Veterans Day Freebies And Discounts In Denver A Guide To Complimentary Meals Services And Entertainment

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a significant national holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring military veterans. In Denver and its surrounding areas, numerous businesses, including national chains and local establishments, participate in this tradition by offering special deals, complimentary services, and exclusive discounts to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and sometimes their families. This guide compiles verified offers from official sources, detailing the types of benefits available, eligibility requirements, and specific terms and conditions for redemption. The information focuses exclusively on food and beverage, retail, entertainment, and service discounts available in the Denver area, as derived from the provided source materials.

The offers span a variety of categories, from free meals and beverages at popular restaurant chains to discounts on retail purchases, museum admissions, and even free movie tickets. Many of these promotions are available only on November 11, while others extend over a multi-day period. A critical aspect of these deals is the requirement for proof of service, such as a military ID or other official documentation. Additionally, some offers are limited to specific locations within Colorado, and terms regarding gratuity, purchase requirements, and exclusions are common. Understanding these details is essential for veterans and their families to successfully access the available benefits.

Food and Beverage Offers

A significant portion of Veterans Day freebies in Denver centers on complimentary meals and beverages. National restaurant chains often lead these promotions, providing free entrees, breakfast items, or desserts to those who have served.

Free Meals and Entrees

Several well-known chains offer free meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. Applebee’s participates annually, with participating locations in Denver and the surrounding areas providing a free meal from a select menu. Proof of service is required to redeem this offer. Similarly, Texas Roadhouse offers a free meal voucher to qualifying individuals who present valid military identification. This voucher can be redeemed for a future dine-in meal at participating locations, providing flexibility for the recipient.

Outback Steakhouse extends its Veterans Day offer over two days, November 10 and 11. All military personnel can receive a free entrée, along with a Coca-Cola and a steakhouse side. The entrée choices include a 6-oz. Center-Cut Sirloin, The Bloomin’ Burger, 6 Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp, 6 Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, or 8-oz. Grilled Chicken on the Barbie.

IHOP honors veterans and active-duty military with a free stack of Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations throughout Denver on November 11. Village Inn also provides a complimentary breakfast for veterans and active military on Veterans Day. The offer includes a free 2-2-2 Breakfast, which consists of two eggs (any style), two buttermilk pancakes, and two bacon strips or sausage links. This deal is available for dine-in, to-go, and online orders. For online orders, the promo code VETERANS25 should be used.

Kona Grill, with a single Colorado location at 3000 E. 1st Ave. in Denver, offers veterans and active-duty military a free entrée (up to a $49 value) from November 9 to 11. Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom provides veterans with a free entrée from a select menu with the purchase of a beverage on November 11. Main Event offers veterans and active-duty service members a free Double Cheeseburger and Fries on November 11.

For a more casual option, Los Chingones offers a 50% discount on meals to veterans and active military on Veterans Day. This location has two branches in Colorado, both in Denver. MOD Pizza extends a 50% discount on a MOD-size pizza or salad to veterans, active-duty military, and their spouses on November 11.

Free Breakfast and Quick Bites

Dunkin' provides a free donut at participating Denver locations on Veterans Day with no purchase necessary. Krispy Kreme offers veterans and active military a free doughnut of their choice and a small coffee (hot or iced) on November 11, 2024, available in-shop or at the drive-thru. LaMar’s Donuts similarly provides a free donut with a hole and a small coffee on November 11, 2024, though specialty donuts are excluded from the offer.

Little Caesars offers a free Lunch Combo on Veterans Day, which includes a 4-slice Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza with pepperoni and a 20-oz. Pepsi product. This offer is available only from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11.

Free Beverages

Starbucks honors veterans and military spouses with a free tall (12 oz.) hot coffee on Veterans Day, with no purchase necessary. TCBY and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt both offer veterans and active-duty military their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt and toppings for free on November 11.

Special Offers and Discounts

Paris Baguette offers all veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families a free pastry with any purchase on November 11. The offer excludes loaf breads, multi-pack pastries or breads, cake slices, cream puffs, select tarts, and baguettes. Mountain Mike’s offers free Garlic Sticks with a minimum purchase of $25 on November 11. Mountain Rewards members receive this offer in-app, while non-members can use promo code VT25 at checkout online. This promotion is valid at three Colorado locations in Aurora, Colorado Springs, and Parker.

Ambler (inside Hotel Indigo) offers veterans and active-duty service members 10% off their bill on November 11, plus a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an entrée.

Retail and Shopping Discounts

Veterans and active military personnel can also access various retail discounts in Denver on and around Veterans Day.

Target provides a 10% discount on two separate purchases (in-store and online) for veterans from October 26 to November 11. Registration and a digital coupon are required to access this discount. Kohl’s offers active and former military personnel, veterans, and their families 30% off their purchase on Veterans Day, November 11. Exclusions apply, and details are available in-store.

King Soopers gives veterans and active military a 10% discount on in-store food and household purchases on November 11. Walgreens hosts Military & Veterans Appreciation Days several times a year, offering a 20% military discount on eligible items at locations throughout Denver.

Entertainment and Services

Beyond food and retail, Denver offers free and discounted entertainment for veterans on Veterans Day.

Museums and Parks

The Museum of Illusions Denver offers free admission to veterans and active-duty service members from November 11 to 17, 2025. This in-person-only offer is valid at the museum’s location at 951 16th Street Mall in Denver. Additionally, the National Park Service offers free entrance fee waivers to more than 400 U.S. parks on November 11, allowing all Americans to celebrate the holiday outdoors.

Arts and Performance

The Denver Brass, an elite ensemble recognized for its concerts and recordings, offers free tickets to its shows through VetTix, a platform that provides complimentary event tickets to veterans and their families. This benefit is available throughout the year.

Movie Theaters

AMC Theatres offer military pricing on movie tickets at select locations, including in Denver. Specific details on ticket prices and participating theaters can be found on their website.

Grooming

Great Clips locations in Denver often provide discounts or coupons for military personnel throughout the year, including around Veterans Day.

Important Considerations and General Terms

While the specific offers vary, several common terms and conditions apply to many Veterans Day promotions. Veterans and active military personnel should be prepared to present valid proof of service, such as a military ID, to redeem offers. It is advisable to check with individual businesses ahead of time, as some may require reservations or appointments. Most offers are limited to one per veteran or active military member, and they do not typically extend to family members or friends unless explicitly noted.

Gratuity is generally not included with complimentary meals or services, and customers should be prepared to leave a tip. Tax may also not be included in some offers. Discounts and freebies usually cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts. It is also worth noting that metered parking is free in Denver on Veterans Day.

For veterans and their families in Denver, Veterans Day presents an opportunity to enjoy a wide array of complimentary meals, discounted goods, and free entertainment as a token of appreciation for their service. By reviewing the specific terms for each offer and being prepared with the necessary documentation, eligible individuals can take full advantage of these benefits.

Sources

1. Mile High on the Cheap - Veterans Day Deals & Freebies
2. Visiting Angels - Veteran Discounts in Denver & Colorado