Memorial Day weekend serves as a significant time for U.S. consumers to access special offers, freebies, and discounts across various sectors. While the holiday primarily honors fallen military service members, many brands and organizations extend complimentary products, services, and price reductions to the general public and specifically to military personnel. Based on verified data regarding Memorial Day 2025 and projected offers for 2026, consumers can expect a range of opportunities in food and beverage, retail, and entertainment categories. These offers often require specific actions, such as joining loyalty programs, making minimum purchases, or verifying military status. The following guide details these verified opportunities to help consumers navigate the available deals effectively.
Memorial Day 2025 and 2026 Context
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. In 2025, the holiday fell on May 26, while in 2026, it is scheduled for May 25. Retailers and restaurants frequently extend their promotional activities throughout the weekend, often beginning the preceding Friday. The offers generally fall into two categories: deals available to the general public and exclusive discounts for active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.
The scope of these promotions varies significantly. While some brands offer completely free products without purchase requirements, others provide discounts on food, merchandise, or delivery services. It is important for consumers to note that participation may vary by location, and many in-person offers require the presence of a valid military ID or proof of service.
Food and Beverage Freebies and Deals
The food sector typically offers the most visible and accessible freebies during Memorial Day weekend. These range from complimentary coffee and donuts to discounted group meals and delivery waivers.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven offers a variety of deals during Memorial Day weekend, accessible through their loyalty programs and delivery app. * Snack Deals: Starting May 19, customers can purchase popular snacks such as Clif Bars, Kellogg’s Rice Krispie Treats Big Bars, and Quest Protein Cookies for $2. * Meal Deals: Loyalty members can access a $4 deal consisting of one value grill item, 7-Select chips, and a Big Gulp drink. A $5 option includes two value grill items or one Big Bite Hot Dog with chips and a Big Gulp drink. * Limited-Time Food Items: A Summer Sprinkle Donut featuring white frosting and rainbow sprinkles is available. Additionally, a Peace Tea Caddy Shack Slurpee Drink blends tea and lemonade flavors. * Delivery Savings: The 7NOW Delivery app offers $20 off a delivery order of $30 or more using the code MONDAY20. * Military Specifics: Veterans Advantage members are eligible for a free coffee or Big Gulp on Memorial Day. Linking 7Rewards and Veterans Advantage accounts allows for extra rewards.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s provides offers that combine dining with entertainment incentives. * General Public Offer: From May 16 through June 12, customers who spend $25 or more on dine-in, to-go, or delivery orders via the Applebee’s website or mobile app receive one free Fandango movie ticket to Top Gun: Maverick. Spending $50 or more results in two free movie tickets. * Military Discount: Participating Applebee’s locations offer a 10% discount on the bill for active, retired military service members and their families.
Other Restaurant Chains
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Dickey’s is expected to offer a discount on Group Packs during Memorial Day weekend 2026. This likely requires using a promo code at checkout online or in-app.
- Fazoli's: Anticipated discounts at Fazoli's for Memorial Day weekend 2026 will likely require a promo code at checkout online or in-app.
- Caribou Coffee: This chain offers a free hot brewed coffee of the day to service members, their spouses, and families on Memorial Day. Additionally, for every purchase made on May 30, Caribou Coffee donates $0.25 (up to $50,000) to the American Red Cross Service to support active-duty service members, veterans, and military families.
- Carrabba's: Military personnel and veterans receive a consistent 10% off their meals regardless of the date. Gift card purchases between now and June 21 also serve as a way to support service members.
- Bubbakoo's Burritos: For Memorial Day 2026, Bubbakoo's Burritos is anticipated to offer free delivery with no minimum purchase requirement when ordering online or in-app.
- Burger King: Royal Perks members can expect a week of daily deals leading up to Memorial Day 2026.
Quick Service and Delivery
- Gopuff: Gopuff FAM members are likely to receive discounts on Memorial Day essentials such as ice cream sandwiches, sparkling water, hydration drinks, and popsicles during the 2026 holiday period.
- Burger King: Specific details for 2026 suggest daily deals for Royal Perks members, though exact freebie details are not specified in the source data.
Retail and General Merchandise Discounts
While food freebies are prominent, retail brands also offer significant savings, particularly for military personnel.
