Veterans Day is a significant federal holiday in the United States, observed annually on November 11 to honor military veterans of the armed forces. Originating as Armistice Day in 1919 to mark the end of World War I, it was officially renamed Veterans Day in 1954 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower to recognize all who have served. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day pays tribute to all veterans—living and deceased, active and former. In Long Beach, California, the holiday is marked by a variety of community events, free admissions, and dining specials designed to express gratitude to service members. This article provides a comprehensive overview of freebies, discounts, and activities available in Long Beach and surrounding areas, based on verified information from local sources.
Long Beach, as a city with a strong military heritage, hosts annual celebrations that combine patriotic ceremonies with family-friendly activities. These events often include free access to attractions, resource fairs, and entertainment, alongside restaurant offers that require proof of military service. Eligibility for most veterans' benefits typically requires a valid military ID, veteran ID card, or other official documentation of service. The following sections detail specific opportunities, focusing on those that provide no-cost access or significant savings for veterans and active-duty personnel.
Long Beach Annual Veterans Day Celebration
The City of Long Beach organizes a prominent annual Veterans Day Celebration, a free community event held to honor the courage and sacrifice of veterans and active-duty service members. According to local reports, this event takes place at Houghton Park, located at 6301 Myrtle Avenue in North Long Beach. The celebration is presented by the city in partnership with the Office of Veterans Support, the Long Beach Veterans Commission, and the Long Beach Veterans Day Committee.
In 2025, the event is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, from noon to 4 p.m., though Veterans Day itself falls on November 11. The schedule includes a formal recognition ceremony, patriotic performances, and guest speakers. Additional features encompass live music, food vendors, and resource booths offering information from over 25 participating organizations. Families can enjoy a kids zone, a bootcamp-style obstacle course, and flyovers by historic aircraft. The Department of Health and Human Services will provide flu shots during the event. A beer garden and food trucks add to the festive atmosphere, ensuring activities for all ages.
Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the event's community spirit, noting that it reflects the city's appreciation for veterans' service. Councilmember Joni Ricks-Oddie highlighted the pride in North Long Beach's veteran community, whose ongoing contributions strengthen the area. This celebration is entirely free and open to the public, with no admission requirements beyond attendance. For more details, residents can visit the official city website at longbeach.gov/veteransday.
Free and Discounted Admissions to Attractions
Several local and national attractions offer free or discounted admission to veterans and active-duty military personnel on and around Veterans Day. These opportunities provide a way to explore cultural, educational, and recreational sites at no cost, often requiring advance reservations or valid identification.
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach provides free admission to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11. A valid service ID is required, and advance reservations are necessary to secure entry. This offer allows service members to experience the aquarium's exhibits, which focus on the Pacific Ocean's diverse marine life, without incurring the standard admission fee.
Another notable option is the Battleship IOWA, located at 250 S Harbor Blvd in nearby San Pedro. On Veterans Day, the ship hosts "Football on the Fantail," a community event starting at 12:30 P.M. Activities include a social mixer, a kids STEM zone, and a welcome from the Military and Veterans Team. Attendees can enjoy complimentary hot dogs, wings, and beer from Vicky's Doghouse while watching the Rams vs. 49ers game on the fantail. The event features halftime veteran shout-outs and post-game networking. While not exclusively free, the event offers a welcoming environment for veterans to connect and be honored.
Nationally, other attractions extend similar benefits. For example, Colonial Williamsburg provides free admission to active-duty service members, Reservists, National Guard members, Veterans, military retirees, and their dependents from November 8-11. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville offers free admission to veterans and active-duty service members, including up to three immediate family members. The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, grants free admission to veterans and active-duty military personnel from November 8-11. These offers underscore a broader trend of cultural institutions honoring service members with no-cost access.
In the Gulf Coast region, events such as the Salute to America and Our Veterans concert by the Pearl River County Community Band on November 9 provide free entertainment. The concert takes place at the PRCC Brownstone Center for the Arts at 3:30 P.M. Additionally, the Salute to Veterans: Creative Arts Showcase on November 11, from 12:20 to 1:20 P.M. at the MGCCC Harrison County Campus, D Building Gallery, features artwork created by veterans and is open to the public from November 3 to December 5 during weekday hours.
