Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, serves as a significant opportunity for businesses and community organizations in Wichita, Kansas, to extend gratitude to active-duty military personnel and veterans. In 2025, falling on a Tuesday, the observance prompts a variety of events, free meals, and admission offers throughout the preceding weekend and the holiday itself. These initiatives range from complimentary access to local attractions and national parks to free dining experiences and retail discounts. The following guide details the verified freebies and deals available to service members in the Wichita area, based on current planning information.
Local Events and Community Gatherings
Community events form a central part of Veterans Day observances in Wichita, offering opportunities for recognition and camaraderie. The Wichita Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, beginning at 11 a.m. in downtown Wichita. This annual procession honors military service members and is a primary local event for the community.
Additional commemorative activities are planned in the surrounding areas. In Newton, located north of Wichita, the Newton Presbyterian Manor will host a Veterans Day Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on November 11. This complimentary come-and-go pancake breakfast is open to all area veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses.
In Andover, east of Wichita, the American Legion Riders 408 are organizing a Veterans Day Celebration. Riders will gather at 7:40 a.m. at Timbuktu (1251 N Andover Rd) on November 11 to place flags before riding to Andover Middle School and Andover Central Middle School.
For job seekers, the Kansas Veterans & Second Chance Job Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11 at the HealthCore Clinic (2707 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS). This event provides resources and opportunities specifically for veterans.
In Salina, Kansas, a Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 11, with a route moving from Elm to Prescott.
Sojourner’s Coffee House (7130 W. Maple, Wichita, KS) will offer a Veterans Day Breakfast starting at 8:30 a.m. on November 11. The establishment, which focuses on supporting military members, veterans, and their families, invites service members to gather for a complimentary meal.
Free Admission to Attractions and Parks
Several local and national attractions offer free admission to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day.
Sedgwick County Zoo
The Sedgwick County Zoo is offering free admission to all military personnel, both active duty and veterans, along with their immediate families, on Tuesday, November 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To receive free admission, individuals must present valid military or veteran ID, discharge papers, or other official identification. Families of deployed military personnel are required to show an active-duty ID.
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum offers free admission on Sundays. Since Veterans Day in 2025 falls on a Tuesday, the museum will offer free admission on the Sunday of Veterans Day weekend (November 9) during its regular Sunday hours of 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
National Parks
The National Park Service offers free admission to all visitors on Veterans Day, November 11. This allows veterans and the general public to visit any National Park Service site at no cost. It is noted that most National Parks in Kansas are already free every day, making this offer particularly beneficial for those traveling outside the state.
Kansas Cosmosphere
The Kansas Cosmosphere offers free admission to veterans and military personnel on Veterans Day.
Derby Area Veterans Memorial
The Derby Area Veterans Memorial, located in Garrett Park, features a quarter-mile Walk of Freedom. While not an attraction with admission fees, it serves as a year-round memorial with stations dedicated to each branch of the military, benches, and banners. It hosts special recognition events throughout the year, including on Veterans Day.
Lake Afton Gun Range
Lake Afton Gun Range provides free access for veterans and military personnel during the Veterans Day weekend.
Free Meals and Restaurant Deals
A wide variety of restaurants in Wichita and nationwide offer free meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. The following offers have been verified for the 2025 observance.
Local and National Dining Offers
- Andy's Frozen Custard: Offers free sundaes for veterans and active-duty personnel.
- Applebee's: Provides free entrees for veterans and active-duty military.
- Arby's: Offers free sandwiches for veterans and active-duty personnel.
- Bad Daddys Burger Bar: Participates in Veterans Day offers with free entrees.
- BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse: Offers free entrees for veterans.
- Blaze Pizza: Provides free entrees for veterans.
- Chick-fil-A: Offers free sandwiches for veterans and active-duty personnel.
- Chili's: Provides free entrees for veterans.
- Cracker Barrel: Offers free entrees for veterans.
- Golden Corral: Participates in Veterans Day offers with free meals.
- Hard Rock Cafe: Offers free entrees for veterans.
- Jiffy Lube: Offers a special discount on oil changes for veterans and military personnel on November 11. Availability varies by location.
