Portland-area businesses are offering a wide array of freebies, discounts, and special events to honor veterans and active military personnel for Veterans Day in 2025. These offers span food, entertainment, retail, and outdoor recreation, with specific deals available on or around Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Most participating businesses require proof of military service, such as a military ID, VA card, or other valid identification. While many deals are exclusive to veterans and active-duty members, some promotions are open to the general public or offer family-inclusive benefits.
Veterans Day Food Freebies and Deals
Several national and local restaurant chains in the Portland area are providing complimentary meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. Dine-in service is typically required for these offers, and it is recommended to contact local participating locations to confirm availability.
Applebee’s is offering a free entrée from a special menu for all veterans and active-duty military members at participating locations on November 11. This offer is dine-in only.
Claim Jumper will provide a free meal to veterans and active-duty military on November 11. The special menu includes BBQ chicken salad, classic cheeseburger, black tie chicken pasta, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, country fried steak, and southern fried chicken. Two locations near Portland are available: 9085 SE Sunnyside Rd. in Clackamas and 18000 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd. in Tigard.
Denny’s is offering a free Original Grand Slam breakfast to all active and retired military personnel on November 11, from 5 a.m. to noon. The meal includes two buttermilk pancakes, two bacon strips, two sausage links, and two eggs cooked to order. This is a dine-in only offer at four locations in and around Portland.
Golden Corral will host its Military Appreciation Night on Tuesday, November 11, from 4 p.m. to close. A free thank-you meal is available for anyone who has served in the U.S. military, including retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard, or Reserves. The offer is valid for dine-in only. The closest location is at 11801 NE Fourth Plain Blvd. in Vancouver.
IHOP is giving veterans free Red, White and Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations on November 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This offer is dine-in only.
Starbucks is saluting those who serve and have served with a special freebie available for one day only on Veterans Day. While specific details of the freebie are not provided, the company notes its year-round commitment to the military community.
Entertainment and Recreation Offers
Portland offers several free and discounted entertainment options for veterans and their families, including indoor playgrounds, scenic train rides, and garden tours.
Playdate PDX, an indoor playground at 1434 NW 17th Ave, Portland, offers several ongoing promotions. While not specific to Veterans Day, the venue provides reduced group pricing for field trips for up to 50 kids and is available for private rentals outside normal operating hours. Open play is available during business hours without an appointment, though early closures may occur. The venue features a three-story indoor playground with interactive dance floors and a ball cannon area. Admission pricing is $10 for all-day play Monday through Friday, and $15 for weekends and holidays. Adults play free but must wear socks in the structure. Player Passes are available for 10 all-day admissions at $90, and Royal Player Passes offer 25 all-day admissions for $175. Gift cards can be used for both food and admission. Playdate PDX also hosts a Wild Wednesday event on the last Wednesday of every month, where visitors can donate two non-perishable items or $5 for free admission. Additionally, free Friday night puppet shows are offered.
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad is offering veterans a complimentary ride on November 8 and 9 with the purchase of another adult ticket. The train departs at noon and 2:30 p.m. both days.
Lan Su Chinese Garden offers free admission for active-duty military, veterans, and their families on November 11 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can use code VETSD online or visit the ticket booth. The garden is located at 239 NW Everett St. in Portland.
Forest Service Recreation Areas will offer free entrance on November 11. This includes recreation sites and trailheads in Oregon and Washington, such as the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood National Forest, and Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
National Parks will provide free entrance to all visitors on November 11.
Oregon Zoo is celebrating Veterans Day by offering free admission to military veterans and active-duty personnel and their families on Tuesday, November 11.
Retail and Service Discounts
In addition to food and entertainment, various retail outlets and service providers are offering discounts to veterans and the general public.
Washman Car Wash and Auto Spa is providing a complimentary car wash to veterans on November 11. There are 14 locations in and around Portland.
Great Clips is offering veterans and active military members a free haircut on November 11, or a free haircut card to be used at a later date.
Mycelium Outlet, a Portland shop located at 3605 NE 50th Ave, is offering 10% off total purchases in-store and online on November 11. This deal is open to everyone and includes mushroom supplies.
Boiled PDXNuts is offering 20% off all Etsy orders on November 11. Use code BPDXVET20 to redeem.
Dave & Buster’s is providing veterans and active-duty military with a free entrée (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card on November 12. The closest location is at 11860 SE 82nd Ave Suite 4020 in Happy Valley.
Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center in Beaverton is hosting a free breakfast for veterans and their families from 9-11 a.m. on November 11, along with free activities. The center is located at 9985 SW 125th Ave.
Other Community Offers and Events
Portland also features a variety of free community events and exchanges, some of which are ongoing or not specific to Veterans Day.
PDX Sidewalk Joy Map encourages visitors to take a self-guided tour of local creations, including neighborhood galleries, exchanges, and displays.
North Portland Free Clothing Exchange is a free community clothing exchange started by a group of friends to pass along gently used clothing, particularly for children.
Movie Madness, Portland’s video rental store, hosts free community screenings every week.
Kennedy School is commemorating its 110-year history with a special anniversary party, though specific details are not provided in the source material.
Gobble Up Portland, Urban Craft Uprising’s specialty food show, features more than 85 local and independent food, beverage, and kitchenware makers, along with food trucks.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 in Portland provides numerous opportunities for veterans, active military personnel, and their families to access free meals, entertainment, and retail discounts. From national chains like Applebee’s and Denny’s to local attractions like Lan Su Chinese Garden and Playdate PDX, the city offers a diverse range of ways to honor military service. Many offers require proof of service, and some deals extend to family members or the general public. Consumers are advised to verify participation with local businesses and review specific terms, such as dine-in requirements or expiration dates for haircut cards.