
Many businesses thank veterans and active military members by offering them a free meal or other gift on Veterans Day, which is Wednesday, November 11, 2026. If you’re a member of the military, please check out this list, and see if there’s a deal that you might be able to take advantage of.
If you’re not a military member, you probably know one. Why not share this information and also thank them as well?
Not all of these deals take place exactly on Veterans Day, so make sure to read all the details. Unless otherwise specified, these freebies and deals are for veterans and active duty military and take place Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Participation might vary by location.
This is a growing list, so make sure to bookmark and check back. If you’re not yet an email subscriber to Triangle on the Cheap, subscribe now so you won’t miss a thing!
Free and discounted food and drink
Participating locations only. Most restaurants will require some proof of service. Follow the links for details on those requirements.
Applebee’s
Every year on Veterans Day, Applebee’s serves a free meal to active duty and veteran military service members. On November 11th, 2026, all active military, veterans, reserve members, and National Guard can receive a full-size entrée from a special menu. Dine-in only.
More info here
PLUS, Veterans will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card that can be redeemed for a future visit within a 3-week window.
Choices for the free entrée include:
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
- 6 oz top sirloin
- Chicken tenders platter
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is honoring veterans and active duty service members with a complimentary meal this Veterans Day. On Nov. 11th, all veterans and active-duty service members will receive a FREE BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a small thank you for their service. Dine-in customers only. Must show valid military ID or proof of service.
Bass Pro Shops
All Bass Pro Shops will be hosting a FREE Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on November 11, 2026, from 9 to 10 a.m. In addition, all attendees will be entered into a giveaway raffle for a Land of the Free merchandise collection.
Blaze Pizza
Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy a free one-topping pizza at participating locations of Blaze Pizza nationwide.
Bob Evans
On Nov. 11, 2026, Bob Evans is offering a special menu of homestyle favorites, available to veterans and active-duty military for FREE.
Dine-in only. The menu features 10 hearty favorites.
More info and menu
Buca di Beppo
Buca di Beppo is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free lunch entrée (pasta or salad) on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, until 3 p.m. Dine-in only. Excludes drinks and gratuity. Valid ID required: military ID, Veterans ID card, or driver’s license with a Veteran designation. Announced on Facebook.
Carolina Ale House
Carolina Ale House locations in North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee are offering veterans a FREE half rack rib platter on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Dine-in only. More info.
Chili’s
Veterans and active duty military members can get a FREE entree at Chili’s on November 11, 2026. The offer is available in-restaurant for items on a select menu.
More info on the website
Chipotle
Chipotle is offering free chips and dip with a $5 in-restaurant purchase on November 11, 2026 for all guests with a
valid military ID.
More info on the website
Circle K
The convenience store is honoring veterans with a FREE medium hot or iced coffee on Nov. 11, 2026.
Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Busters is offering veterans and active-duty military FREE unlimited gamed play and a FREE dessert with purchase of an entree on November 11, 2026.
And since Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday this year, other friends and family enjoy half-price games too.
More info
Denny’s
Denny’s is offering a free Original Grand Slam on November 11, 2026, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., to active, non-active and retired military personnel. Dine in only. Must show valid Military ID or DD-214. At participating Denny’s restaurants. Selection and prices may vary. Not valid for online orders. While supplies last. Beverage not included. No substitutions.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Each year on Veterans Day, Dunkin’ offers a FREE donut to veterans and active military.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a FREE any-size coffee and bagel with schmear on Nov. 11, 2026. Specialty beverages are NOT included in the offer.
Firehouse Subs
On November 11, 2026, Firehouse is offering a BOGO deal to veterans and active-duty military.
Buy one sub and get one free when showing a valid ID.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
All veterans and active military personnel who visit Freddy’s on Veterans Day will receive a FREE Freddy’s Combo meal card.
No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer.
Cards may be obtained by visiting your local Freddy’s on November 11th and may be redeemed through November 25, 2026.
More info on the website
Golden Corral

Golden Corral is honoring our nation’s heroes with a complimentary dinner this Veterans Day. All active-duty military personnel, retirees, reservists, guardsmen and veterans are invited to enjoy a FREE buffet meal with beverage on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 4 p.m. to close, in celebration of the 26th anniversary of Military Appreciation Night! The free meal offer is valid for dine-in only and does not extend to spouses, family members, or friends, but all are welcome to join this annual night full of camaraderie and fellowship.
IHOP
IHOP is offering all veterans a FREE Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Limit one per guest. Dine-in only. Proof of military service required. Announced on Facebook.
Kenly 95 Petro
Kenly 95 Petro, 923 Johnston Parkway, Kenly, North Carolina, is offering all veterans and active-duty military a free meal at their Iron Skillet Restaurant on November 11, 2026. Announced on Facebook.
