Memorial Day weekend, a federal holiday honoring U.S. service members who have died in the line of duty, also marks the unofficial start of the summer season. For consumers, it is a period rich with promotional activity, as many brands and retailers offer special discounts, free items, and deals to coincide with the holiday. This guide compiles information from verified sources on the types of freebies, discounts, and offers available, with a specific focus on those extended to military personnel and veterans. The offers detailed below are primarily for the 2026 holiday period, though some data from previous years is included where 2026 specifics have not yet been announced.
Understanding Memorial Day Promotions
Memorial Day promotions typically span the long weekend, from Friday through Monday. Many offers are available both in-store and online, though some may require specific actions, such as signing up for a loyalty program, using a mobile app, or presenting a valid military ID. It is important to note that availability can vary by location and that terms and conditions are subject to change. Consumers are advised to confirm details with individual establishments before making plans.
Restaurant and Food Service Freebies and Deals
The food and beverage sector is a major participant in Memorial Day promotions, with many chains offering limited-time deals, discounted meals, and free items.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven’s 2026 Memorial Day promotion includes $2 snack deals starting May 19th, featuring items like Clif Bars, Rice Krispie Treats Big Bars, and Quest Protein Cookies. Loyalty members can access a $4 meal deal with a value grill item, 7-Select chips, and a Big Gulp drink, or a $5 meal with two grill items or one Big Bite Hot Dog. Additionally, the retailer offers a limited-time Summer Sprinkle Donut and Peace Tea Caddy Shack Slurpee. For the 2025 holiday, 7-Eleven offered $20 off any $30 delivery order via the 7NOW app with promo code MONDAY20, plus whole pizzas for $6.99 each on May 26, 2025. For military personnel, 7-Eleven has offered a $10 discount on orders exceeding $20 for subscribers of the 7NOW Gold Pass subscription delivery service, who can also receive one free pizza per day.
Applebee’s
For Memorial Day 2025, Applebee’s offered an All-You-Can-Eat special for dine-in guests. For $15.99, guests could choose Chicken Tenders, Double Crunch Shrimp, or Riblets, each accompanied by coleslaw and endless fries. This deal was valid from May 23 through May 26, 2025.
Burger King
Burger King’s 2025 Memorial Day promotion for Royal Perks members provided a free treat each day from May 23 through May 26: a free Whopper Jr.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s celebrated Memorial Day weekend 2025 with deals for rewards members, including a free kids’ meal with a premium combo purchase and a free drink of any size with an in-app offer.
Other Restaurant Offers
- Bubbakoo’s Burritos: Offered free delivery with no minimum purchase on orders placed online or in-app from May 23-26, 2025.
- Tim Hortons: Likely offered club members an in-app buy-one-get-one-free breakfast sandwich with free delivery during the 2025 holiday period.
- Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Planned to offer free delivery during Memorial Day weekend 2025.
- Tijuana Flats: Was expected to provide a freebie with a catering order deal in 2025.
- Which Wich: Planned to offer a discount on catering orders in 2025.
- White Castle: Offered $3 off any Crave Clutch of 20 Sliders (online orders used code CLUTCHDEAL) from May 25-27, 2025.
- Wienerschnitzel: Provided a deal for two chili dogs, two corn dogs, and chili cheese fries for $8 with a coupon in 2025.
Retail and Shopping Discounts
Memorial Day is a significant sales event for retailers, particularly in categories like home goods, electronics, and apparel. Many brands also offer dedicated discounts for military personnel.
Home Improvement and Hardware
- Ace Hardware: Last year’s Memorial Day sales event lasted two weeks. The retailer also offered free American Flags in a previous year. Specific 2026 details were not announced at the time of the source data.
- Home Depot: Offers 10% off on Memorial Day for customers with verified military ID.
- Sherwin-Williams: Provides a 15% discount for all military personnel and their spouses with a verified military ID.
Electronics and Office Supplies
- Office Depot: In a previous year, customers could score more than fifty percent off select furniture or chairs, with huge savings on electronics and other tech accessories and supplies. These deals were applicable both in-store and online. Sales started on May 26th and continued for more than a week, extending into June. No promotional details were announced for 2023 at the time of the source data.