Restaurant Freebies and Dining Discounts
Dining establishments in Long Beach and beyond participate in Veterans Day by offering free meals, discounts, or complimentary items to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers typically require proof of service, such as a military ID, and are valid only on November 11 unless otherwise specified.
In Long Beach, several restaurants provide specific deals. Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina offers a free meal to veterans and active-duty military with valid ID. The meal includes a three-item combo with selections such as tacos, enchiladas, chicken taquitos, chicken tamale, or chile relleno. This provides a substantial no-cost dining option at participating locations.
Solita Tacos & Margaritas extends a 20% discount to veterans and active service members on Veterans Day. The restaurant is known for its Baja-style Mexican food and hand-crafted margaritas. Reservations are recommended, and a valid military ID must be presented to redeem the offer.
California Pizza Kitchen invites veterans and active military for a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and an entree from a prix-fixe menu on November 11. The menu includes salads, pizza, and pasta. Upsells and additions are not included in the complimentary offer, and it is not valid at franchise locations in stadiums, universities, or airports. A valid ID is required.
Nationally, Dave & Buster's provides veterans with a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card on November 11, with a valid Veterans ID card. These dining offers are designed to thank service members while providing enjoyable experiences for them and their families.
Community Events and Parades
Beyond formal celebrations, Long Beach and nearby areas feature parades and smaller community gatherings. For instance, the Veterans Day Parade in Long Beach (likely referring to a local Gulf Coast event) rolls down Jeff Davis Avenue at 1:30 P.M. on Sunday, November 9, with activities at the Town Green from 1:30 to 3:00 P.M. However, it is important to note that some events may face cancellations due to external factors; for example, the Gulf Coast Veterans Association 3rd Annual Veterans Day Parade in Pass Christian was canceled due to a government shutdown, which prevented over 300 service members from participating.
Other Gulf Coast events include a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Alfred Alleman VFW Post 2539 in Gulfport on November 11 at 11:00 A.M., followed by free food and drinks. A Laying of the Wreath Ceremony occurs at the Veterans Tribute Tower in Gautier at 11:00 A.M. on the same day. The Jackson County Veterans Day Program takes place at Pelican Landing in Moss Point at 11:00 A.M. The Gulfport School District hosts a Veterans Day Breakfast & Celebration from 9:00 to 11:05 A.M. at Gulfport High School, open to veterans, their families, and the community.
These events often include free food, drinks, and entertainment, fostering a sense of community and appreciation.
Additional Resources and Offers
The Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center in Long Beach is involved in Veterans Day activities, providing resources for veterans and active-duty military. While specific offers from the VA are not detailed in the provided data, the center's participation in city events highlights its role in supporting the veteran community.
For those seeking broader discounts, Mammoth Mountain offers free lift tickets to veterans and active-duty service members. Monticello and Mount Vernon provide free admission to veterans and active-duty personnel on November 11. These national offers can complement local Long Beach activities for veterans traveling or residing in the area.
It is essential for participants to carry valid identification, such as a military ID or proof of service, to redeem most offers. Event details and offers may vary by location and year, so checking official websites or contacting venues directly is advisable for the most current information.
Conclusion
Veterans Day in Long Beach offers a rich array of freebies, discounts, and community events to honor those who have served. From the city's annual celebration at Houghton Park with its ceremony, entertainment, and resources, to free admissions at the Aquarium of the Pacific and Battleship IOWA, the opportunities are diverse and accessible. Dining specials at local restaurants like Acapulco, Solita, and California Pizza Kitchen, along with national offers from attractions and eateries, provide tangible ways to show appreciation. Community parades and ceremonies further enhance the holiday's spirit. Veterans and active-duty military personnel should prepare with proper identification to take full advantage of these offerings, ensuring a meaningful and enjoyable Veterans Day.