Veterans Day is a significant occasion in the United States, marked by communities and businesses honoring the service and sacrifice of military personnel. For consumers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the broader tri-state region, the day often brings opportunities for free meals, event tickets, and retail discounts. Based on information from various community announcements and discount aggregators, numerous establishments offer specific promotions for veterans and active-duty service members. This article details the available freebies, events, and discounts, focusing on verified sources and official announcements.
Community Events and Local Ceremonies
Cedar Rapids and surrounding Iowa communities host various events to honor veterans. These gatherings range from musical tributes to formal dinners, often open to the public or specific to military personnel.
Cedar Rapids, IA
On Saturday, November 11th, at 4:00 PM, the "War & Remembrance Veterans Day Tribute" is scheduled to take place. This event features the magnetic voices of Ethan Elsbernd (baritone) and Sarah Rosales (soprano), accompanied by pianist Nathan Carterette. The program explores haunting lyrics and arresting melodies in a concert honoring the men and women who have served the country. According to the source, this event is free and open to the public.
Dubuque, IA
In Dubuque, the Fighting Saints are offering free tickets to military personnel for their evening game against the Youngstown Phantoms on Saturday, November 11th.
South Clinton, IA
On Thursday, November 9th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the Veterans Network is hosting a special event at the Great Revivalist Brewery. Located at 238 4th Ave South, this in-person gathering is dedicated to supporting local veterans.
Malvern, IA
On Sunday, November 12th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, a "Salute to Veterans" is open to all Mills County Veterans and one adult guest (age 16 and older). The evening includes dinner catered by Classic Cafe, patriotic music, videos, and door prizes.
Restaurant Free Meals and Dining Discounts
A primary component of Veterans Day promotions involves complimentary meals and discounts at national and regional restaurant chains. These offers typically require proof of military service, such as a military ID, a driver’s license with a veteran designation, or a U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID Card.
National Chain Offers
Applebee’s Applebee’s offers veterans and active-duty military, including reserves and National Guard, a complimentary full-size entrée from a special menu on November 11th. Dine-in is required. Additionally, participants receive a $5 Bounce Back Card redeemable for dine-in, To Go, or delivery within a three-week window.
Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Wild Wings provides veterans and active-duty service members with a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on November 11th. Valid ID is required. While Source [1] specifies dine-in only, Source [2] indicates availability for dine-in or walk-in. Source [3] notes that the offer is available at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations only. Due to conflicting location details in the sources, interested parties should confirm with their local establishment.
Texas Roadhouse At participating locations, veterans and military members can obtain a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher on November 11th. This voucher is redeemable in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026.
Chipotle On November 11th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM local time, guests who order an entrée in-restaurant and present a valid military ID receive a second entrée for free. The promotion applies to bowls, burritos, salads, and taco entrees.
Denny’s Denny’s offers active and retired military a free Original Grand Slam® on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, from 5:00 AM. The offer is valid at participating locations.
Chili’s Grill & Bar Chili’s offers veterans and active military a free meal from select menu items on November 11th. This offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations.
California Pizza Kitchen California Pizza Kitchen offers veterans and active military a free entrée and beverage from a special Veterans Day Menu featuring pizzas, pastas, and salads on November 11, 2025. The offer is dine-in only with proof of service.
Bob Evans Bob Evans serves a free farm-fresh meal to all veterans and active-duty military at participating locations on Veterans Day.
Buca di Beppo On Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11th, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free lunch entrée at Buca di Beppo. Participants may choose any pasta from the lunch specials menu with a valid ID.
Calhoun’s Calhoun’s offers a free meal to honor those who served in the Armed Forces on Veterans Day. The source notes that dates and times may vary, so customers should confirm locally.
Cotton Patch Cafe On November 11, 2025, active and retired military can enjoy a free regular Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken entrée at Cotton Patch Cafe with a valid military ID.
151 Coffee On November 11, 2025, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free drink of any size at 151 Coffee by showing a valid military ID.
Bombshells Restaurant and Bar Bombshells Restaurant and Bar offers veterans a free meal and active-duty military 20% off on Veterans Day, November 11. The offer is for dine-in only in Texas and Colorado with valid military ID.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers military families a free drink this Veterans Day, plus a $5 coupon when purchasing a $25 gift card.
Claim Jumper Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar offers veterans and active-duty service members a free meal from its select Veterans Day menu on November 11, dine-in only with proof of service.
McDonald’s and Subway While generally listed as national franchises that participate in Veterans Day offers, specific details for these establishments were not provided in the source material. Consumers are advised to check with local franchises for participation and offer details.
Retail and Exchange Discounts
In addition to dining, retail establishments offer discounts to honor veterans.
Target Target offers a 10% military discount through November 11th to all active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. The discount can be used on two separate transactions, in-store or online.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service The Army & Air Force Exchange Service offers various deals, including 10 cents off every gallon of gas at fuel locations.
Other Freebies and Events
While the primary focus of Veterans Day is often on dining and retail, other types of freebies occasionally appear. However, the provided sources focus heavily on food and retail. One source, [4], lists various community events in Cedar Rapids, but these appear to be general community activities rather than specific Veterans Day freebies, with titles such as "Community Stem Day 2025," "Summer Music Lessons," and "Freebie Friday at the ImOn Ice Arena." These do not appear directly related to Veterans Day promotions based on the available text.
Verification and Identification Requirements
When seeking Veterans Day freebies, proof of service is almost universally required. The sources emphasize the need for valid identification. Acceptable forms of ID generally include: * A driver’s license with a Veteran designation. * A military ID. * A U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID Card.
Furthermore, many offers are designated as "participating locations only." National chains often leave participation decisions to individual franchise owners. Therefore, it is recommended that consumers verify the specific offer with their local restaurant or retailer before visiting.
Conclusion
Veterans Day in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding tri-state area provides numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to receive free meals, attend community events, and access retail discounts. Establishments such as Applebee's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Texas Roadhouse, and Denny's are listed among the participants offering complimentary food. Local communities also host tributes and gatherings to honor service members. Consumers should remain aware that specific offer terms, such as dine-in requirements and participating locations, vary by establishment. Verification of details through local outlets or official brand announcements is advisable to ensure the most accurate information.