Every November 11, Americans come together to recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor those who have worn the uniform, whether they served during peacetime, deployed overseas, or spent decades defending our nation.
Throughout the country, businesses show their appreciation by offering free meals, discounted merchandise, complimentary services, and special experiences to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Here at SGT’s Desk, we understand the sacrifices that come with military service. We also understand that every dollar saved can make a difference for our Soldiers, veterans, and military families.
That’s why we’ve assembled this 2026 Veterans Day Military Discounts and Freebies Guide, highlighting businesses offering special promotions in recognition of your service.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a free meal, save money on household purchases, or spend quality time with your family, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of this Veterans Day.
Important: Offers may vary by location, and many require proof of military service. We recommend contacting participating businesses before visiting.
Veterans Day 2026: Free Meals and Restaurant Specials
One of the most popular Veterans Day traditions is the complimentary meal offered by restaurants nationwide.
The following businesses have been included in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2026 Veterans Day discount announcements.
Applebee’s
Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a complimentary entrée from a specially selected Veterans Day menu on November 11.
The offer is available for dine-in customers with proof of military service. Beverages and gratuity are not included.
Offer: Free entrée
Date: November 11, 2026
Eligibility: Veterans and active-duty military
Chili’s
Participating Chili’s restaurants are offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a complimentary meal from a special Veterans Day menu.
The offer is available for dine-in customers, and proof of service is required.
Offer: Free select entrée
Date: November 11, 2026
Denny’s
Start your Veterans Day with a complimentary Original Grand Slam breakfast.
Eligible veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy this promotion between 5 a.m. and noon on November 11.
The offer is available for dine-in customers with valid military identification.
Offer: Free Original Grand Slam
Date: November 11, 2026
Time: 5 a.m.–noon
Golden Corral
Golden Corral is continuing its tradition of recognizing military service through its Military Appreciation Night.
Eligible veterans can enjoy a complimentary buffet on Veterans Day.
The promotion is for dine-in customers. Contact your nearest restaurant to confirm participating hours and eligibility.
Red Lobster
Veterans, active-duty service members, and reservists can enjoy a complimentary Shrimp & Chips meal on November 11.
The promotion is available for dine-in customers with proof of military service.
Red Robin
Red Robin is offering a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless steak fries to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Proof of service is required, and the promotion is available for dine-in customers.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans is recognizing veterans and active-duty military personnel with a complimentary meal from a special Veterans Day menu.
The promotion requires valid proof of service and is available for dine-in customers.
Starbucks
Veterans, service members, and eligible military spouses can enjoy a complimentary 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee at participating Starbucks locations.
Additional Restaurant Offers
Several other restaurants are participating in Veterans Day 2026 promotions:
| Restaurant | Veterans Day Offer |
|---|---|
| Bonefish Grill | Free Bang Bang Shrimp and nonalcoholic beverage |
| Smashburger | Free All-American Smashburger |
| In-N-Out Burger | Complimentary burger, fries, and beverage |
| Torchy’s Tacos | Free taco and drink |
| Yard House | Free appetizer |
| Sizzler | Complimentary select lunch and beverage |
| Bar Louie | Free eligible burger, November 10–11 |
| Freddy’s | Free combo-meal card for a future visit |
| Chipotle | Free chips and choice of dip with qualifying $5 purchase |
| Pilot Flying J | Free sandwich and beverage through the Pilot app |
SGT’s Desk Tip: Before heading out, verify the promotion with your local restaurant. Some locations operate independently, and participation or restrictions may differ.
Veterans Day 2026: Retail and Shopping Discounts
Veterans Day isn’t just about complimentary meals.
Several retailers are offering discounts that can help military families save on clothing, groceries, household products, and other purchases.
Kohl’s — 30% Off
Kohl’s is offering eligible military members, veterans, and families 30% off qualifying in-store purchases on November 10 and 11.
Valid military identification is required, and exclusions apply.
Walgreens — 20% Off
Walgreens is offering eligible military customers and families 20% off qualifying in-store purchases during Veterans Day weekend.
A myWalgreens account is required, and certain products are excluded.
Publix — 10% Off Groceries
Veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible family members can receive 10% off qualifying grocery purchases on November 11.
Proof of military service is required.
Tractor Supply — 10% Off
Verified military members participating in Tractor Supply’s Hometown Heroes program can receive 10% off eligible purchases on Veterans Day.
The program also provides military-related benefits throughout the year.
Additional Retail Discounts
| Retailer | Discount |
|---|---|
| Food Lion | 10% off qualifying purchases |
| Rack Room Shoes | 20% off eligible in-store purchases |
| Kohl’s | 30% off eligible in-store purchases |
| Walgreens | 20% off qualifying purchases |
| Publix | 10% off eligible groceries |
| Tractor Supply | 10% off eligible purchases |
Money-Saving Tip: Compare the Veterans Day discount with existing sales before making a purchase. Some promotions cannot be combined with other coupons, clearance prices, or rewards.
Veterans Day 2026: Free Attractions and Family Activities
For veterans looking to spend time with their families, several museums, parks, and entertainment destinations are offering complimentary or discounted admission.
