shops offers a 5% discount to military members every day.

Academy Sports + Outdoors is offering a 10% discount online and in stores to military members and first responders through July 4, 2025.

Adidas is providing military personnel, veterans, first responders, teachers, medical professionals, and nurses with 30% off at Adidas online or in-store, as well as 20% off at Adidas factory outlet stores after verifying their status.

Alpha Industries offers 30% off for active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel, though exclusions apply.

Armitron, the watch company, provides active duty, veterans, and dependents with 10% off an online purchase. Customers can verify their status online and receive a single-use code via email that can be applied at checkout.

Other retailers mentioned in the sources offering Memorial Day discounts include Crocs, HeyDude, Reebok, Samsung, Sleep Number, Stanley, and Under Armour, though specific discount details were not provided in the source materials.

Free Activities for Memorial Day Weekend

For those looking to enjoy the holiday without spending money, there are numerous free activities available during Memorial Day weekend.

Many communities organize Memorial Day parades and ceremonies that are free to attend. These events provide an opportunity to honor the nation's heroes while enjoying community celebrations.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the pleasant weather (where available) to enjoy activities such as hiking, picnicking, and barbecuing in public parks or recreational areas.

The source material suggests that spending time outdoors is one of the best options for those seeking budget-friendly activities, especially in areas with pleasant weather. Even in areas with less favorable temperatures, there are activities that can make the unofficial kickoff of summer enjoyable and adventurous.

Some travelers may choose to plan staycations or local outings that don't require significant expenses, such as visiting local beaches, lakes, or other natural attractions.

Military-Specific Offers and Benefits

Memorial Day weekend provides numerous opportunities to honor and support military personnel, veterans, and their families through special offers and discounts.

Many restaurants and retailers offer exclusive deals for active duty military, veterans, and their families. These offers typically require verification of military status through appropriate identification.

Veterans Advantage members receive special coupon savings on patriotic holidays, including Memorial Day, as well as qualify for other discounts throughout the year at participating businesses like Wendy's.

Several businesses demonstrate their support for military communities not only through discounts but also through charitable contributions. For example, Caribou Coffee will donate to the American Red Cross Service to support active-duty service members, veterans, and military families based on customer purchases on Memorial Day.

Some retailers offer year-round military discounts in addition to special Memorial Day promotions. Home Depot, for instance, provides a 10% discount to active military members year-round, while also offering an additional 10% discount specifically for veterans on Memorial Day.

How to Access These Deals

To take advantage of Memorial Day offers, consumers should follow these guidelines:

1. Check with individual locations for participation, as some offers may vary by region or specific franchise.

2. Verify eligibility requirements, especially for military-specific discounts which typically require valid identification.

3. Review any time restrictions, as many offers are only available on specific days or during certain hours.

4. Take advantage of online ordering options where available, which may provide additional discounts or convenience.

5. Consider combining offers, such as purchasing gift cards during promotional periods to maximize savings.

6. Sign up for loyalty programs or email lists from favorite retailers to receive notifications about special promotions.

7. For military personnel and veterans, consider registering with services like Veterans Advantage to access additional exclusive offers.

Conclusion

Memorial Day 2025 offers numerous opportunities for consumers to save money while enjoying the holiday weekend. From free meals for military personnel and veterans to discounts on retail purchases and free community activities, there are options for various interests and needs. Many businesses demonstrate their appreciation for service members through exclusive discounts and promotions, while others provide deals available to all customers. By checking eligibility requirements, verifying participation with local locations, and taking advantage of online ordering options, consumers can maximize their savings during this Memorial Day weekend. As the unofficial start of summer, the holiday provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends while honoring the nation's heroes through both remembrance and celebration.

Sources

1. Fox Business
2. NBC San Diego
3. Living on the Cheap
4. Wounded Warrior Project Newsroom
5. US Veterans Magazine
6. Bed Threads
7. USA Today