Little Caesars
On November 11, 2026, Little Caesars will give away one Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo to veterans and active military, at participating locations.
To redeem the offer, mention it at the checkout counter and present proof of service.
The Lunch Combo includes four slices of Detroit-Style Deep Dish pepperoni pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product.
More info + proof of service requirements
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
On November 11, 2026 all veterans and active military will receive their first 6 oz of frozen yogurt for FREE. If you swirl more than 6 ounces, you just pay the difference. Proof of service required.
The offer was announced on Facebook.
MOD Pizza
On Nov. 11, 2026, MOD is offering veterans and active-duty military members 50% OFF off a regular-size pizza or salad, at participating locations.
The offer is available in-restaurant only. Valid military ID is required. Limit one per person.
More info
Outback Steakhouse
On November 10 AND 11, 2026, Outback is offering a FREE Bloomin’ Onion and beverage (either soda or a 16-oz beer).
No Rewards account is needed for this freebie, but if you do join Rewards, you’ll receive a SECOND free meal in your account, to redeem through April, 2027.
More info
Hero’s Meal options:
6 oz. Sirloin + 2 sides
7 oz. Salmon + 2 sides
8 oz. Chicken + 2 sides
Any Burger + 1 side
PLUS, vets are honored every day at Outback Steakhouse. The restaurant’s Heroes Discount is offered all year long — 10% off for all service members, veterans and first responders.
Playa Bowls
Offering a 50% OFF a bowl for veterans and active duty military on November 11, 2026.
The offer is good with proof of service at participating locations.
QDOBA
On Nov. 11, 2026, veterans and active military can get FREE chips and dip.
Red Lobster
On November 11, 2026, Red Lobster is offer a FREE entree of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp and Chips to active-duty military and vets.
Be sure to verify participation at your location.
Red Robin
The family-friendly restaurant is offering veterans a FREE Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11, 2026. Dine-in only.
Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s Coffee is offering a free medium drink to veterans and active duty military members on November 11, 2026.
Sheetz
On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Sheetz invites all veterans and active duty military personnel to enjoy a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any of Sheetz’s more than 850 store locations. The offer includes extras and add-ons to the sub.
Sheetz will also offer a free car wash to veterans and active-duty military personnel at participating locations. The offer is valid for Sheetz’s $9.99 car wash option and is available only at stores equipped with a car wash. Proof of military service is required to redeem the offer.
Smoothie King
On November 11, 2026, all active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a FREE 20-oz smoothie at participating Smoothie King locations nationwide — no purchase necessary.
The offer is available from 12 to 3 p.m., and includes three patriotic picks: Strawberry X-Treme (red), Slim-N-Trim Vanilla (white), and Blueberry Heaven (blue).
Starbucks
On November 11, 2026, Starbucks is pouring FREE coffee for veterans, active military, and their spouses. Choose from a tall hot or iced brewed coffee, in a 12-oz cup.
Offer valid at participating U.S. stores for in-store and drive-thru orders only.
Cold Brew, Nitro and beverage customizations are excluded from this offer. Limit one per customer per visit.
More info
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Sullivan’s Steakhouse is honoring all veterans with a heroic offer for their services. This Veterans Day, Sullivan’s Steakhouse is honoring those who have served with a free Sullivan’s Signature Angus Burger and fries for all veterans and active service military members. On November 11, 2026, guests with a valid military ID can enjoy the signature burger at no charge, available for dine-in only as a small token of appreciation for their service.
TCBY
Veterans and active military can chill out on November 11th, 2026 with their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt and toppings for FREE.
If you get more than 6oz, just pay the difference. Participation may vary by location, so consider calling to confirm the deal.
The offer could vary by location and may include first 6-ounces free, a small cup, or a cone of yogurt free. For self-serve stores, toppings are included in the 6 oz. weight.
More info
Wendy’s
This Veterans Day, Wendy’s is honoring veterans and active-duty military with a free Dave’s Single on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at participating U.S. restaurants. Veterans and Active-Duty Military can receive the one-time offer all day by ordering inside their local Wendy’s restaurant or in the drive-thru. Simply identify yourself as a veteran or active duty military member. Not valid through the Wendy’s app, or for mobile or delivery orders. It can not be combined with another offer. More info.
Whataburger
Active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free Taquito at Whataburger until 11 a.m. local time by presenting a valid military ID at the counter. Each Taquito features scrambled eggs and a choice of sausage, bacon or potato in a soft flour tortilla, with the option to include American cheese. Available in-store only at participating locations, limited to one per qualifying guest.
