Veterans Day is a significant federal holiday in the United States, dedicated to honoring all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In Fort Wayne, Indiana, the community and local businesses come together to show appreciation through a variety of free offerings, discounts, and special events. This article details the freebies, meals, activities, and services available to veterans and active-duty military personnel in Fort Wayne for the 2025 Veterans Day period, based on information from local news sources and official community listings.
Veterans Day Freebies and Deals
Numerous national and local businesses offer free products, services, and meals to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. The following offers have been announced for 2025.
Free Meals and Restaurant Offers
Several restaurant chains provide complimentary meals or special discounts to military personnel with valid identification.
- Golden Corral: The restaurant will offer a free meal and drink to veterans and active-duty military members as part of its 25th anniversary of its annual Military Appreciation Night.
- Bob Evans: Locations will provide a free meal from a special menu to veterans and active-duty military members.
- City BBQ: This establishment is offering a complimentary meal to all veterans and active service members with a valid ID.
- Chipotle: The military community can get a second entrée for free with the purchase of an entrée. This deal is valid from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day.
- IHOP: Veterans will receive a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo on Veterans Day. The offer is available for dine-in.
- Little Caesars: A free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo is available to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day.
- O’Charley’s: Veterans and active-duty military personnel will receive a free entrée from a special menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both November 10 and November 11.
- Olive Garden: Each veteran and current member of the military who dines in will receive a free entrée from a special menu.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy 10 Free Boneless Wings + Fries for dine-in guests on 11/11/25.
Retail and Service Discounts
- Kroger: A 10% discount is offered to active-duty and veteran military service members for both in-store and pick-up shopping.
- Great Clips: The salon is offering free haircuts to veterans and active military members. A program for non-military customers also allows them to get a haircut and receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
Free Activities and Admissions
Local attractions and organizations provide free access or special programs for veterans.
- Indiana DNR: Free admission to DNR state parks is offered on Veterans Day.
- Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation: Free golf is available on Veterans Day at Foster, Shoaff, or McMillen Park Golf Courses.
- The Botanical Conservatory: Free admission is offered from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.
- Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights: The attraction opens early with free admission for veterans only from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Fort Wayne Museum of Art: All military personnel, veterans, and their families receive free admission to the museum. This offer is available year-round, Tuesday through Sunday.
Community Events and Ceremonies
Fort Wayne hosts several events to honor veterans, including parades, concerts, and memorial dedications.
- Veteran's Day Parade & Ceremony: The annual parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, at the corner of State St. and Parnell Ave. The route continues north on Parnell Ave. and concludes at the Memorial Coliseum for a special ceremony.
- Veterans Tribute Concert: The American Legion Band of Fort Wayne and The New Horizons Band will host a free special Veterans Tribute Concert at Riverfront Fort Wayne on November 9. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- World War I Memorial Dedication: The Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum will hold a dedication ceremony for a new World War I Memorial on November 11 at 11 a.m. in the Memorial Park on O'Day Road, followed by a reception in the Event Center.
- Vietnam War Remembrance Program: This event at the Mastodon Alumni Center on November 7 will feature Hank Barnett, a former U.S. Marine and one of the first combat troops deployed to Vietnam. He will share personal reflections on his service. The presentation will be followed by light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. RSVP is required by October 24.
- The Fairfield: On November 11, The Fairfield will host a full day of community events, competition, and giving back in support of VETSports Inc. and FW22. Participants can choose to join the Indoor Golf tournament or the Ruck Run, or simply dine and cheer on local participants.
Permanent Memorials and Resources
Fort Wayne is home to several year-round resources and memorials for veterans and their families.
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: An 80% replica of the original Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C., is permanently displayed in Fort Wayne. Visitors can honor and pay tribute to all those who served and lost their lives in the Vietnam War.
- The Veterans National Memorial Museum: Covering 40 acres, this museum houses over 2,000 military artifacts. Its stated objectives are to provide a forever memorial for veterans of all U.S. wars, preserve historical items, and serve as a National Shrine in northeastern Indiana where “No Veteran will ever be forgotten.”
- The Genealogy Center: Fort Wayne is home to the nation's largest public genealogy collection. Visitors can explore their ancestry and learn about ancestors who may have served in the military.
- Ongoing Military Discounts: The Fort Wayne Visitors Center offers a 20% Military Discount (promo code: SERVICE) that can be used year-round. Additionally, items in the Veterans Day category will be an additional 10% off in-store on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Conclusion
Veterans Day in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is marked by a comprehensive community effort to honor military veterans. The offerings extend beyond single-day freebies to include year-round discounts, permanent memorials, and educational resources. Veterans and active-duty service members can access a wide range of free meals, retail discounts, recreational activities, and cultural events. Participation in many of these offers typically requires valid military identification. The local community's commitment is evident through the variety of ceremonies, concerts, and dedicated spaces that ensure veterans are recognized and appreciated.