National Parks
November 11, 2026, is a National Park Service entrance fee-free day for eligible U.S. citizens and residents.
This is an excellent opportunity to visit a national park, enjoy the outdoors, or plan a family day trip.
Eligible veterans and military personnel may also qualify for complimentary annual or lifetime passes through separate programs.
LEGOLAND Florida and New York
Eligible veterans and military personnel can receive complimentary admission during the promotional period running from October 1 through November 30, 2026.
Discounted admission is also available for accompanying guests.
Colonial Williamsburg
Eligible veterans, active-duty personnel, retirees, National Guard and Reserve members, and dependents can receive complimentary admission from November 6 through November 11.
Museum of the American Revolution
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Museum of the American Revolution is offering complimentary admission to eligible military personnel, veterans, and Blue Star families from November 8 through November 11.
For our Pennsylvania readers, this could be an excellent opportunity to explore American history with family members.
Additional Attractions
- Mount Vernon — Free admission for veterans and active-duty personnel on November 11.
- National WWI Museum and Memorial — Free admission for eligible military personnel on designated Veterans Day weekend dates.
- Harley-Davidson Museum — Complimentary admission for eligible military members and specified family guests.
- American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement — Free admission for eligible military personnel and up to three direct family members.
Check individual attraction websites for reservations, eligibility requirements, and additional fees.
Veterans Day 2026: Free Haircuts and Car Washes
Several businesses are also recognizing veterans through complimentary personal services.
Great Clips
Great Clips is offering free haircuts to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11.
Customers can also request a complimentary haircut card to give to a veteran.
Sport Clips
Participating Sport Clips locations are offering complimentary or discounted haircuts to eligible veterans and service members.
Grace for Vets
Participating car wash locations nationwide are offering free car washes to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11.
Check the Grace for Vets participating-location directory before visiting.
Military Discounts Available Throughout the Year
Although Veterans Day provides additional opportunities to save, military discounts aren’t limited to one day.
Many businesses offer ongoing discounts to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve personnel, and military families.
Examples of year-round programs include:
| Business | Military Discount |
|---|---|
| Apple | 10% off eligible products and accessories |
| Home Depot | 10% off eligible purchases |
| Lowe’s | 10% off qualifying purchases |
| Nike | 10% off most eligible items |
| Under Armour | 20% off eligible online and in-store purchases |
| Carhartt | 15% off eligible purchases |
| L.L.Bean | 10% off qualifying purchases |
| Microsoft | 10% off select products |
These programs have their own verification requirements, exclusions, and eligibility rules.
Some discounts are available to veterans and military families, while others have more restrictive eligibility requirements.
Before making a major purchase, compare military pricing with existing promotions to determine which provides the best value.
How to Claim Veterans Day Discounts
Before heading out on November 11, make sure you’re prepared.
Many participating businesses require proof of military service.
Depending on the business, accepted verification may include:
- Valid military identification
- Veteran identification card
- Veteran designation on a state driver’s license
- DD Form 214
- Approved verification through ID.me or another service
Not every business accepts every form of identification.
We recommend reviewing the offer’s specific requirements before visiting.9
Also remember that some promotions are limited to dine-in customers, participating locations, or specific hours.
A Message to Our Veterans and Military Families
At SGT’s Desk, we understand that military service extends far beyond the individual wearing the uniform.
Behind every Soldier is a family, a support system, and a community that often shares in the sacrifices of military life.
Missed birthdays, holidays away from home, deployments, training exercises, and long hours are familiar experiences for many military families.
Veterans Day provides an opportunity for our nation to recognize those sacrifices and express appreciation for the men and women who answered the call to serve.
While a free meal or discount can never fully repay that service, these gestures demonstrate that our communities recognize the dedication of our military members.
To our veterans, active-duty Soldiers, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, and military families:
Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued dedication to our nation.
We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the recognition you’ve earned.
And to our fellow leaders, take a moment to share this guide with your Soldiers and veterans in your community.
Sometimes providing useful information is one of the simplest ways we can continue looking out for one another.
Additional year-round discounts worth highlighting
| Category | Business | Listed benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | Apple | 10% military pricing |
| Home improvement | Home Depot | 10% off eligible items |
| Home improvement | Lowe’s | 10% off eligible purchases |
| Clothing | Carhartt | 15% discount |
| Clothing | Under Armour | 20% on eligible purchases |
| Automotive | Advance Auto Parts | 10% on qualifying in-store items |
| Automotive | O’Reilly Auto Parts | 10% discount |
| Recreation | National Park Service | Free eligible military and veteran passes |
Happy Veterans Day from the SGT’s Desk team!
Lead from the front. Take care of your Soldiers.
Official Sources
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Veterans Day 2026 Discounts and Free Meals
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Year-Round Military Discounts
National Park Service — 2026 Entrance Fee-Free Days
Pilot Company — 2026 Veterans Day Military Appreciation Announcement
Disclaimer: SGT’s Desk is not affiliated with the businesses listed. Promotions are subject to change, participating-location restrictions, and individual eligibility requirements. Verify offers directly with participating businesses before making travel or purchasing decisions.
Discount links
2026 Veterans Day discounts, free meals and other retail offers
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