Memorial Day Weekend Freebies and Discounts in Indianapolis: A Guide to No-Cost Offers and Military Appreciation Deals

Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis offers a variety of freebies and discounts, particularly for military personnel and veterans. These offers span food, entertainment, retail, and travel, providing opportunities for families and individuals to enjoy the holiday without significant expense. While many promotions are specifically designated for active duty service members and veterans, several deals are available to the general public. It is important to note that specific details, such as promo codes and participating locations, can vary, and consumers are advised to confirm directly with businesses before making plans.

Food and Beverage Discounts

A wide range of restaurants and food chains in the Indianapolis area offer special deals during Memorial Day weekend. Many of these are targeted toward military members, while others are general promotions.

Military-Specific Dining Offers

Several establishments provide complimentary meals or significant discounts to military personnel with valid identification.

Perkins American Food Co.: May offer military members a free Magnificent Seven Breakfast on Memorial Day with valid ID.
Fogo de Chão: Typically offers 50% off a meal for active and veteran military personnel on Memorial Day, plus 10% off for up to three guests.
Logan’s Roadhouse: Offers a daily 10% discount for active and retired military members with valid ID. Logan’s Rewards members may also receive 20% off Party Packs for Memorial Day Weekend.
Mission BBQ: Often provides free sandwiches to active duty servicemembers and veterans during the week of Memorial Day.
Denny’s: While the provided data references a Veterans Day offer, it indicates a pattern of providing free meals to military personnel.

General Public Promotions

Many brands offer limited-time deals and promo codes that are accessible to all customers during the holiday weekend.

Drake’s Indianapolis: Offers $3 Hot Dogs with toppings and $3 pints of Miller Lite for dine-in customers.
Krystal: May bring back deals such as 12 Original Krystals for $12 or 12 Cheese Krystals for $15 on Memorial Day.
Shake Shack: May offer a free ShackBurger with a minimum purchase and a specific promo code.
Subway: May have deals on footlongs, such as $6.99 with a promo code.
Taco John’s: Rewards members may receive BOGO deals on Summer Lemonades.
Zaxby’s: Look for special promotions during the holiday period.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Look for deals like $10 off Group Packs for Memorial Day weekend.
Fazoli’s: May offer deals like $10 off orders of $50 or more with a promo code.
Hot Dog on a Stick: Look for specials like 50% off Cheese on a Stick with the purchase of another hot dog or Cheese on a Stick.
Marco’s Pizza: Often has family bundles like the “Crowd Pleaser Bundle” for around $24.99 with a code.
Newk’s Eatery: May offer a family meal deal (two pizzas and a salad for $20) for Memorial Day weekend.
Sizzler: Look for Memorial Day specials on items like Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: May offer drink deals like two handcrafted beverages for $10 or BOGO deals on drinks.
Sheetz: Look for promotions like two free hot dogs through their app.

Entertainment and Attractions

Indianapolis is a hub of activity during Memorial Day weekend, with major events and attractions offering special access or discounts.

The Indianapolis 500

The Indianapolis 500 is the centerpiece of the holiday weekend. The festivities extend beyond the race itself, offering various free and ticketed events.

Miller Lite Carb Day (Friday): Features final practice, pit stop challenges, and a major concert.
Legends Day Presented by Firestone & Drivers’ Meeting (Saturday): An opportunity to see racing legends and attend the drivers’ meeting. This day also includes a Legends Day Concert.
Indy 500 Coors Light Snake Pit (Sunday): A large race day party featuring top electronic music artists.

Zoo and Theme Park Admissions

Several major attractions offer free or discounted admission for military members and their families.

Indianapolis Zoo: All current and former military members receive free admission on Memorial Day. A valid form of military ID is required.
Six Flags Theme Parks: Offer free single-day admission for servicemembers and veterans during Memorial Day weekend, plus discounted tickets for up to six family members.
Cincinnati Zoo: Provides free admission for active and retired military on Memorial Day, along with discounted tickets for up to six immediate family members.
United Parks and Resorts (including Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, and Sesame Place): May qualify for free admission for military members and up to three guests through their Waves of Honor program.

Museums and Tours

Cultural institutions and local tours provide opportunities for engagement and exploration.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art: Located in White River State Park, it offers immersion in Native American and Western art and culture.
Indianapolis Ghost Walking Tour: A spooky exploration of downtown Indy’s haunted history.
Newfields: Combines the Indianapolis Museum of Art with stunning gardens.
Pacers Playoffs: Catching a Pacers playoff game is an option for sports fans.

Live Music and Entertainment

The city hosts various live music events during the holiday weekend.

Howl at the Moon Indianapolis 90’s Memorial Day Weekend: A lively night of music and fun planned for May 23-24.
Firestone Legends Day Concert: Takes place at the Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park on Saturday, May 24.

Retail and Service Discounts

Memorial Day is a significant sales period, with many retailers offering general sales alongside specific military discounts.

General Retail Sales

Major retailers across various sectors are expected to run widespread sales during the Memorial Day period. These typically include:

Amazon
Best Buy
Walmart
Wayfair
Home Depot
Lowe’s
REI
Target
Costco
Dell, HP, Lenovo (tech)
Adidas (apparel)
Macy’s (department store)
Dick’s Sporting Goods (sporting goods)
Mattress retailers (e.g., Casper, DreamCloud)

Military-Specific Retail and Service Offers

In addition to general sales, some brands offer exclusive discounts for the military community.

Academy Sports+Outdoors: 10% off (through July 4).
Rack Room Shoes: 20% off in-store on Memorial Day.
Sleep Number: 5% off sale prices (through June 16).
ZIPS Cleaners: 10% off uniform cleaning (throughout May).

Important Considerations for Consumers

When seeking freebies and discounts, it is crucial to be aware of certain conditions and best practices.

Verification of Offers: The provided data emphasizes that deals can vary by location and year. Consumers should always call ahead or check official websites to confirm participation, specific details, and expiration dates before visiting a business.
Eligibility Requirements: Many of the most valuable offers, particularly free meals and admissions, are exclusively for active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. A valid military ID is almost always required to redeem these offers.
Dine-In Restrictions: Several restaurant deals, such as those from Denny’s and Dave & Buster’s, are specified as dine-in only. Takeout or delivery may not be eligible for the promotion.
Promo Codes: Some deals require a promo code for online or in-app purchases. Codes mentioned in the source data (e.g., MEMDAY25 for Pokeworks, Memorial25 for Fazoli’s) are examples and may not be valid for the current year.
Source Reliability: While the provided information is compiled from various sources, including media outlets and discount websites, it is recommended to rely on official brand websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information. The data regarding Veterans Day offers, while not directly applicable to Memorial Day, demonstrates the types of promotions that brands may offer on patriotic holidays.

Conclusion

Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis presents numerous opportunities for free and discounted experiences, with a strong emphasis on honoring military service. From free zoo admission and restaurant meals for veterans to widespread retail sales and the excitement of the Indianapolis 500, there are options to suit a variety of interests. To maximize these opportunities, consumers should plan ahead, verify details with participating businesses, and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements, especially for military-specific offers.