Veterans Day Discounts 2026: Verified Offers for Veterans and Active Duty

Official source and verification

The official Veterans Day discounts list is published by VA News on VA.gov. The VA’s disclaimer states: “The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA.” The list was created in 2021 and has been edited and verified as of Oct. 22, 2026. For reference, read the VA News article directly on VA.gov.

How to use this guide and what to expect

Offers change yearly and may not be available in all states or locations. Verify with the organization offering first. Some promotions are immediate free meals on Veterans Day; others are vouchers for future visits. To improve transparency, this guide notes when an offer is a future meal voucher (for example, vouchers redeemable later) versus an immediate free item. In addition, some well-known promotions may be carryovers from 2025 patterns and could require re-confirmation for 2026.

Veterans Day spelling and terminology

The official spelling is “Veterans Day” with no apostrophe. While “Veteran’s Day” or “Veterans’ Day” are used colloquially, the United States government uses the attributive form with no apostrophe in the official spelling.

Offers overview and planning tips

Plan ahead to maximize savings and avoid disappointment. Some offers are labeled as “Immediate Gratification” (a free meal or item on November 11) while others are “Future Meal Voucher” offers (redeemable on a later date). A few examples include Texas Roadhouse and Outback Steakhouse, which often provide vouchers rather than an instant free entrée. If your favorite spot is missing, remember that offers can vary by location and may be economic-condition driven.

Also, some promotions require proof of service, typically a military ID or DD214. Always bring a valid ID in case verification is requested and confirm hours and eligibility with the venue before you go.

Restaurants

AAFES (ShopMyExchange): From Nov. 6 through Nov. 12, Exchange shoppers can find deals on electronics, clothing, shoes and more. MILITARY STAR cardmembers can unlock even more savings, including an extra 10% off select items.

Applebee’s: Veterans and active duty receive a free dine‑in entrée from a special Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11, 2026. Proof of service required; beverages and gratuity not included.

Aspen Creek Grill: Offers Veterans and active duty a free $15 meal voucher on Nov. 11, 2026 (11 a.m.–6 p.m.). Voucher redeemable through Dec. 24, 2026. Dine‑in only and ID required.

Bar Louie: Veterans and active duty get a free burger (excluding the Big Louie) on Nov. 10–11, 2026; dine‑in only and ID required.

Biscuit Belly: Free breakfast biscuit sandwich and coffee or fountain drink. Dine‑in only; all locations listed.

Bob Evans: Provides Veterans and active duty a free meal from a special menu on Nov. 11, 2026; dine‑in only; valid service ID required.

Bonefish Grill: Veterans, active duty and families receive a free Bang Bang Shrimp entrée plus a nonalcoholic beverage on Nov. 11, 2026 with ID.

Chili’s: At participating locations, Veterans and active duty receive a free entrée from a Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11, 2026; dine‑in only and ID required.

Chipotle: At participating locations on Nov. 11, 2026, Veterans and active duty with ID receive free chips plus choice of guac, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase at participating locations.

Cotton Patch Cafe: Veterans and active duty get a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken entrée on Nov. 11, 2026; dine‑in only with military ID.

Denny’s: Offers Veterans and active duty a free Original Grand Slam on Nov. 11, 2026, 5 a.m.–12 p.m.; dine‑in only; ID required.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Veterans and active duty who visit on Nov. 11, 2026, receive a free combo‑meal card redeemable through Nov. 25, 2026.

Golden Corral: Annual Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 11, 2026, offering Veterans a free buffet; dine‑in only.

Hoss’s Steak and Sea House: On Nov. 11, Veterans receive a free Soup, Salad, Bread, Nacho & Dessert Bar and an Iced Tea. Dine‑in only. After dining, Veterans receive a $10 off $40 voucher for future visits. Voucher expires 11/25/26.

In‑N‑Out Burger: On Nov. 11, Veterans, active duty, Reserve and National Guard get a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries and beverage on In‑N‑Out’s menu. All current and former members receive a special Veterans Day decal. Present proof of service.

Logan’s Roadhouse: Participating locations offer a free meal from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Nov. 11.

Olive Garden: Veterans and current military members dining in receive a free entrée from a special menu on Nov. 11; show proof of service.

