Veterans Day observances in the Fargo area provide a range of free meals, discounts, and community events for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Businesses and organizations typically require proof of military service, such as a military ID, veteran ID card, or other verification, to access these offers. The availability of specific deals and events may vary by year and participating location, so consumers are advised to confirm details directly with the businesses or organizations.
Restaurant Free Meals and Discounts
Multiple restaurants in the Fargo region offer complimentary meals and discounts for veterans on Veterans Day. Most offers are valid for dine-in service on November 11, though some locations may have different hours or require specific identification.
- Applebee’s: Offers a free meal from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military. In 2021, the menu included items such as bacon cheeseburger, top sirloin, shrimp, chicken, pasta, and salad. In 2023, the offer remained a free meal from a specific menu. The 2025 offer is described as a free lunch or dinner from a select entrée menu.
- Texas Roadhouse: Provides a free lunch from a special menu, dine-in only until 4 p.m. (2021). In 2023, free meal vouchers were available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 2025 offer includes a free meal voucher redeemable in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026.
- Chili’s: Offers a free meal from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military personnel (2021, 2023).
- Denny’s: Offers a free Build Your Own Grand Slam from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (2021).
- IHOP: Offers free Red, White, and Blue pancakes or a pancake combo meal (2021). In 2023, the offer was free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: In 2023, offered a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on November 11. In 2025, the offer is 10 free boneless wings and fries at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations only, with valid ID.
- Red Lobster: Offers a free appetizer or dessert from a select Veterans Day menu (2021).
- Olive Garden: Offers a free entrée from a special menu (2021).
- Ruby Tuesday: Offers a free burger and tater tots (2021).
- Village Inn: Offers a free VIB (2021).
- Papa Murphy’s: Offers a free cheese or pepperoni pizza at Moorhead and Fargo locations (2021).
- Sandy’s Donuts: Offers a free donut (2021).
- Cash Wise: The deli offers a free chicken dinner for veterans; guests receive 50% off. The offer is valid from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (2021).
- Crooked Pint Ale House: Offers a free menu item (2021).
- Skate City: Offers free admission and one hotdog/drink from 12:00-6:00 p.m. (2021).
- PubWest: Offers free eating for all veterans (up to $15 value) with the purchase of a drink, all day while the kitchen is open (2023).
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Offers a free original double with cheese combo for veterans and current military personnel (2023).
- BorderTown Bar & Grill: Offers a free meal to all service veterans, all day while the kitchen is open (2023).
- Royal Buffet Chinese Restaurant: Offers a free buffet meal to veterans and active military members from November 9 to November 11 (2023).
- Bob Evans: Offers a free farm-fresh meal to all veterans and active-duty military at participating locations (2025).
- Bombshells Restaurant and Bar: Offers veterans a free meal and active-duty military 20% off on Veterans Day for dine-in in TX and CO (2025).
- Buca di Beppo: Offers a free lunch entrée (any pasta from the lunch specials menu) on Veterans Day (2025).
- Calhoun’s: Offers a free meal to honor those who served; dates and times may vary (2025).
- California Pizza Kitchen: Offers veterans and active military a free entrée and beverage from a special Veterans Day Menu on November 11, 2025, dine-in only (2025).
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Offers military families a free drink, plus a $5 coupon with a $25 gift card purchase (2025).
- Chick-fil-A: Local locations may have special Veterans Day offers (2025).
- Red Robin: Offers veterans and military members a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with fries for dine-in on Veterans Day (2025).
- Rubio’s: Offers a buy-one, get-one-free entrée using code VETS25 in-store or online with valid military ID (2025).
- Sonny’s BBQ: Offers a free Pork Big Deal on November 11, 2025, for those enrolled in Sonny’s Rewards by 11/9/25, with Military ID (2025).
- Fogo de Chão: Offers active-duty military and veterans 50% off Full or Indulgent Churrasco meals, plus 10% off for guests, with valid ID from November 7–11 (2025).
- Outback Steakhouse: Offers a free Aussie 3-course meal, dine-in only on November 10 and 11 (2025).
Retail and Service Discounts
Several retail and service businesses offer discounts to veterans and their families, often requiring online verification or in-store presentation of military ID.
- Foot Locker: 15% off total purchase for military and their families with online verification (2021).
- JoAnn: 15% off total purchase with online verification (2021).
- Kohl’s: 30% off in-store discount, including for family members (2021).
- Lowe’s: 10% discount (2021).
- Lululemon: 15% off for military and their immediate families in-store and online (2021).
- Michaels: 15% off total purchase, including sale items, in-store and online (2021).
- Sickies Garage: 20% discount (2021).
- Sport Clips: $3 off haircuts at Fargo/West Fargo locations (2021).
- Target: 10% off two separate purchases through November 13 with online verification (2021).
- Great Clips: Offers a free haircut (2021).
Community Events and Programs
Community organizations in Fargo and the surrounding area host Veterans Day programs, meals, and ongoing events for veterans.
- Fargo Air Museum:
- Veterans Coffee Hour: Held on the second Wednesday of each month, featuring donuts and coffee. Provided by Cindy Schreiber-Beck, Moorhead Legion, Mike and Kathy Killoran, Fargo Memorial Honor Guard, Sandy’s Donuts, and the Fargo Air Museum.
- Military Birthdays: Offers free admission to veterans, active duty, national guard, and reserve members on the day each branch of the U.S. Military was instated. Check the museum calendar for specific dates.
- Veterans Day Program (2021): A program presented by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 941 and United Patriotic Bodies was held at the Air Museum, 1609 19th Ave. N., from 11 a.m. to noon. The program included the posting of the colors, national anthem, laying of the wreath, guest speaker Rex Selnes of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 941, and music by the Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band.
- Fargo VFW: Served a stew lunch at noon on Veterans Day (2021).
- Fargo AMVETS Post 7: Served a lunch of "stuff on a shingle" starting at 11 a.m. and hosted an Honor Flight check presentation at 3 p.m. (2021).
- West Fargo VFW Post 7564: Hosted a flag raising at 10:45 a.m., followed by a guest speaker and a performance by the West Fargo High School band. A stew lunch was served at 12:30 p.m., the kitchen opened for service at 4 p.m., and the Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band performed at 7 p.m. (2021).
- Annual Dinner and Auction: The Fargo Air Museum hosts a Celebrity Dinner and Auction as its largest annual fundraising event in the fall.
- Youth Education Camps: The Fargo Air Museum hosts free Youth Aviation camps and a paid Turn It, Build It! STEAM camp monthly.
Verification and Eligibility
Most businesses and organizations require proof of military service to participate in Veterans Day offers. Acceptable forms of verification may include:
- Military ID
- Veteran ID Card
- Proof of service (e.g., DD214)
- Online verification through third-party services (e.g., SheerID for Foot Locker, JoAnn, Target)
Some offers are specific to veterans and active-duty military, while others extend to immediate family members or include discounts for guests. For example, Cash Wise offers a 50% discount to guests accompanying a veteran, and Kohl's includes family members in their in-store discount.
Conclusion
Veterans Day in the Fargo area is marked by a wide array of free meals, retail discounts, and community events designed to honor veterans and active-duty military personnel. The offers range from complimentary meals at national restaurant chains to local discounts and community gatherings at organizations like the Fargo Air Museum and local VFW posts. While many deals are consistent year to year, specific details such as menu options, hours, and verification requirements may change. Veterans are encouraged to check with individual businesses and organizations for the most current information and to bring appropriate proof of service.