Military-Exclusive Discounts
Source data highlights that many brands offer year-round military appreciation discounts, which are often amplified during Memorial Day. * Apparel and Footwear: * Adidas: Offers verified military discounts. * Reebok: Provides savings for military personnel. * Under Armour: Participates in military discount programs. * Crocs and HeyDude: Both brands offer military discounts. * Academy Sports + Outdoors: Offers savings for military members. * Home and Lifestyle: * Stanley: Provides verified military discounts. * Sleep Number: Offers discounts for military personnel. * Samsung: Extends savings to active duty and veterans. * Bonefish Grill: While primarily a restaurant, Bonefish Grill (Marysville) offers a "Heroes Discount" of 10% off the check all day, every day. This is open to servicemen and women, veterans, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics with a valid service ID.
Automotive
- Ford: The "Ford Salutes Those Who Serve" program offers a special discount on vehicles for military members and first responders. This offer is valid at any time and applies to leasing, new car purchases, and service on current vehicles. Consumers must enter their zip code to find the nearest dealer and complete details.
Entertainment and Leisure Offers
Memorial Day weekend is also a time for leisure, with some venues offering free access or specialized menu items.
City Museum (St. Louis)
The City Museum offers a specific Memorial Day weekend event honoring military members. * Free Admission: From May 23 through May 26, all Active and Retired service members receive free General Admission. * Group Discount: The Military Discount is expanded for the weekend, allowing the rest of the service member's group to purchase General Admission for $18 (regularly $22) at the ticket window. * Special Menu: The Rooftop Café adds grill-worthy items to the menu, including Burnt End Sausage, Burnt End Brisket Sandwich, Pulled Pork Sandwich, and All-American Hot Dogs. These entrees include a 24 oz. drink and two side choices (Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, or Chips). * Specialty Drink: A Bomb Pop Cocktail is available for purchase at Beatnik Bob’s, Cowboy Bar, and Rooftop Café. * Verification: An Active or Retired military ID is required, and the service member must be present at the time of purchase.
National Parks
- America the Beautiful Pass: The National Parks Service offers the America the Beautiful Pass to U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families. While not a limited-time Memorial Day offer, it is a significant benefit for military families.
Consumer Guidance and Best Practices
To maximize savings and access freebies during Memorial Day weekend, consumers should adhere to specific guidelines derived from the source data.
Verification Requirements
Many of the most valuable offers are restricted to military personnel and their families. Consumers should be prepared to present valid identification, such as a military ID, to access these discounts in person. For online offers, verification systems like Veterans Advantage may be linked to loyalty accounts (e.g., 7Rewards).
Digital Engagement
A significant portion of food and retail deals requires the use of mobile apps or online ordering. * Loyalty Programs: Brands like 7-Eleven require customers to be loyalty members to access specific meal deals. * Delivery Apps: Savings on delivery, such as the $20 off offer from 7NOW, require the use of a specific app and promo codes. * Promo Codes: Anticipated deals for 2026 from chains like Dickey’s, Fazoli's, and Bubbakoo's Burritos will likely require entering a promo code during online or in-app checkout.
Timing and Availability
- Start Dates: Promotions may begin days before the actual holiday. For example, 7-Eleven's snack deals start on May 19.
- Location Variance: Participation in offers, particularly at restaurants like Applebee's and Dickey's, can vary by location. Consumers are advised to check with their closest location to confirm participation.
- Minimum Purchases: Some "freebies" are tied to minimum spending thresholds. For instance, the Applebee's free movie ticket offer requires a $25 minimum purchase.
Projected vs. Verified Data
Consumers should distinguish between verified offers for the current year and anticipated offers for future years. Source data provides specific details for Memorial Day 2025 (e.g., 7-Eleven specific menu items, Applebee's movie ticket deal) and predictions for 2026 (e.g., Gopuff FAM discounts, Bubbakoo's free delivery). When planning, consumers should prioritize verified 2025 data for immediate use and use 2026 projections as a guide for potential future trends.
Conclusion
Memorial Day weekend presents a diverse array of freebies and deals for U.S. consumers, ranging from complimentary food items to substantial retail discounts. The most reliable access to these offers comes through digital engagement, specifically by joining brand loyalty programs and utilizing mobile apps for ordering and delivery. While many deals are available to the general public, the most generous offers, including free admission to venues like City Museum and year-round retail discounts, are reserved for active duty military members, veterans, and their families. Consumers are encouraged to verify offer details, location participation, and identification requirements prior to attempting to redeem these deals.