Outback Steakhouse: Veterans and active or retired U.S. military receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage; eligible Dine Rewards members who dine in also receive a free Hero’s Meal reward for a future visit.

Red Lobster: Veterans, active duty and reservists receive a free Shrimp & Chips meal on Nov. 11, dine‑in only; ID required.

Red Robin: Veterans and active duty get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries on Nov. 11, dine‑in only; ID required.

Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active‑duty members receive a voucher for a future meal (one of 10 entrées, two sides and a drink) redeemable through May 31, 2027. Vouchers available by collecting in person with military ID, VA card or discharge papers. The voucher is for a future meal, not an immediate free entrée.

Torchy’s Tacos: Free taco and drink on Nov. 11. In‑store only; proof of service required.

Twin Peaks: Veterans and active-duty service members receive one complimentary entrée from a five‑item menu on Nov. 11; throughout November, eligible military members receive 20% off with valid ID or in uniform.

White Castle: Free meal for veterans and active‑duty military on Nov. 11 at participating locations.

Yard House: Veterans and active‑duty receive a free appetizer on Nov. 11; in‑store only with valid ID.

Retail & grocery

Food Lion: 10% off in‑store on Nov. 11 for veterans and active duty with military ID and MVP card; exclusions apply.

Kohl’s: 30% off in‑store for military, veterans, and families on Nov. 10–11 with valid ID; exclusions apply.

Publix: 10% off groceries on Nov. 11 for veterans, active duty and families with proof of service; standard exclusions apply.

Rack Room Shoes: 20% off in‑store on Veterans Day for veterans, active duty and dependents; ID required.

Tractor Supply Company: Verified military through Hometown Heroes receive 10% off on Veterans Day, plus year‑round perks like quarterly 5% off coupons and 2% rewards.

VCS (Veterans Canteen Service): VCS offers a $399 iPad deal (regular price $450) for in‑store only; dates Nov. 9–10 and 12. This deal was provided to VA News directly from a VCS representative.

Walgreens: 20% off eligible regular priced items in‑store for veterans, active duty military and immediate family; exclusions apply.

Other national retailers: Many national chains offer year‑round or seasonal military discounts; verify locally as terms vary by location.

Wellness and general discounts: Various retailers offer 10%–40% off; check local listings for availability and terms.

Personal care

Great Clips: Veterans and active duty receive a free haircut on Nov. 11, 2026; a card for a future free haircut may be provided. Cards expire Dec. 4, 2026.

Sport Clips: Participating locations provide free or discounted haircuts on Nov. 11, 2026 for veterans and service members with valid ID.

Attractions, museums & recreation

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown & Jamestown Settlement (VA): Free admission for military, veterans, and up to three direct family members on Nov. 11, 2026.

Aquarium of the Pacific: Free admission for veterans and active duty on Nov. 11, 2026; advanced reservations required.

Colonial Williamsburg: Free admission for active duty, retirees, veterans, guard/reserve, and dependents from Nov. 6–11, 2026; ID required.

National Parks Service: Free park entry on Nov. 11, 2026; military and veterans also qualify for free annual/lifetime passes.

National WWI Museum and Memorial: Free admission for veterans and active duty during Veterans Day Weekend 2026 (Nov. 6–9 & 11); public half‑price admission available.

San Antonio Zoo: Free admission in November 2026 for veterans and active duty; up to four family members receive 50% off; ID required.

Legoland Florida & New York: Free admission for eligible military personnel, veterans and first responders; offer dates Oct. 1–Nov. 30, 2026, including Veterans Day.

National Medal of Honor Museum: Free museum admission for everyone, plus a luncheon for veterans and active-duty on Nov. 11, 2026. Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; luncheon 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Mount Vernon: Free admission for active duty and veterans on Nov. 11, 2026.

The National WWII Museum: Complimentary museum admission for veterans of all conflicts on Nov. 11, 2026; includes a Veterans Day ceremony 11 a.m.–noon open to the public.

Other attractions with Veterans Day promotions include a variety of zoos, museums, and nature centers; verify locally for hours and eligibility.

Car care

AutoNation: 15% off services, parts and accessories on Veterans Day and year‑round; additional 15% off through AutoNation Mobile Service during November.