- T-Mobile: Offers 50% off Magenta rate family lines for military personnel and their families.
Apparel and Accessories
- Levi’s: Provides a 15% discount with verified military ID.
- Moosejaw: Offers 20% off full-priced items with verified military ID.
- The North Face: Offers 10% off the order for all military personnel, their spouses, and their dependents.
- Oakley: Provides 50% off select products.
- Under Armour: Offers a 15% discount on purchases on Memorial Day, with special Veterans dedicated items also available for purchase.
- Vineyard Vines: Provides a 15% discount on most products with verified military ID.
- Zappos: Offers a 10% discount on entire orders for military personnel.
Luxury and Department Stores
- Saks Fifth Avenue: Features a Memorial Day sale, often focusing on sunglasses from premium brands like Ray-Ban, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada. While the cheapest sunglasses are over $150, this represents a discount of more than 10% compared to typical retail prices.
Travel and Entertainment Freebies
For military personnel and their families, Memorial Day weekend can be an opportunity for complimentary entertainment.
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment runs a promotional program called Waves of Honor. For current and former military personnel, this program can provide free park admission to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica, and other parks. The offer is available at parks in Orlando, FL; San Antonio, TX; Tampa Bay, FL; San Diego, CA; Williamsburg, PA; and Philadelphia, PA. Specific admission details should be checked for each individual theme park.
Automotive and Service Discounts
- Jiffy Lube: Offers 15% off for all services year-round for military personnel.
- Outback Steakhouse: Provides a Heroes Discount for military veterans and servicemen and women, as well as nurses, doctors, medical staff, police, firefighters, and first responders. With a valid ID, they receive 10% off their check, all day, every day. Additionally, signing up for their Dine Rewards program can earn a free Bloomin’ Onion appetizer.
Pharmacy and Health & Beauty
- Walgreens: From May 24 through May 27, customers with a myWalgreens membership and valid military ID or proof of service receive 20% off regularly priced products at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide. Exclusions and restrictions apply. The myWalgreens customer loyalty platform membership is free and can be obtained at checkout.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When seeking Memorial Day freebies and deals, consumers should keep several key points in mind.
Verification Requirements
Many discounts, particularly those for military personnel, require a valid ID for verification. This may include a military ID, veteran ID, or other official proof of service. It is crucial to have the appropriate documentation ready when redeeming offers.
Loyalty Programs and Apps
A significant number of deals are exclusive to members of a brand’s loyalty program or require the use of a specific mobile app. For example, 7-Eleven’s 2025 delivery discount required the 7NOW app, and Burger King’s free Whopper Jr. was for Royal Perks members. Signing up for these programs is often free but should be done in advance of the holiday weekend.
Geographic and Location-Based Variability
Offers can vary by state or even by individual store location. National chains may have regional promotions, and some deals may only be available at specific participating restaurants or stores. Calling ahead to confirm participation is a recommended practice.
Expiration Dates and Time Limits
Memorial Day promotions are typically valid only for a short period, often from the Friday before Memorial Day through the following Monday. Some deals, like those from Ace Hardware or Office Depot, may start earlier or extend beyond the immediate weekend. Always check the specific dates for each offer.
Exclusions and Restrictions
Many discounts and freebies come with exclusions. For instance, the Walgreens 20% off discount excludes regularly priced products, and restaurant deals may exclude certain menu items or be for dine-in only. Reading the fine print is essential to avoid disappointment.
Conclusion
Memorial Day weekend 2026 presents a wide array of promotional opportunities for U.S. consumers, from free food items and discounted meals to significant savings on retail goods and entertainment. The holiday is particularly notable for the extensive discounts and free offers extended to military personnel and veterans, serving as a gesture of appreciation for their service. To maximize the benefits, consumers should plan ahead, verify offer details directly with the participating brands, and ensure they meet any eligibility requirements, such as loyalty program membership or military ID verification. By staying informed and prepared, shoppers can take full advantage of the deals available during this significant holiday period.