Other Freebies and discounts
Universoul Circus
Universoul Circus is making its final stop of 2026 at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, 3801 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.
In honor of Veterans Day, active-duty military personnel and veterans can receive one complimentary ticket with a valid military ID for select shows and seating:
- Thursday, Nov. 12, and Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, at noon, 3 and 6:30 p.m.
Raleigh’s International Wine & Beer Festival
Veterans, stop by the NC Vibes tent at Raleigh’s International Wine & Beer Festival on Saturday, November 7, 2026, between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and show your ID to receive a free lunch from one of the food trucks. The festival takes place in Moore Square in Raleigh from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
New Hope Valley Railway
Triangle’s Train: New Hope Valley Railway, 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill, North Carolina, is offering a free train ride to military service members on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
Order a free ticket and bring your military ID or copy of your DD214 to the Ticket Office on the day of the event. Guests of the military service member can ride at regular price.
Extraordinary Thrift Store

Extraordinary Thrift Store, at 125 West Main Street, Carrboro, North Carolina, is offering veterans 20% off on November 11, 2026. Veterans and military personnel also get 10% off on Wednesday all year long, with ID.
North Carolina Zoo
Military members and their spouses can get free admission to the North Carolina Zoo from November 7 to 13, 2026. In addition, they can bring up to three guests with them for free. Make sure to read all the details.
Great Clips
Thank a Veteran at Great Clips works in two ways. First, every year on November 11, veterans and active service members can come into any U.S. Great Clips salon and get a free haircut, or a free haircut card for a future visit. So if you’re a service member or veteran, be sure to stop by a salon on Veterans Day so we can say “Thank you!”
Second, if you’re a non-military customer, you can visit a salon on November 11 and receive a free haircut card to give to a service member or veteran as a way of saying thank you.
Autobell
Autobell Car Wash will salute U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members this Veterans Day with a complimentary ride-through exterior Quality Wash, or a matching credit toward another wash option, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The offer is available at every Autobell location across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.
Veterans and active-duty personnel simply need to visit any Autobell to receive the free wash, with no coupon, barcode, or ID required. Should rain interfere on the 11th, the offer carries over to Thursday, November 12.
Veterans Day Events
Lunch for the Brave in Cary
The Town of Cary is honoring veterans with Lunch for the Brave. Veterans can attend a free catered lunch and a preservation on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Prestonwood Country Club, 300 Prestonwood Parkway, Cary, NC. Follow the above link to register.
Veterans Day Celebration in Morrisville
The Town of Morrisville is holding a Veterans Day celebration on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 8 to 9:30 a.m., at Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050 B Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, North Carolina.
Veterans (and one guest each) are invited to enjoy a continental breakfast, camaraderie, and heartfelt appreciation as you’re thanked for your service to our nation. The morning will include entertainment and a guest speaker honoring all who have served. Registration is required. Follow the above link.
Veterans Day Celebration at Chavis Park
The City of Raleigh is hosting a Veterans Day celebration on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Raleigh, North Carolina. Enjoy brunch. It’s free for veterans and $5 for their guests. Registration required.
Veterans Day Concert with Durham Community Concert Band
Enjoy a free concert by Durham Community Concert Band at Southern Village Green, 400 Market Street, Chapel Hill, on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Veterans Day Tribute in Knightdale
Two Green Thumbs Garden Club and the Town of Knightdale are presenting a Veterans Day Tribute on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Knightdale Station Park Veterans Memorial, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, North Carolina.
Apex Veterans Day Ceremony
The Apex Veterans Day Ceremony takes place Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Downtown Service Memorial, at the corner of Saunders Street and North Salem Street, Apex, North Carolina.
Veterans Day Observance in Cary
The Town of Cary will hold a Veterans Day Observance on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Veterans Freedom Park, 1517 N. Harrison Ave., Cary. A special Field of Flags will be at Veterans Freedom Park in honor of those who have served in the armed forces.
Town of Garner Veterans Day Observance
The Town of Garner is presenting a Veterans Day Observance on Wednesday, November 11th, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. it will take place at Aversboro Road Baptist Church, 1600 Aversboro Road, Garner.
Afternoon of Remembrance at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh
Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting an Afternoon of Remembrance on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will feature a bagpiper, flags for families to honor their loved ones, and complimentary coffee for veterans. Following the ceremony, all are welcome to join the Ride for Our Heroes – Veterans Day Memorial Ride through Raleigh.
North Carolina Veterans Day Ceremony
Check back soon.
Full Calendar for Veterans Day Week
If you’re looking for something to do, here’s Triangle on the Cheap’s full calendar of event from the weekend before Veterans Day to the weekend after.

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