Veterans Day Freebies and Events in Amarillo: A Guide to Free Meals, Services, and Community Honors

Veterans Day is a significant observance in the United States, dedicated to honoring all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In Amarillo, Texas, this day is marked by a variety of community events, ceremonies, and offers from local businesses designed to express gratitude to service members, veterans, and their families. The following guide compiles verified information from local news sources and official announcements about Veterans Day activities, free meals, discounts, and services available in the Amarillo area for 2025.

Community Events and Ceremonies

Multiple community events and ceremonies are scheduled in Amarillo and the surrounding Canyon area to honor veterans. These gatherings provide opportunities for public recognition, reflection, and fellowship.

Amarillo College will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m. at the AC Clock Tower. The event will feature a patriotic medley performed by the AC Ensemble, along with presentations from distinguished speakers including Jeremy Gutierrez, a veteran and community member; Joseph Johnson, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and AC Psychology major; and Foster Conner, a U.S. Air Force veteran and AC Mass Communication major. The program will include acknowledgment of the different branches of the armed forces represented within the AC community, led by student veteran Joseph Johnson. The ceremony will conclude with a blessing and light refreshments. According to Stephanie Brackett, AC Coordinator of Veteran Services, “Veterans bring invaluable experience, resilience, and leadership to our campus. Veterans Day is a time for our community to come together to recognize their service and show our gratitude for their sacrifices.”

A joint Veterans Day commemoration for veterans, active-duty military, and Gold Star families is also scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial on the West Texas A&M University (WT) campus in Canyon. The event will include a flyover by West Texas Warbird Flight. Guest speakers will be Cannon Air Force Base Chaplain Capt. Christopher M. Jones, Canyon Mayor Gary Hinders, and WT President Walter V. Wendler. A wreath will be laid at the memorial to honor WT family members who died in military service. The invocation will be delivered by Shelby Perkins, a U.S. Navy veteran and senior equine industry and business major from Amarillo. The Canyon High School Choir will perform the national anthem and an armed forces tribute, and the Tascosa High School Junior ROTC will present colors. Free hot dogs and Buffalo cookies will be served. Additional parking for veterans and families will be available in front of Old Main, with more parking across from the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.

Other events include a Veterans Day Celebration at Hamlet Elementary School on Friday, November 11, at 9:30 a.m., and another at Bowie Middle School’s Auditorium on the same day at 2:00 p.m., featuring the Bowie Middle School Orchestra, Choir, Student Council, and ACE, with a reception to follow. A Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 12, beginning at 9:00 a.m., moving from 11th & Polk Street to 5th and Harrison. Additionally, a Welcome Home Event will be held at the Amarillo VA Hospital Drive-Thru Event at 6010 Amarillo Blvd.

Free Meals and Dining Offers

Several restaurants in the Amarillo area have announced complimentary meals and special offers for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. It is important to note that most of these offers are valid for dine-in customers only, and participation may vary by location. Guests are advised to confirm local hours and participation before visiting.

Golden Corral, located at 7220 I-40 in Amarillo, invites all active-duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans to enjoy a complimentary dinner buffet and beverage on Tuesday, November 11, from 4:00 p.m. until close.

Bubba’s 33 at 2813 I-40 in Amarillo will continue its annual tradition of offering a free lunch to veterans and active U.S. military personnel on Tuesday, from open until 4:00 p.m. For those unable to attend the event, the restaurant will distribute raincheck vouchers from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Veterans Day. These vouchers are good for use through May 31, 2026.

Texas Roadhouse will treat veterans and active U.S. military to a free meal. On Tuesday, every Texas Roadhouse location will distribute meal vouchers from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Proof of service is required and includes a military or VA card, or discharge papers. These vouchers can be redeemed through May 31, 2026.

Applebee’s is offering a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive Veterans Day menu to all veterans and active-duty military on November 11. Additionally, they will provide a $5 “Bounce Back Card” for a future visit.

Chick-Fil-A is offering veterans with proper ID a free regular Chick-Fil-A sandwich, regular size waffle fries, and a regular size drink from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 11.

Buffalo Wild Wings provides free 10 boneless wings and fries to veterans and active military members who show their military ID. This offer is available for dine-in or carry-out.

Starbucks offers a free tall hot brewed coffee to veterans.

Hud’s is providing a free medium cherry limeade to all veterans with a purchase of any item from November 10 through November 15.

Other Discounts and Free Services

Beyond dining, other businesses in the Amarillo and Lubbock area are extending discounts and free services to honor service members.

Brady Dental Group is running a “Smiles for Freedom” program, through which more than 50 pre-screened veterans in the Amarillo and Canyon area will receive free dental work on Friday, November 7. For information, call 806-651-2070.

West Texas A&M University (WT) is also involved in honoring veterans. The WT Office of Military and Veterans Services, which recently won a 2025 gold Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award from the Texas Veterans Commission, will co-host a Military Appreciation Night at the November 15 WT football game and a veteran services fair on November 13 in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center. A hike with WT Outdoors is scheduled for November 14. The WT Student Veterans organization is running a food drive for the High Plains Food Bank through November 21.

Amarillo College’s Office of Veteran Services highlights that veterans and military-affiliated students make up more than 6% of WT’s student population. The office states, “Veterans Day is a reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. We honor them best by ensuring they can thrive in higher education and beyond. We are proud to walk with veterans during their transition from service to scholarship.”

Important Considerations for Veterans and Participants

When seeking Veterans Day offers, it is essential to verify details directly with the participating establishment. Offers are subject to participation and may vary by location. Most free meal offers are valid for dine-in customers only, and not all locations may participate. Times may also vary by location, so guests should confirm local hours before visiting. Proof of service, such as a military ID, VA card, or discharge papers, is typically required to claim these offers.

Conclusion

Amarillo and the surrounding Canyon area offer a wide array of events, free meals, and services to honor veterans on Veterans Day. From community ceremonies at educational institutions like Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University to complimentary meals at national restaurant chains and local businesses, there are numerous ways for the community to show gratitude. Veterans and active-duty military personnel are encouraged to review the specific terms and conditions for each offer, including required proof of service, participation details, and redemption deadlines, to ensure they can take full advantage of the tributes extended in their honor.