Memorial Day weekend offers numerous opportunities for consumers to access freebies and discounts across various categories, including food, retail, and entertainment. These offers are often available to the general public, while many are specifically designated for military personnel, veterans, and first responders. The availability of these deals typically spans the holiday weekend, with some extending throughout the year. Verification of status is frequently required to redeem these offers, often through online verification services or by presenting valid identification at the point of sale.
Restaurant and Food Deals
A significant portion of Memorial Day promotions focuses on dining and food products. Offers range from free menu items with purchase to substantial discounts on meals and snacks. Several national chains have structured their promotions to honor military service members, while others provide general consumer incentives.
Military and Veteran-Specific Dining Offers
- Bonefish Grill: This restaurant offers a "Heroes Discount" of 10% off the check to service members, veterans, and first responders. This discount is valid all day, every day, provided a valid service ID is presented.
- Carrabba's: Military personnel and veterans receive a 10% discount on their meals at this chain, regardless of the date. Additionally, purchasing $50 in gift cards between now and June 21 offers an extra way to thank service members.
- Caribou Coffee: On Memorial Day, this Midwest-based coffee chain offers a free hot brewed coffee of the day to service members, their spouses, and their families. 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.
- Denny's: Denny's offers a breakfast bargain for all diners through June 8, 2025. Participants can buy an Original Grand Slam Breakfast or All-American Slam Breakfast and enjoy a second plate for just $1. Furthermore, from May 23 to 25, 2025, Denny's offers $10 off an order of $30 or more online at dennys.com.
- Wendy’s and Dairy Queen: These companies are noted for offering special freebies and discounts to thank veterans and military members, though specific details on the offers are not provided in the source material.
General Consumer Food Deals
- Applebee’s: Beginning May 16 and running through June 12, Applebee’s offers 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 receive two tickets.
- Burger King: As part of its Perks Week celebration, Burger King offers a buy-one-get-one FREE Whopper on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. Additional savings include a FREE Frozen Fanta Strawberry on May 24, 2025, and FREE Chicken Nuggets on May 25, 2025.
- 7-Eleven: 7-Eleven provides several food and snack deals starting May 19. These include $2 deals on popular snacks like Clif Bars, Kellogg’s Rice Krispie Treats Big Bars, and Quest Protein Cookies. Loyalty members can also get a value grill item with 7-Select chips and a Big Gulp drink for $4, or two value grill items or one Big Bite Hot Dog with chips and a Big Gulp drink for $5. A limited-time Summer Sprinkle Donut and Peace Tea Caddy Shack Slurpee Drink are also available. Additionally, 7NOW Delivery app users can get $20 off a $30+ delivery order with code MONDAY20.
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offers a discount on Group Packs for Memorial Day weekend when using a promo code at checkout online or in-app.
- Fazoli's: For Memorial Day weekend in 2026, a discount at Fazoli's is anticipated when using a promo code at checkout online or in-app.
- Gopuff: Gopuff FAM members are likely to receive a discount on Memorial Day essentials like ice cream sandwiches, sparkling water, hydration drinks, and popsicles.
- Cali'flour Foods: Consumers can get 10% off low-carb crusts and flatbreads between May 25 and May 30 with code MDW2022.
Retail, Service, and Entertainment Offers
Beyond dining, Memorial Day extends to retail, automotive services, and entertainment, particularly benefiting military personnel and veterans.
Retail and Automotive
- Bonefish Grill (Marysville): In addition to the general Heroes Discount, this location is noted for military appreciation.
- Ford Salutes Those Who Serve: Ford offers a special discount on vehicles for customers who are military and first responders. This offer is valid at any time and includes leasing, new car purchases, and service on current vehicles. Details are available by entering a zip code to find the nearest dealer.
- Home Depot: Home Depot is listed among companies offering deals to thank veterans and military members, though specific offer details are not provided.
- Jiffy Lube: Jiffy Lube is also listed among companies offering deals to thank veterans and military members, though specific offer details are not provided.
- Outback Steakhouse: Outback Steakhouse is listed among companies offering deals to thank veterans and military members, though specific offer details are not provided.
Entertainment and Travel
- Silverwood Theme Parks: During Memorial Day Weekend, identified as American Heroes’ Weekend at Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach in Athol, Idaho, all military personnel, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and medics receive free admission with identification. Joining spouses and children can purchase discounted tickets at the front gate.
- Zoo Tickets: Many zoos offer special discounts or free admission to military members.
- Cincinnati Zoo: All military members (active or retired) receive free admission on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day, and up to six half-price admission tickets for immediate family.
- Indianapolis Zoo: Current and former military members receive free admission on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
- Birmingham Zoo: Previously offered free admission to veterans, retired and active military and up to six family members throughout Memorial Day Weekend. It is suggested to check for similar offers annually.
- National Memorial Day Concert: Held annually on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, this concert is a noted event, though ticket or access details are not specified in the source material.
- National Parks Service: The America the Beautiful Pass is available to U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families.
General Promotional Structures
Several sources indicate that online and in-app purchases are common methods for redeeming offers. For example, some freebies require an online or in-app purchase of $1 or more. Additionally, specific promo codes are often necessary to activate discounts at checkout for various food retailers. Verification of military or veteran status is frequently handled through online verification services at checkout or by presenting valid service ID in person.
Conclusion
Memorial Day provides a diverse array of freebies and discounts for U.S. consumers, with a strong emphasis on honoring military personnel and veterans. Dining offers range from free coffee and breakfast items to discounted group packs and meal deals. Retail and service providers, including automotive and theme parks, also participate by offering exclusive discounts and free admission. To access these deals, consumers should be prepared to verify their status where required and utilize specific promo codes or online purchasing channels.