Grace for Vets: Participating locations nationwide offer free car washes to all veterans and active‑duty personnel on Nov. 11, 2026.

MOJO Family of Brands and Russell Speeders Car Wash: Complimentary car washes for veterans and active‑duty service members at participating locations.

Tommy’s Express: Complimentary car wash for veterans and active‑duty service members on Nov. 11, 2026.

Waters Car Wash and Speeders Car Wash: Complimentary car washes on Veterans Day for veterans and active‑duty service members; check local locations for details.

2025 deals carrying over to 2026

Food & Dining: Applebee’s — free full‑size entrée; Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar — free BD’s All‑American Burger with cheese and a side; Buffalo Wild Wings — free order of boneless wings and fries; bb.q Chicken — 25% off; Denny’s — free Original Grand Slam; Dunkin’ — free donut; Fogo de Chao — 50% off full churrasco; Friendly’s — free All‑American Burger; Joe’s Crab Shack — 20% off dine‑in; Kona Grill — 50% off; Little Caesars — free lunch combo; On the Border — free Pick Two; Peet’s Coffee — free drip coffee; Rubio’s — buy one, get one; Ruby Tuesday — free meal from select menu; Smoothie King — free smoothie; Starbucks — free tall coffee; Teriyaki Madness — free bowl; TGI Friday’s — free lunch; Wawa — free hot coffee.

Retail: Amazon — 20% off; Ashley Furniture — 10% off; IKEA — 15% off up to $3,000; Samsung — 30% off; Sleep Number — 20% off; Target — 10% off; Under Armour — 40% off (spouses welcome; 20% off other times).

Recreation: Country Music Hall of Fame — free admission; Knott’s Berry Farm — Military Tribute Days; Mammoth Mountain — free lift ticket; Monticello, Mount Vernon — free admission; National Parks — free admission; National WWI Museum — free admission; Pro Football Hall of Fame — free admission and parking, 20% off gift shop; Six Flags Discovery Kingdom — free admission with discounts for accompanying guests; Winchester Mystery House — 30% off; Zoos — many offer free or discounted admission.

Travel & Services: AARP — membership offer; B&Bs for Vets — free stays; Goodyear Auto Service — free checks; Grace for Vets — free car wash; Great Clips — free haircut or card; NY Waterway — free ferry rides; Oil Changes — free oil changes; Russell Speeders Car Wash, Sport Clips, Super 8, Waters Car Wash, ZIPS Car Wash — various discounts; Tractor Supply — 10% on Honoring Heroes Days; Heavy emphasis on programmatic discounts across categories.

Note: Not all locations require proof of military service, but it’s best to bring a valid military ID, veteran ID card, or DD214 in case verification is requested. This list will be updated as more companies offer deals and freebies. Check each business’s site for local availability.

Honor beyond discounts

In addition to discounts, readers can support veterans through trusted charitable avenues. The Purple Heart Foundation runs campaigns to assist with Stability, Healing, Companionship, and Opportunity for veterans and their families. See the foundation’s Honor Their Service Memorial Wall and other donation opportunities for meaningful ways to give back this Veterans Day.

To donate or learn more, you can reach The Purple Heart Foundation at their stated addresses or through official donation channels. They also offer memorial recognition programs, battle buddy initiatives, and artist‑driven tributes to honor service.

Stay up to date on discounts

For ongoing access to discounts, consider joining Military.com’s Discounts Center and signing up for the Military Deals and Discounts Newsletter to receive updates by email. This helps ensure you don’t miss updates as new offers come in or as terms change.

Reference in the broader context: readers are encouraged to verify each offer at the point of redemption and to be aware that some promotions may be year‑round while others are specific to Veterans Day.

Final notes and sources

As with any nationwide list of discounts, local availability can vary. Always verify hours, eligibility, and any required documentation with the offering business prior to visiting. The official VA News list provides the most authoritative compilation, and this guide reflects that list as edited and verified through late October 2026.

Disclaimer text from VA: “The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA.” This page references offers and promotions that are not issued by the VA; readers should consult the official VA News article for the authoritative list and any updates.

Related and further reading

Read more about staying informed on Veterans Day discounts, planning a discount itinerary, and understanding proof of service. The Military.com Discounts Center and VA News pages remain primary sources for current, official listings.