Reno-Tahoe Area Memorial Day And Veterans Day Events With Free Offers

The Reno-Tahoe area hosts numerous events during Memorial Day and Veterans Day to honor military personnel and veterans, with many local businesses offering free meals, services, and activities as expressions of gratitude. While specific information about Memorial Day 2017 freebies is not available in the provided sources, this article outlines the types of events and free offers that have been available in recent years, which may serve as a reference for similar celebrations.

The provided source material is insufficient to produce a 2000-word article while maintaining factual accuracy. Below is a factual summary based on available data.

Memorial Day Events in the Reno-Tahoe Area

Memorial Day weekend in the Reno-Tahoe region features various ceremonies, parades, and community events to honor veterans and fallen service members. These events often include free activities and opportunities for community participation.

Ceremonies and Parades

Virginia City Celebration of Heroes Memorial Day Parade The Virginia City Celebration of Heroes Memorial Day Parade is a traditional event that takes place annually. The parade meanders down C Street, Virginia City's main drag, starting at noon on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. This event provides free entertainment and an opportunity for the community to honor veterans.

Memorial Day Ceremony at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery Hosted by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, this ceremony features keynote speakers and official tributes to veterans. The ceremony is held at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day (Monday, May 29) at 14 Veterans Way in Fernley. This is a free event open to the public.

South Lake Tahoe Memorial Day Ceremony The annual remembrance event in South Lake Tahoe is hosted by the American Legion Post 795 and their Ladies Auxiliary. The ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day at Happy Homestead Cemetery. Community members are welcome to attend this free ceremony to honor veterans.

Community Events

Honor Flight Nevada's Pancake Breakfast for Veterans Honor Flight Nevada hosts an annual Pancake Breakfast for Veterans on Memorial Day. This free breakfast event is held at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa on South Virginia Street from 7-11 a.m. on Memorial Day, providing veterans with a complimentary meal and an opportunity to connect with fellow service members.

Summer Salute Car Show The Summer Salute Car Show is a charity-focused Memorial Day weekend event that benefits veterans. Held at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno, this event features over 500 cars and expects more than 1,000 participants. While the event itself may have an entry fee, it serves as a community gathering to support veterans and offers free viewing opportunities for spectators.

Stars and Stripes Honor March in Sparks This 5K walk honors veterans and raises funds for the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza. The event starts at Lighthouse Coffee with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and the march starting at 9 a.m. Participants are encouraged to wear patriotic attire. There is a $25 entry fee, which supports the memorial plaza, but the event includes a brief ceremony and community gathering.

Sports and Entertainment Events

Memorial Day Weekend with the Reno Aces The Reno Aces baseball team hosts a four-game homestand against the Sacramento River Cats at Greater Nevada Field during Memorial Day weekend. The games include special promotions, jersey giveaways, and a Memorial Day celebration on Monday. While ticket prices may apply, these events offer entertainment opportunities for the community during the holiday.

Veterans Day Events and Free Offers in Reno-Sparks

Veterans Day in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County is marked by numerous celebrations, parades, and special offers from local businesses. The following events and free offers have been scheduled for Veterans Day 2025, though similar offerings have been available in previous years.

Community and Ceremonial Events

City of Reno Veterans Day Parade The City of Reno hosts its annual Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, November 11, starting at 11:11 a.m. downtown. The parade's theme, "Service to Our Nation," honors all branches of the military. The opening ceremony includes a prayer, the National Anthem performed by Xochilt Luna, and an official City of Reno Proclamation read by City Park Ranger Scott Hoffman near the Virginia Street Bridge. Spectators are encouraged to line Virginia Street from Liberty Street to 6th Street. This event has been held annually since 1998 and is free to attend.

Washoe County Senior Services Community Salute On Friday, November 7, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Washoe County Senior Services hosts a community salute to veterans at the Sparks Senior Center, 97 Richards Way. Guests enjoy music from the Reno Silver Dollar Chorus and a ceremonial toast with root beer. This free event is described as a "fun morning of festivities" honoring veterans' sacrifices.

University of Nevada, Reno Veterans Week The University of Nevada, Reno marks Veterans Week with two campus events organized by its Veteran Services department and the Wolf Pack Vets club: - Flag Planting: Monday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., students, faculty, and staff plant over 1,600 flags in the shape of Nevada at the Joe Crowley Student Union Plaza. - Flag Retirement Ceremony: Thursday, November 6, at 11:30 a.m., the department retires worn flags in a dignified manner.

Nevada Museum of Art Free Admission The Nevada Museum of Art honors veterans with free admission on Tuesday, November 11. This annual initiative allows veterans to enjoy galleries and exhibitions at no cost.

Dragon Lights Reno Free Tickets Dragon Lights Reno donates free tickets for veterans and first responders from November 11-13. Tickets can be obtained through the VetTix website.

Restaurant, Service, and Business Offers

Many local businesses in Reno and Sparks offer free or discounted items to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. While specific offers may vary by year, the following types of promotions have been available:

Food and Dining Offers - Applebee's: Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free meal from a special menu, dine-in only, plus a $5 Bounce Back Card good for a future visit. - Atlantis Casino: Free lunch buffet at Toucan Charlie's for veterans and spouses with Monarch Rewards card and military ID, from November 11-13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. - Black Bear Diner: Free breakfast or lunch in Reno and breakfast with coffee or tea in Sparks from a set menu. - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Free Pizookie dessert plus a voucher for an appetizer to use later, dine-in only. - Buffalo Wild Wings: Free 10 boneless wings and fries, dine-in or takeout. - Chick-fil-A: Free chicken sandwich or 8-count nuggets. - Chili's: Free meal at participating locations, in-restaurant only. - Great Clips & Sports Clips: Free haircuts or future-visit cards. - In-N-Out Burger: Complimentary meal including burger, fries, and drink with valid Military ID. - IHOP: Free red, white, and blueberry pancake combo, dine-in only. - Little Caesars: Free Hot-N-Ready lunch combo. - Red Robin: Free Red's Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries. - Starbucks: Free tall brewed coffee, hot or iced, for veterans, military personnel, and spouses. - Texas Roadhouse: One free meal voucher per veteran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Military Discount Identification Requirements

To access Veterans Day discounts and free offers, most businesses require proof of military service. The following identification options are generally accepted:

  • Military ID card: For active duty military members, reservists, and National Guard members
  • VA benefits photo ID card: For veterans who receive Department of Veterans Affairs health benefits
  • Veterans ID Card: Available through the VA for those without a benefits card

Businesses typically require this identification before providing free meals, services, or discounts. Veterans and active-duty personnel are encouraged to carry appropriate identification when seeking these offers.

Conclusion

While specific information about Memorial Day 2017 freebies in Reno, NV is not available in the provided sources, this article outlines the types of events and free offers that have been available in recent years during Memorial Day and Veterans Day in the Reno-Tahoe area. These include parades, ceremonies, community events, and special offers from local businesses. Veterans and active-duty military personnel can typically expect free meals, services, and activities as expressions of gratitude for their service. When seeking these offers, appropriate military identification is usually required. Local event schedules and business offers may vary from year to year, so checking with specific venues and organizations is recommended for the most current information.

Sources

  1. Memorial Day weekend events abound in greater Reno-Tahoe area
  2. Veterans Day 2025: Celebrations, Deals, and Freebies Across Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County
  3. Veterans Day 2025: Freebies and deals across Reno-Sparks to say thank you
  4. Veterans Day Military Discounts