Memorial Day weekend in Phoenix presents a variety of opportunities for consumers to access special offers, free activities, and discounts, particularly for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. While the holiday is primarily a solemn occasion of remembrance, many local businesses and organizations provide commemorative freebies and deals as a gesture of gratitude. This guide details verified offers, events, and programs available in the Phoenix metropolitan area, based on information from local news sources, official event listings, and promotional websites.
Memorial Day Freebies and Discounts for Veterans and Military
A significant portion of Memorial Day offers in Phoenix are directed toward veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. These promotions often require proof of service, such as a military ID or a driver's license with a veteran designation.
Museum and Cultural Institution Offers
Several museums in Phoenix extend free admission or special programming for the military community during the Memorial Day weekend.
- Heard Museum: The Heard Museum in Phoenix offers free admission to veterans, active-duty military personnel, their spouses, and their children from May 24 to May 26, 2025, in honor of Memorial Day weekend. This offer is available as part of the museum's status as a Blue Star Museum. Qualified members must present a valid driver's license with a veteran designation and/or a military ID. On Memorial Day itself, May 26, the museum hosts a Memorial Day Ceremony from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel and their families. The ceremony includes a day of art, music, and remembrance, featuring activities at the American Indian Veterans National Memorial, museum exhibitions, film, and live music in Steele Auditorium. The museum is located at 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Restaurant and Dining Discounts
Multiple restaurants across the Valley are offering discounts for the military community on and around Memorial Day.
- Kona Grill: Veterans, active-duty military, reserves, first responders, and Gold Star families receive a 20% discount on food all Memorial Day weekend long at Kona Grill. The offer is valid for dine-in only at the Desert Ridge Marketplace location, 21001 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85255. A valid military or veteran ID is required.
- Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey: This sushi bar in the Melrose District is offering a 20% discount on Monday, May 26, for active military personnel and veterans. The discount applies to the entire food menu at the location, 4232 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012.
- Patricia’s Pizza and The Italian Daughter: Both restaurants, located in Scottsdale, will offer active military service members and veterans a 20% discount on their bills. Patricia’s Pizza is at 32607 N. Scottsdale Road, #107, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, and The Italian Daughter is at 23655 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85262.
- Diego Pops: This modern taco spot in Old Town Scottsdale honors those who serve with a 20% discount on all food (excluding alcohol) for active military and veterans on Monday, May 26. The restaurant is located at 4338 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: Grimaldi’s Pizzeria provides a daily 15% discount to military service members and veterans. Specific Memorial Day weekend terms were not detailed, but the ongoing discount is available at their Scottsdale location.
- Frasher’s Smokehouse: While not a direct discount for military personnel, this restaurant is hosting a Memorial Day barbecue fundraiser on May 26 to combat homelessness among veterans. For $25, diners receive a barbecue buffet and live music from the Phoenix Symphony’s brass quintet. The event supports the Home of Record Project and the Phoenix Symphony. The restaurant is located at 3222 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018.
Other Business Discounts
- 7-Eleven: For Memorial Day 2026, 7-Eleven is offering $2 snack deals starting May 19, 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. The promotion also includes a limited-time Summer Sprinkle Donut and Peace Tea Caddy Shack Slurpee. No military-specific discount is mentioned for this offer.
Public Memorial Day Ceremonies and Events
Beyond commercial offers, numerous public ceremonies across the Phoenix metro area provide opportunities for community remembrance. These events are typically free and open to the public.
- Avondale: A tribute and moving flag ceremony will be held at the Avondale Civic Center Amphitheater at 8:30 a.m.
- Gilbert: A flag and wreath ceremony will take place at Gilbert Town Hall at 8:30 a.m.
- Litchfield Park: A Memorial Day ceremony is scheduled at Litchfield Elementary School at 7 a.m.
- Mesa: VFW Post 7968 will host a Memorial Day ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery at 9 a.m.
- Phoenix: The Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a public Memorial Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 8 a.m.
- Phoenix: The Heard Museum will host its Memorial Day Ceremony from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as detailed in the previous section.
- 5th Annual Memorial Day Hike: A group hike is scheduled for May 26, with a step-off time around 8:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring service flags, the American flag, and POW/MIA flags.
Memorial Day Weekend Activities and Events
While not strictly "freebies," several hotels and resorts in the Phoenix area are hosting special Memorial Day weekend events, some of which are open to the public or offer specific packages.
- Arizona Biltmore: The resort is celebrating summer’s kickoff with a weekend of live music, poolside DJs, family-friendly lawn games, outdoor movies, and exclusive resort dining experiences on May 23.
- Mountain Shadows: This resort will feature Champagne sabering, live music, a DJ-sax duo, and sunset yoga from May 23 to 25.
- W Scottsdale: The hotel will host a celebration where "luxury meets all-American spirit," featuring experiences inspired by French, Italian, and Greek beach clubs from May 23 to 25.
- Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort: The resort will have family activities all day on May 23 and 24, including live music at Sand Bar on Friday and a DJ party at H2Oasis on Saturday.
- The Camby: On May 24, the hotel will host a poolside BBQ honoring those who served, featuring summer flavors and drink specials.
- Sheraton Phoenix Downtown: The hotel will host "Splash After Dark," an adult pool party experience on May 24, with drink specials and DJs.
- Andaz Scottsdale: From May 24 to 25, guests can enjoy F&B specials, a live DJ, and a cornhole competition. Special staycation offers are also available.
- Omni Tempe at ASU: The hotel will host a lively Memorial Weekend pool party from May 24 to 26 with live music and seasonal food and drink specials.
- Caesars Republic Scottsdale, A Hilton Hotel: The hotel kicks off pool season with Cleopatra’s Pool Party on May 24 and 25. The parties run from noon to 6 p.m. and are 21 and older only. Tickets are required. The May 25 event is themed as the "Ultimate Memorial Weekend Celebration."
- Arizona Boardwalk: This Scottsdale venue is hosting a free, family-friendly foam frenzy party in its courtyard on Memorial Day, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event includes classic fire truck water play, water squirter battle zones, and other water activities. Water shoes are recommended.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When seeking Memorial Day freebies and discounts, consumers should be aware of several key points based on the available information.
- Proof of Service Required: For military-specific discounts, most businesses require valid identification. This typically includes a military ID, a veteran ID card, or a state-issued driver's license with a veteran designation. It is advisable to carry this documentation when attempting to redeem offers.
- Dine-In vs. Takeout: Some offers, like the one at Kona Grill, are explicitly for dine-in only. Consumers should confirm the terms of any discount before ordering.
- Event-Specific Details: Public ceremonies and events often have specific start times and locations. It is recommended to check official event listings for any last-minute changes or requirements.
- Limited-Time Offers: Many Memorial Day promotions are valid only for the holiday weekend itself (May 23-26, 2025, based on the sources). Consumers should verify the exact dates of validity for any offer they plan to use.
- Alcohol Exclusions: Some restaurant discounts, such as the one at Diego Pops, explicitly exclude alcohol from the promotional discount.
Conclusion
Memorial Day weekend in the Phoenix area offers a range of commemorative activities and special offers. Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families can access free admission to the Heard Museum and discounts at several local restaurants. The general public can participate in numerous free public ceremonies to honor fallen service members. Additionally, various hotels and resorts are hosting Memorial Day-themed events, some of which are open to the public or offer special packages. Consumers are advised to confirm all offer details, including eligibility requirements and necessary identification, directly with the participating businesses or event organizers before making plans. The available information underscores a community-wide effort to provide meaningful and accessible ways to observe the holiday.