Veterans Day 2025 Free Meals, Discounts, and Events in Orange County and California

Veterans Day 2025 presents numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military members to receive free meals, discounts, and participate in community events throughout California, with specific offerings available in Orange County. Businesses and local municipalities across the state have announced plans to honor those who have served with complimentary food, retail discounts, and recognition ceremonies. These offers typically require valid proof of military service, and availability may vary by location.

National Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals

Several national restaurant chains have confirmed plans to offer complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. Most of these offers are valid for dine-in service only and require presentation of a military ID or other proof of service.

Applebee's offers a complimentary full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu to veterans, reserves, National Guard members, and active-duty service members dining in. The menu includes options such as 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Additionally, Applebee's runs a "Buy a Vet a Beer" promotion where customers can purchase a pre-paid pint of beer for a veteran through November 11. Any unclaimed beers will result in funds being donated to a local veterans' charity.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse provides veterans and active-duty military members with a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie (a large cookie dessert) when dining in on Veterans Day. Current and former military members also receive a free appetizer coupon for their next visit. Proof of service is required.

Black Angus Steakhouse offers a free steak entrée to veterans and active-duty military members. The entrée includes a 6-ounce top sirloin with home-styled mashed potatoes and broccoli with garlic butter. The chain also offers a year-round HERO's discount of 15% off dine-in orders for veterans, active and retired military, first responders, nurses, healthcare personnel, and teachers with valid ID.

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) offers a free entrée and beverage from a special prix fixe Veterans Day menu, which includes pizzas, pastas, and salads. This offer is dine-in only at company-owned restaurants. As an additional thank-you, veterans and active-duty service members dining on Veterans Day will receive a buy one, get one free offer for a pizza, pasta, or salad to redeem between November 12 and November 25.

Buca di Beppo offers a free lunch entrée on Veterans Day, specifically any pasta from the lunch specials menu. This offer is available with a valid ID.

Buffalo Wild Wings provides 10 free boneless wings and fries at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations only. A valid ID proving past or present military service is required.

Chili's offers a free meal to veterans and active military members on Veterans Day.

Bob Evans serves a free farm-fresh meal to all veterans and active-duty military at participating locations.

Another Broken Egg Cafe offers a free breakfast to veterans and active-duty members at participating locations with a valid military ID, dine-in only.

Benihana provides a complimentary entrée up to $59 in value to veterans and active-duty service members with a valid military ID.

Chipotle offers a buy one entrée, get one free deal from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at participating locations with a valid military ID.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers military families a free drink on Veterans Day, plus a $5 coupon when purchasing a $25 gift card.

Bombshells Restaurant and Bar offers veterans a free meal and active-duty military 20% off on Veterans Day for dine-in in Texas and Colorado with valid military ID. (Note: While this source mentions TX and CO, it is included as part of the national chain list provided in the source data).

Calhoun's offers a free meal to honor those who served in the Armed Forces. Dates and times may vary, so customers should confirm locally.

Sonny's BBQ (mentioned in 2019 data) offered a free Pulled or Sliced Pork Big Deal combo to veterans and active-duty military with valid ID, dine-in only.

Frozen Treats and Quick Service Options

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt (mentioned in 2019 data) offered a free froyo to retired and active-duty military with valid proof of service at participating locations.

Menchie's (mentioned in 2019 data) offered a discount; customers were advised to call ahead to local locations for details.

Retail and Grocery Discounts

BJs Wholesale (mentioned in 2019 data) offered active-duty military personnel and veterans a 30% discount on standard membership fees on Veterans Day. Additional incentives like extra money-off coupons for new members were occasionally offered.

Publix (mentioned in 2019 data) offered a 10% discount on purchases to veterans, active military, and their families. Exceptions applied, and proof of service (Veteran or military ID, discharge documents, or driver’s license with Veteran designation) was required.

Hy-Vee (mentioned in 2019 data) offered a free breakfast buffet to veterans and active-duty military with valid ID during regular breakfast hours from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Entertainment and Recreation Offers

Various entertainment venues offer free or discounted admission to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day or during select periods.

Crayola Experience (all locations) offers free admission to veterans and active-duty military, with discounts for family members varying by location.

Harley-Davidson Museum (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) offers free admission to veterans and active-duty military during Veterans Day weekend.

Knotts Berry Farm (California) offers free admission to veterans and active-duty military during select Military Tribute Days in November and December.

Maine Wildlife Park (Gray, Maine) offers free admission to veterans, active-duty military, and their families on November 11.

Six Flags America offers free admission to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day and the following day, with discounted admission for family members (up to four).

State Parks in many states offer free or discounted admission for veterans and their families on November 11. Many also have year-round deals for veterans who are residents, disabled, or former POWs.

National Parks managed by the National Park Service have free admission for all visitors on November 11.

Zoos across the country often offer free admission or discounts to veterans and family members.

Orange County and California Community Events

In addition to restaurant and retail offers, various cities in Orange County and California host ceremonies and events to honor veterans.

City of Orange invites the community to join them in honoring veterans and current military members. The event is open to the general public, and veterans, current military, friends, and family are encouraged to attend. The location is the Veterans Memorial at Depot Park, 100 N. Atchison St., Orange 92866. Contact (714) 744-7294 for more information.

City of Placentia hosts the Annual Veterans Day Observance Ceremony on November 11 at 10 a.m. at the Placentia Civic Center Plaza, 401 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia. The city invites residents, veterans, and their families to celebrate. Contact (714) 993-8211 for details.

City of Rancho Santa Margarita invites the community to a Veterans Day Recognition on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 6 p.m. The event includes a reception. Contact (949) 635-1800 ext. 222 or email [email protected] for information.

La Habra provides information regarding a Veterans Day Tribute, though the specific date and time are listed as TBA. Information can be obtained by contacting the Community Center at 562-383-4200.

Important Considerations for Veterans

When seeking Veterans Day freebies and discounts, veterans should keep several important factors in mind:

Proof of Service: Most offers require valid identification. Acceptable documents typically include a Military ID (CAC card, DD Form 2, ID for retired personnel), a Veterans Organization ID card (VFW, American Legion), a Drivers License with Veteran designation, a DD214 discharge document, or a photograph in uniform. It is advisable to carry multiple forms of identification.

Participation Varies: While national chains announce offers, participation at specific franchise locations may vary. It is recommended to call ahead to local franchises to confirm they are participating in the promotion.

Dine-In vs. Takeout: Many free meal offers are valid for dine-in service only. Some exceptions exist, such as Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations offering takeout options.

Timing: Some offers are valid only during specific hours, such as Chipotle's 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. window or Hy-Vee's breakfast hours. Others may be valid for the entire day.

Eligibility: While most offers are for veterans and active-duty military, some extend to reserves, National Guard members, and sometimes military families.

Year-Round Discounts: Some businesses, like Black Angus Steakhouse, offer discounts year-round in addition to Veterans Day specials.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 offers a wide array of free meals, discounts, and community events for veterans and active-duty military members in California and specifically Orange County. From national restaurant chains providing complimentary entrées to local cities hosting recognition ceremonies, there are numerous ways to honor and thank service members. Veterans should prepare necessary proof of service and verify participation with local businesses to take full advantage of these offers.