- Kolache Factory: On Veterans Day, offers veterans one free kolache (any kind) and one cup of coffee (any size) on November 11. Some restrictions apply.
- Krispy Kreme: Offers a free donut and small coffee to veterans and military personnel on November 11.
- LaMar’s Donuts: Gives away a free donut and 12 oz. coffee to veterans and military personnel on November 11.
- Little Caesar’s: Offers a free $5 Hot and Ready lunch combo (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) to veterans and military personnel with valid ID on Veterans Day at participating locations.
- Longhorn Steakhouse: Provides veterans and military personnel with a free dessert or appetizer plus a 10% discount on their check.
- McDonald’s: Offers a free meal to veterans and military personnel.
- PJs Coffee: Participates in Veterans Day offers.
- Raising Cane's: Extends discounts to military, police, and EMTs.
- Tender Greens: Participates in Veterans Day offers.
Breakfast and Buffet Options
In addition to the specific restaurant offers, various establishments provide complimentary breakfasts and buffets. The Veterans Day Breakfast at Sojourner’s Coffee House and the pancake breakfast at Newton Presbyterian Manor are specific local events. Other general offers mentioned include free breakfast combos at participating chains.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond dining, various retail and service providers offer discounts and freebies to veterans and military personnel.
Automotive and Maintenance Services
- Jiffy Lube: Offers a special discount on oil changes on November 11.
- McDonald’s: While primarily a dining option, some locations may offer car wash discounts or other services; specific offers vary.
Retail Discounts
- Kohl’s: Veterans and military personnel, along with their immediate families, receive 30% off in-store purchases from November 10-11 with a coupon. Some restrictions apply.
- Kroger: Offers a 10% discount to veterans and military personnel with proof of service on Veterans Day.
- Lovesac: Offers veterans and military personnel 25% off savings through November 13.
- Macy's: Offers Veterans Day deals on select items.
Other Services
- Haircuts: While not explicitly listed in the provided data for 2025, historical data and general trends indicate that many barbershops and salons offer free or discounted haircuts to veterans on Veterans Day. Veterans should inquire locally.
- Car Washes: Similar to haircut services, car washes often provide free or discounted services. Specific offers were not detailed in the source data for 2025, but veterans are encouraged to check with local providers.
Important Considerations for Veterans
When seeking to utilize Veterans Day freebies and deals, veterans should be aware of several key factors to ensure a smooth experience.
Proof of Service
Most businesses offering free meals, admission, or discounts require proof of military service. Acceptable forms of identification typically include: - Valid military ID card (active duty or veteran) - VA Health ID Card - Discharge papers (DD214) - Other official military documentation - For families of deployed personnel, an active-duty ID is usually required.
It is advisable to carry appropriate identification when visiting participating locations.
Participation and Availability
Participation in Veterans Day offers can vary by location, even within the same chain. For example, Jiffy Lube notes that specials vary by location. The source material advises calling ahead if there are any doubts about a specific location's participation. This is particularly important for national chains with independently owned franchises.
Dates and Times
Offers are often valid only on Veterans Day, November 11, but some extend to the weekend before or after. For instance, Kohl's discount is valid November 10-11. Specific time restrictions apply to some offers, such as Little Caesar’s combo being available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veterans should verify the specific dates and times for each deal.
Restrictions
Some offers come with restrictions. For example, Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant offers 50% off entrée but specifies dine-in only. Kolache Factory notes that "some restrictions apply." It is important to read the fine details or ask questions before ordering.
National Parks Pass
The National Park Service offers a free annual pass for U.S. military veterans, active-duty personnel, and Gold Star families. This pass provides free admission to all National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands for the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single vehicle. While this is available year-round, Veterans Day is a good time to be reminded of this benefit.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 in Wichita offers a robust selection of freebies and deals designed to honor the service and sacrifice of military personnel. From free admission at the Sedgwick County Zoo and the Kansas Cosmosphere to complimentary meals at major restaurant chains like Applebee's and Little Caesar's, there are numerous ways for veterans to be recognized. Community events, including parades and breakfasts, foster a spirit of gratitude and camaraderie. To maximize these opportunities, veterans should prepare valid proof of service, call ahead to confirm participation at specific locations, and be mindful of dates, times, and restrictions associated with each offer.