Veterans Day offers a significant opportunity for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families to access a wide range of free services, meals, and discounts. Many national and local businesses participate in these promotions, though availability often varies by location and franchise owner. This guide details the types of freebies and discounts commonly available, with a focus on services, automotive care, retail, and entertainment. It is crucial for participants to verify offers directly with local establishments, as company-wide promotions are not always standardized, and local franchise owners may set their own terms. Always bring a valid military ID, call ahead to confirm participation, and arrive early, especially for popular chains with limited availability. Offers are typically open to veterans, active-duty personnel, Guard and Reserve members, and often extend to spouses and dependents.
Veterans Day Free Haircuts and Grooming Services
Many hair care establishments participate in Veterans Day by offering complimentary haircuts or grooming services to military members. Great Clips, for example, provides a free haircut on Veterans Day, with the option to receive a redeemable haircut card for later use. This offer allows veterans to schedule a visit at their convenience. In addition to national chains, local barber shops and salons often run their own promotions. To find these opportunities, individuals should check local business websites, social media pages, or call ahead to inquire about specific Veterans Day offers. Since these local deals are not centrally listed, proactive research is recommended to ensure participation.
Veterans Day Free Car Washes and Automotive Deals
Automotive services are a popular category for Veterans Day freebies, with several national programs and local offers available. The Grace for Vets Car Wash Program is a notable nationwide initiative, providing free car washes at thousands of participating locations across the country. Individuals can find a participating location near them by searching the program's website. For oil changes, Meineke offers a free oil change at select locations. Jiffy Lube typically provides a 50% discount on oil changes on Veterans Day, and it also offers a 15% military discount year-round, though this can vary by location. Similarly, Valvoline Instant Oil Change usually offers a free oil change on Veterans Day and also provides a 15% military discount throughout the year. As with other offers, it is essential to contact local franchise locations to confirm participation and any specific requirements.
Veterans Day Free Meals and Restaurant Discounts
Veterans Day is well-known for free meals and discounts at restaurants nationwide. The availability of these offers is often determined by local franchise owners, as there isn’t always an official company-wide promotion. For instance, at McDonald’s, it is common for local franchises to offer free breakfast combos or coffee to veterans and active military personnel, but individuals must contact their local McDonald’s for specific information.
Several national chains have confirmed offers for Veterans Day. Buffalo Wild Wings will offer 10 free boneless wings and fries to veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID on November 11. This promotion is available for dine-in or walk-in only. Texas Roadhouse provides a free meal voucher at participating locations on November 11, which can be redeemed in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026. Chipotle runs a promotion from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on November 11, where guests who order an entrée in-restaurant and present a valid military ID will receive a second entrée for free. This applies to bowls, burritos, salads, and taco entrees.
Local and regional restaurants also participate. McGrath’s Fish House in the Pacific Northwest offers a free meal for veterans and active military, along with a buy-one-get-one 4-course meal deal. Mighty Fine Burger in Texas provides a buy-one-get-one free offer on burgers, tenders, or sandwiches for dine-in only, with a free meal up to a $20 value. Native Grill and Wings in Arizona offers a free meal from a select menu for veterans and active military, typically available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day. Long Doggers in Florida gives veterans $20 vouchers on Veterans Day and offers a 10% discount for veterans and active military, plus a free appetizer or dessert for their table on dine-in and call-in orders. Lucille’s Smokehouse in California provides a free meal plus a $10 bonus card for future use, and offers 25% off for the entire table for veterans and active military on Veterans Day. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant in the Northeast gives veterans 50% off an entree. Max & Erma’s in the Midwest offers 25% off for veterans on Veterans Day, with variations by location. Calhoun’s in Tennessee designates Veterans Day as “Veterans Eat Free” Day, providing a free entrée from a special menu and a beverage. Burntwood Tavern in Ohio and Florida varies by location but may include a free or discounted meal. Burger Republic in Tennessee offers a free burger or meal for veterans and service members. Calhoun’s also offers a free dine-in appetizer or dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage for veterans and active-duty personnel.
Veterans Day Amusement Parks and Zoos
Several amusement parks and zoos offer free or discounted admission for veterans and military families on Veterans Day. The Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio provides free admission for veterans on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, with discounted tickets available for family members. Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia offers free admission during Veterans Day weekend, from Friday, November 7 through Tuesday, November 11, to all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen, and their immediate dependents. The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta gives free admission for active military and veterans, plus a 30% discount in the gift shop, on November 10-11 and other “Military Mondays.” Knott’s Berry Farm in California offers discounted tickets for veterans, military members, and their families during Military Tribute Days, which run Monday through Thursday from November 3 to December 18 and from December 1 to 18.
Veterans Day Retail Discounts
Retail stores also participate in Veterans Day with discounts for military members. Target offers a 10% military discount through November 11 to all active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. This discount can be used on two separate transactions, either in-store or online. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service provides various deals, including 10 cents off every gallon of gas at fuel locations. Born Primitive donates 100% of its Veterans Day profits to help pay off medical debt for veterans, in addition to its year-round 15% military discount. Kohl’s offers a 30% discount for military and veterans on Veterans Day, and throughout the year, it hosts Military Mondays with a 15% discount for military, veterans, and immediate family (in-store only). Other retailers, such as those offering a 10% discount on most items on Veterans Day, a 10% off year-round discount highlighted on Veterans Day, and a potential increase to 30% off around Veterans Day (in-store only), are also mentioned, though specific brand names are not provided in the source data. Some businesses may offer a 50% discount on plans for life, a 10% discount on groceries for veterans and active military on Veterans Day, or a free U.S. military ring from November. Veterans and active-duty military must typically present a military ID or wear a military uniform to access these offers.
Additional Veterans Day Freebies
Beyond the main categories, other freebies and services are available. These include a seasonal 10% discount for veterans, military, and first responders, and a year-round 10% discount for veterans, military, first responders, and families. Some businesses offer a free entree at their restaurant or a 15% off home furnishing purchase on Veterans Day, though this varies by location. It is important to note that for many of these offers, especially those at local franchises, the specifics can differ. Therefore, verifying with local businesses is the most reliable way to discover available Veterans Day freebies in your area.
Conclusion
Veterans Day provides a diverse array of freebies and discounts across services, dining, automotive care, retail, and entertainment. While national chains like Great Clips, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Target offer standardized promotions, the most localized and varied offers often come from independent and franchise-owned businesses. The key to accessing these benefits is preparation: research local options, confirm participation by phone or online, and arrive early with proper identification. By understanding the common types of offers available and the steps to verify them, veterans and military families can effectively take advantage of the appreciation shown by businesses on this national holiday.